The name Falhari Baba has recently attracted attention after a controversial claim involving Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and spiritual leader Premanand Ji Maharaj made headlines. Falhari Baba, also known as Dinesh Sharma, reportedly alleged that ₹5 crore was spent to bring Virat Kohli to Premanand Ji Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan.
The allegation sparked a response from Kohli’s spokesperson, who rejected the claim as false and baseless. A few days later, news reports said Falhari Baba had apologised to Premanand Ji Maharaj and his followers.
But who is Falhari Baba, what exactly did he claim, and why did he apologise? Here is the complete story.
Who Is Falhari Baba?
Falhari Baba, also known as Dinesh Sharma or Falhari Maharaj, is a religious figure associated with Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. News reports have identified him as the president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas, an organisation involved in religious advocacy concerning Krishna Janmabhoomi.
He came into the spotlight following his remarks about Virat Kohli’s visits to Premanand Ji Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan.
Although the controversy has brought his name into the news, it is important to distinguish his reported statements from independently established facts.
What Was Falhari Baba’s ₹5 Crore Claim About Virat Kohli?
According to media reports published in October 2026, Falhari Baba alleged that ₹5 crore was spent to facilitate Virat Kohli’s visit to Premanand Ji Maharaj’s ashram.
The allegation reportedly involved a private company based in Rajasthan and people associated with property-development interests. The claim suggested that money was spent to bring the well-known cricketer to the ashram and increase the spiritual leader’s popularity.
However, the allegation was not established by publicly available payment records or other independently verified evidence.
It is also important to understand that the claim concerned an alleged payment connected with Kohli’s visit. It should not be presented as proof that Premanand Ji Maharaj personally received or paid the money.
Why Did Virat Kohli Visit Premanand Ji Maharaj?
Virat Kohli and his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, have visited Premanand Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan on several occasions. Their association with the spiritual leader became widely known through photographs and videos of their visits.
Their first reported visit took place in January 2023. Since then, the couple have returned to meet the Maharaj and seek his guidance.
Following the ₹5 crore allegation, Kohli’s spokesperson issued a strong denial on October 7, 2026. The spokesperson described the claims as completely false, baseless and factually incorrect.
The statement also clarified that Kohli visits Premanand Ji Maharaj out of deep faith and reverence.
The denial is an important part of the story because the allegation had spread across news reports and social media. Without independently verified evidence, the alleged payment cannot be treated as an established fact.
What Happened After the ₹5 Crore Allegation?
The controversy drew attention from the religious community in Mathura and Vrindavan. Reports said that some local saints objected to Falhari Baba’s remarks.
According to NDTV India, a gathering of saints at Hanuman Tekri reportedly resulted in a decision to socially boycott him and not invite him to future religious platforms.
The controversy subsequently took another turn when Falhari Baba issued an apology.
Why Did Falhari Baba Apologise to Premanand Ji Maharaj?
On October 9, 2026, media reports said Falhari Baba apologised to Premanand Ji Maharaj and his followers.
In his reported explanation, Falhari Baba said his words had been misrepresented. He expressed regret if his remarks had hurt Premanand Ji Maharaj, his disciples or devotees.
He also described Premanand Ji Maharaj as a respected figure in Hindu society. Reports further stated that Falhari Baba claimed to have received death threats following the controversy.
His apology came after the ₹5 crore claim had attracted widespread attention and criticism.
However, there is an important distinction between apologising for remarks and admitting that a specific allegation was knowingly fabricated. The available reports do not establish that Falhari Baba explicitly confessed to deliberately spreading fake news.
Therefore, it would be inaccurate to describe the apology as a confirmed admission of intentional misinformation unless further evidence or a direct statement establishes that point.
Did Virat Kohli Receive ₹5 Crore to Visit the Ashram?
As of October 10, 2026, the ₹5 crore payment claim has not been established by publicly available, independently verified evidence.
Kohli’s spokesperson has explicitly denied the allegation and said his visits were motivated by faith and respect for Premanand Ji Maharaj.
The following points summarise what is known:
- The allegation: Falhari Baba reportedly claimed that ₹5 crore was spent to facilitate Kohli’s visit.
- Kohli’s response: His spokesperson rejected the allegation as false, baseless and factually incorrect.
- The evidence: Publicly available reports have not established that Kohli received the alleged payment.
- The apology: News reports dated October 9 said Falhari Baba apologised to Premanand Ji Maharaj and his followers.
- The explanation: Falhari Baba reportedly said his words had been misrepresented and expressed regret if they had caused hurt.
These points should be considered together rather than relying on viral headlines or social media posts alone.
What Can We Learn From the Falhari Baba Controversy?
The controversy highlights how quickly an allegation involving a well-known personality and a respected spiritual figure can spread online.
Public figures often attract attention, and claims involving religion, money and celebrity visits can generate particularly strong reactions. However, a statement made in a media interview does not automatically establish that the allegation is true.
Readers should check whether the people involved have responded, whether independent evidence is available, and whether a reported apology amounts to a retraction or simply an expression of regret.
In this case, Kohli’s side denied the payment claim, and Falhari Baba later apologised to Premanand Ji Maharaj. The alleged ₹5 crore payment remains unverified.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Falhari Baba?
Falhari Baba, also known as Dinesh Sharma or Falhari Maharaj, is a religious figure associated with Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Reports identify him as the president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas.
2. What did Falhari Baba say about Virat Kohli?
He reportedly claimed that ₹5 crore was spent to facilitate Virat Kohli’s visit to Premanand Ji Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan.
3. Did Virat Kohli deny the ₹5 crore claim?
Yes. On October 7, 2026, Kohli’s spokesperson rejected the allegation, describing it as false, baseless and factually incorrect.
4. Why did Falhari Baba apologise to Premanand Ji Maharaj?
Reports published on October 9, 2026, said he apologised after the controversy. He reportedly said his words had been misrepresented and expressed regret if they had hurt Maharaj Ji or his followers.
5. Did Falhari Baba admit that he spread fake news?
The available reports do not establish an explicit admission that he knowingly spread fake news. His reported explanation was that his words had been misrepresented.
6. Is there proof that Virat Kohli received ₹5 crore?
No independently verified public evidence has established that Kohli received the alleged payment. His spokesperson has denied the claim.
Conclusion
Falhari Baba became a subject of national attention after making a reported ₹5 crore claim involving Virat Kohli’s visit to Premanand Ji Maharaj’s ashram. Kohli’s spokesperson firmly denied the allegation, and subsequent reports said Falhari Baba apologised to the spiritual leader and his followers.
The central point is that the alleged payment has not been independently established. Until credible evidence emerges, the claim should be treated as an allegation rather than a fact. Responsible reporting means presenting the allegation, the denial and the apology together, without drawing conclusions that the available evidence does not support.
