Sometimes, health advice on social media comes with a pinch of salt. But when it is shared by a celebrity with millions of followers, even a personal opinion can quickly become a national conversation.

That is exactly what happened after actor Anushka Sharma publicly expressed her support for homeopathy. 

placeholder
Screenshot of Sharma's Instagram story that sparked backlash.

What started as a personal endorsement soon triggered a heated debate online, with social media users, doctors and health enthusiasts weighing in on the role of alternative medicine and the responsibility that comes with celebrity influence. 

Sharma recently shared an Instagram Story in which she described homeopathy as an important part of her life.

She also praised renowned homeopathic physician Dr Rajan Sankaran, crediting him for contributing significantly to her health and well-being. The post, however, sparked mixed reactions.

Several users questioned the lack of details about her medical condition and treatment.

One social media user said that sharing more information about the health issue she faced and the treatment she underwent would help people better understand her experience and make informed decisions.

Others accused the actor of promoting a practice that many scientists and medical professionals consider unsupported by evidence.

Some critics highlighted what they described as a contradiction between the couple's lifestyle abroad and the advice being shared with Indian audiences.

 

One user remarked that while Sharma and her husband, cricketer Virat Kohli, have access to advanced healthcare facilities overseas, promoting homeopathy to Indian followers raises important questions about public influence and medical responsibility.

The criticism was not limited to social media users. A section of the medical community also reacted strongly, with some doctors describing homeopathy as pseudoscience and warning against the promotion of treatments they believe lack scientific backing.

At the same time, Sharma found support from many followers and homeopathy practitioners who argued that she was merely sharing a personal experience rather than prescribing a treatment to others. Supporters pointed out that homeopathy is officially recognised by the Indian government and continues to be practised by licensed professionals across the country.

Some practitioners also noted that despite criticism, a large number of people continue to seek homeopathic treatment based on their own experiences and beliefs.

The debate has once again highlighted a familiar question in the age of social media: when celebrities share personal health choices, where should the line be drawn between individual experience and public influence?

While opinions remain sharply divided, Sharma Sharma's Instagram Story has succeeded in doing one thing: Reigniting a wider conversation on science, alternative medicine, and the impact of celebrity endorsements in shaping public perception.