Labubu Doll Craze Turns Creepy: ‘Bigg Boss’ Fame Archana Gautam’s Story May Make You Think Twice

Reality TV personality Archana Gautam recently went public with an unsettling account involving the now-hyperpopular 'Labubu' Doll. In an Instagram video, she described how a close friend experienced a series of personal tragedies after purchasing one-first, a broken engagement, and then the sudden loss of her father the very next day.

Archana had planned to buy the doll herself but says she's now relieved she never made it to the store. "Thank God I wasn't free that day," she admitted, visibly shaken. Her warning has sparked a fresh wave of scrutiny around the otherwise quirky and widely adored figure.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/archanagautamm

From Shelf To Social Media: How Labubu Took Over

Originally created in 2015 by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, the Labubu Doll began as part of a whimsical folklore-inspired universe. It was later popularised through Chinese toy giant Pop Mart, known for their mystery-box collectibles.

What started as a niche vinyl figure has become a full-blown craze. Bollywood celebrities like Ananya Panday, Rashmika Mandanna, and Kareena Kapoor have all been spotted with the doll, usually dangling off designer handbags. Even Bigg Boss alum Sana Makbul was seen with one during a hospital stay, further fuelling interest. Recently Urvashi Rautela also made headlines with her appearance at the Wimbledon finals carrying four Labubu dolls on her Birkin handbag.

But what really pushed Labubu into viral status were the numbers: basic models can go for ₹2,500-₹5,500, while rare versions have fetched up to ₹11,000 in India and over $170,000 globally.

Viral Fears: Where Internet Meets Imagination

The doll's odd charm-wide eyes, pointy ears, and an almost mischievous grin-hasn't sat well with everyone. A now-deleted TikTok video comparing Labubu to Pazuzu, the demon featured in The Exorcist, was enough to set off a storm. Some viewers began burning their dolls. Others claimed their homes felt "off" after bringing one in.

Christian influencers in particular have flagged it as a source of "dark energy," citing its "pagan-inspired" design and the emotional chaos some say follows it.

Still, there's no concrete evidence that the doll is linked to anything paranormal. Critics argue that social media algorithms are doing what they do best-pushing emotionally charged content to the top. According to experts familiar with Kasing Lung's work, the doll's roots lie firmly in fantasy, not occultism.

Photo Credit: https://www.reddit.com/r/InstaCelebsGossip/

Store Brawls, Counterfeits, And Auction Madness

Even with Archana's warning and growing superstition, the Labubu craze continues to intensify.

  • Pop Mart's annual sales are now around $400 million, with Labubu as one of their top sellers.
  • In places like the UK, stores have had to pause sales due to crowding and arguments.
  • Cheap knockoffs-dubbed "Lafufu"-have flooded markets, especially in India and Scotland, prompting warnings from consumer groups after reports of breakage and safety issues.
  • Some regions, including parts of Russia and Iraq's Kurdistan, have banned the doll altogether, citing concerns about its psychological impact on children.

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A Culture Object Or A Digital Folklore Trap?

Labubu is now at a curious crossroads: part collectible, part cautionary symbol. For every influencer showcasing it as an aesthetic accessory, there's someone sharing a story of misfortune. That tension between what we see online and what we feel offline is exactly what keeps the buzz going.

Archana Gautam's story is just one among many now circulating, but it's one that strikes a nerve. It's not just about a toy anymore. It's about how fast fascination can turn to fear and how easily viral culture can blur the line between trend and superstition.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/archanagautamm

The most unsettling thing about the Labubu Doll might not be its face, its origin, or even the rumours. It's how quickly we attach meaning to it whether through grief, curiosity, or the desire to be part of what's trending.

Whether it's just a vinyl figure or something more symbolic, the Labubu Doll is no longer just sitting on shelves, it's sitting somewhere deeper, stirring up questions we didn't expect to ask about a toy.

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