Mrunal Thakur apologizes for old ‘manly’ remark about Bipasha Basu: ‘My intent was never to body-shame anyone…’ |
Mrunal Thakur recently found herself at the center of controversy after an old video resurfaced online. In the clip, believed to be from her early television days on Kumkum Bhagya, Thakur is seen making remarks about actress Bipasha Basu, referring to her as “manly with muscles” and stating, “I am far better than Bipasha” .
Video goes viral, sparks backlash
The video quickly went viral, drawing criticism from netizens who accused Thakur of body-shaming and disrespecting another woman. Some fans defended her, suggesting the comments were taken out of context and were meant as playful banter during her early career .Heartfelt apology from ThakurIn response to the backlash, Thakur issued a heartfelt apology, acknowledging her past remarks and expressing regret. Her note read, ’19-year-old me as a teenager said many silly things. I didn’t always understand the weight of my voice or how much words, even in jest, could hurt. But it did and for that I am deeply sorry. My intent was never to body-shame anyone. It was playful banter in an interview, that went too far. But I understand how it came across, and I truly wish I had chosen my words differently. With time, I’ve grown to appreciate that beauty comes in every form, and that’s something I truly value now.’
Bipasha Basu’s response
Bipasha Basu, known for her fitness and strength, responded to the incident by sharing a cryptic message on social media: “Strong women lift each other up,” emphasizing the importance of supporting one another rather than engaging in criticism .The incident has sparked a broader conversation about body image, representation, and the impact of words in the entertainment industry. While some have criticized Thakur’s past remarks, others have acknowledged her apology and the growth she has shown since then.
