Mrunal Thakur Finally Speaks After Shaming Bipasha Basu Over ‘Manly Muscles’ Remark

In the past few days, Mrunal Thakur has been making headlines for a variety of reasons. However, the latest buzz hasn’t been in her favour, as an old clip resurfaced showing her body-shaming actress Bipasha Basu, which drew heavy criticism. Facing the backlash, Mrunal has now addressed the controversy, finally breaking her silence on the matter.

Mrunal Thakur faces backlash over old clip targeting Bipasha Basu

Mrunal Thakur has recently found herself at the centre of a controversy after an old clip of hers resurfaced, sparking massive backlash online. The video, reportedly from the time when she was working on the TV show Kumkum Bhagya, shows her making comments about actress Bipasha Basu that many perceived as body shaming. In the throwback interview, Mrunal is seen talking to her co-star Arjit Taneja, saying,

“Do you want to marry a girl who is manly with muscles? Go marry Bipasha. Go marry Bipasha. Listen, I am far better than Bipasha okay.”

The clip, which had stayed under the radar for years, suddenly began spreading like wildfire in the past few days.

 

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Social media was soon flooded with memes and criticisms directed at the actress. Many fans expressed disappointment over her remarks, calling them disrespectful and unnecessary. Mrunal, who has been making headlines for multiple reasons lately, has now finally addressed the viral interview after Bipasha herself reacted to the clip.

Mrunal Thakur issues apology over old Bipasha Basu remark, ’19-year-old me as a teenager…’

On 13th August, Bipasha Basu reacted to the resurfaced video of Mrunal Thakur’s old remarks in a classy and composed manner, steering clear of negativity and earning praise for her dignified response.

The very next day, Mrunal broke her silence and issued a heartfelt apology through her official social media handle. She wrote,

“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.”

She clarified that her intent was not to body shame but that went too far.

“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.”

She concluded by saying that with time she’s grown and understood that beauty comes in every form.

“With time, I’ve grown to appreciate that beauty comes in every form, and that’s something I truly value now.”

Mrunal Thakur/Instagram

With this, Mrunal acknowledged her past mistake, clarified her intent, and expressed how much she has grown since then.

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Netizens have mixed opinions on Mrunal Thakur’s statement

Mrunal Thakur’s apology drew a mixed response from the public. Many appreciated her for owning up to her words and acknowledging that her comments were hurtful, praising her for taking responsibility instead of ignoring the backlash.

However, others felt the apology was half-baked. Several pointed out that since she had named Bipasha Basu in the original remark, she should have also named her in the apology. Some also criticised the timing, noting that the clip had been going viral for over a week before she chose to address it.

While a few believed her strong PR team handled the damage control well, they argued that a quicker and more direct apology would have been more impactful.

Have a look at some worth-checking-out comments made by netizens on social media platform Reddit,

What are your thoughts on the statement released by Mrunal Thakur? Do share your thoughts via the comments below.