Mrunal Thakur is currently navigating a wave of online criticism following the resurfacing of an old interview clip where she made comments about actress Bipasha Basu. The clip, taken from her "Kumkum Bhagya" days, has sparked a heated debate, with many accusing Thakur of being disrespectful and body-shaming Basu.
In the throwback video, Thakur is seen in a lighthearted exchange with her co-star Arjit Taneja. During their banter, when asked about marrying a girl with muscles, Thakur quipped that he should marry Bipasha Basu, adding, "Listen, I am far better than Bipasha. Okay!".
The online reaction to the clip has been largely negative. Many social media users have criticized Thakur for her remarks, with some defending Basu's confidence and looks. One Reddit user praised Basu's height and confidence, suggesting that women who criticize her may do so out of insecurity. Another user pointed out the popularity of Basu's song "Bipasha Bipasha," implying that Thakur's comment was unwarranted.
Bipasha Basu indirectly addressed the controversy by sharing an empowering message on social media. She posted a quote that read, "Strong women lift each other up," and added, "Get those muscles, beautiful ladies. We should be strong. Muscles help you attain good physical and mental health. Forever bust the age-old thought process that we women should not look strong or be physically strong". Her response was widely seen as a graceful way to address the situation and promote female empowerment.
Thakur, on the other hand, has not directly responded to the online criticism. Amidst the controversy, Thakur seems to be carrying on with her personal life, as there have been no reports of her directly addressing the situation publicly.
The resurfacing of this old clip comes at a time when Thakur is already in the public eye for other reasons. Her recent film, "Son of Sardaar 2," where she starred alongside Ajay Devgn, underperformed at the box office. Additionally, she has beensubject of rumors about her personal life, including speculation about a relationship with Dhanush, which she has denied, stating that he is just a good friend.
The incident highlights the power of social media to revive past comments and the potential for those comments to be reinterpreted in a new context. It also raises questions about the fine line between humor and offense, especially in the digital age.
