Mrunal Thakur has issued a public apology after facing mounting criticism over an old interview clip in which she made remarks about actress Bipasha Basu that many perceived as body-shaming.
The video, which has recently resurfaced online, quickly went viral, sparking debate across social media platforms.
In it, Mrunal, then in her late teens, can be heard making comparisons to Bipasha and commenting on her physique. The footage, reportedly from her TV days, drew a wave of disapproval from fans and industry watchers alike.
In response to the backlash, Mrunal released a written statement acknowledging her past insensitivity and reflecting on her growth since then:
“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.”
The actress clarified that her intent had never been to belittle or body-shame Bipasha, but admitted that what she considered harmless banter at the time had crossed the line:
“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 with a message of maturity and appreciation for diversity in beauty:
“With time, I’ve grown to appreciate that beauty comes in every form, and that’s something I truly value now.”
In the viral clip, shared by the Instagram account qualiteaposts, Mrunal is heard saying, "I am better than Bipasha." She then adds, "Do you want to marry a girl who is manly with muscles? Go marry Bipasha." The ‘Son of Sardar’ star repeats, "Listen, I am far better than Bipasha, ok."
The reel intersperses her comments with a montage of Bipasha’s most glamorous music videos. The accompanying caption read: "Damn, she really thinks she is better than Bipasha." Another line added: "Real divas don’t tear each other down... they bring the drama to the screen, not real life."
She also posted a series of new photos from a recent shoot, captioned simply: "Stop staring.
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