Bollywood actress Mrunal Thakur has issued a public apology after an old interview clip from her television days resurfaced and went viral, reigniting debate over body-shaming in the entertainment industry.
In the clip, believed to be from her early Kumkum Bhagya years, Mrunal is heard referring to actress Bipasha Basu as “manly” and claiming she was “far better” than her. At the time, the statement appeared to be casual banter, but in today’s social media climate, it quickly drew heavy criticism, with many accusing Mrunal of tearing down another woman to uplift herself.
As the backlash grew, the actress took to Instagram Stories with a heartfelt note. She admitted that her teenage self often spoke without realising the impact of her words. “When I was 19, I said many silly things. I didn’t understand the weight my voice carried or that a joke could hurt someone deeply. It was never my intention to body-shame, and for that, I am truly sorry,” she wrote. Mrunal further added that with age and experience, she has learned to appreciate beauty in all its forms and to choose her words with more care.
Bipasha Basu, known for her fitness-oriented lifestyle, responded indirectly but gracefully. Without naming Mrunal, she posted an empowering message: “Strong women lift each other up. Muscles are not masculine: they’re a sign of good physical and mental health.”
The incident also drew attention from industry colleagues. Actress Hina Khan publicly commended Mrunal for owning up to her mistake, calling both her and Bipasha “phenomenal women” and praising the spirit of women supporting each other.
Public reaction, however, remained mixed. While some netizens applauded Mrunal for addressing the issue head-on and accepting responsibility, others criticised her for not mentioning Bipasha’s name in the apology, arguing that it felt impersonal.
Despite the divided opinions, the episode has sparked a larger conversation about accountability, especially in the age of viral content. Mrunal’s apology highlights a crucial truth, words spoken in jest can leave a lasting impact, and it takes humility to admit when you were wrong.
