Television actor Arjun Bijlani and his wife Neha Swami Bijlani have found themselves at the centre of a social media controversy after Neha was criticised for wearing a T-shirt featuring the words “Allah, Rasool, Muhammad” written in Urdu. The issue soon gained attention online, with several social media users expressing their displeasure over the outfit.
Amid the growing backlash, Arjun and Neha have now released an official statement explaining the circumstances under which Neha wore the T-shirt. The couple clarified that the garment was gifted to them by a fan at a mall in Bangkok and that Neha was unaware of the meaning and religious significance of the words printed on it. They also expressed regret over the unintended incident and reiterated their respect for all religions and faiths.
In their statement, the couple acknowledged the concerns raised by people but also condemned the abusive comments, curses and threats allegedly directed at Neha. They maintained that a lack of awareness should not become a reason to subject anyone to online harassment or intimidation. The statement further assured that they would exercise greater caution while accepting gifts in the future.
Sharing their official clarification, Arjun and Neha wrote, “OFFICIAL STATEMENT
On Behalf of
Arjun Bijlani and Neha Swami Bijlani
We would like to address the ongoing situation concerning Neha Swami Bijlani and the T-shirt she was recently spotted wearing, which featured words in Urdu referring to the Prophet.
Neha was completely unaware of the meaning and significance of the writing on the T-shirt when she wore it. There was absolutely no intention to hurt, disrespect or offend the religious sentiments of any individual or community. We sincerely respect all religions, faiths and beliefs, and would never knowingly do anything to hurt the sentiments of others.
While we understand that people may have strong feelings about matters of religious significance, the trolling, abusive language, curses and threats directed at Neha are deeply distressing and unacceptable. A situation arising from a lack of awareness should not become a reason to subject an individual to online harassment or threats.
It was a t-shirt gifted by a fan in Bangkok at a mall and we didnt know the meaning of what was written, we celebrate all festivals and we will never hurt anyone’s sentiments in any way. We are sorry for what happened unintentionally and we will always be careful in future with regards to the gifts received.
We request everyone to approach this matter with understanding, sensitivity and compassion, and to refrain from spreading hate or targeting Neha and her family. We believe that mutual respect and dialogue are far more constructive than abuse and intimidation.
We hope this clarification helps put the matter into perspective and request everyone to allow the situation to be addressed with dignity and understanding.
— Arjun Bijlani and Neha Swami Bijlani”
With this clarification, the couple has sought to put their side of the story across, apologising for the unintended controversy while appealing to people to respond with understanding rather than hostility. They have also emphasised that respect for religious beliefs remains important to them and urged social media users to refrain from targeting Neha and her family.
