Mrunal Thakur Apologises For 'Manly With Muscles' Comment On Bipasha Basu Amid Backlash: 'Intent Was Never To Body-Shame'

Bollywood actress Mrunal Thakur has issued a public apology after an old video of her making body-shaming remarks about Bipasha Basu resurfaced on social media. In the clip, Mrunal is heard calling Basu "manly with muscles" and claiming she was "better" than the Jism actress.

The comments have sparked a wave of criticism, with netizens slamming Mrunal for her choice of words.

Amid the backlash, on Thursday (August 14), Mrunal addressed the controversy through an Instagram story. 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 further clarified, "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. With time, I've grown to appreciate that beauty comes in every form, and that's something I truly value now."

Bipasha Basu reacts

A day earlier, on August 13, Bipasha appeared to respond indirectly to the remarks. Sharing a quote on Instagram that read, "Strong women lift each other up," she wrote, "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 women should not look strong or be physically strong."

While Bipasha did not mention Mrunal by name, many saw the post as a dignified rebuttal.

What Mrunal's resurfaced video shows

In the viral video from her Kumkum Bhagya days, Mrunal is seen conversing with co-star Arjit Taneja about fitness. When Arjit playfully dares her to perform a headstand, she jokes that he could sit while she balanced on her head. He then challenges her to do push-ups, prompting her to remark that he might be interested in marrying a strong, muscular woman.

Mrunal then says, "Do you want to marry a girl who is manly with muscles? Go marry Bipasha." She adds, "Listen, I am far better than Bipasha."

Meanwhile, on the work front, Mrunal was last seen in Son of Sardaar 2 with Ajay Devgn. She has films like Dacoit: A Love Story, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, and Pooja Meri Jaan in her kitty.