BIPASHA BASU CALLS OUT MRUNAL THAKUR FOR BODYSHAMING: JENNIFER WINGET & KATRINA WERE HUMILIATED

Bollywood has always been a place where glitz and glamour often overshadow reality. Behind the cameras and curated Instagram posts, the industry is riddled with complex relationships, hidden rivalries, and the constant pressure to maintain a perfect public image. Recently, a controversy involving actors Bipasha Basu and Mrunal Thakur has once again brought attention to the persistent issue of hypocrisy in the industry, particularly when it comes to body positivity, female empowerment, and respect among women.

The incident began with a viral clip of an old interview featuring Mrunal Thakur, where she made remarks that many perceived as body-shaming. In the clip, Mrunal is seen asking singer Arijit Singh whether he would marry a woman who looks “manly” with muscles. She follows this up with a reference to Bipasha Basu, implying that women like her, who are muscular, are not traditionally desirable. Furthermore, Mrunal claims she is better than Bipasha, creating an obvious tone of competition rather than support. This sparked backlash as it was considered a form of body-shaming against women who choose to be physically strong—an attitude that contradicts the modern movement toward body positivity.

In response, Bipasha Basu took to social media to post a message promoting strength and health among women, stating that “strong women lift each other up” and encouraging women to build muscles for both mental and physical wellness. On the surface, Bipasha’s message was empowering and positive. However, people were quick to point out the contradictions in her past behavior, accusing her of being equally hypocritical.

Several old instances were brought back into the limelight to highlight Bipasha’s alleged double standards. One of the most significant was her relationship with Karan Singh Grover. Back in 2014, when Bipasha met Karan during the shooting of their film Alone, he was still married to actress Jennifer Winget. Their close friendship soon turned into a relationship, and although the full timeline remains unclear, it was evident that Jennifer was deeply affected by the situation. In recent interviews, Jennifer indirectly referenced her trauma and experience of gaslighting and toxicity during that period, indicating that the breakdown of her marriage was emotionally scarring.

What made the situation worse was how Bipasha and Karan were openly seen together even before the divorce was finalized. While Karan Singh Grover certainly bears the majority of the blame for the breakdown of his marriage, Bipasha’s choice to pursue a relationship with a married man contradicted the very message she now promotes—that women should support each other. If she truly believed in uplifting other women, many argue that she would have shown more empathy towards Jennifer’s situation instead of stepping into her life in such a manner.

This isn’t the only instance where Bipasha’s actions seemed to contradict her words. In the past, she has had public spats with other actresses, including Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. While Bipasha and Kareena’s feud is well-documented—with Kareena allegedly calling Bipasha a “kali billi” (a derogatory term referencing her skin tone)—Bipasha surprisingly maintained a more cordial attitude towards Kareena in later interviews. However, her attitude towards Katrina Kaif remained negative, despite the fact that Katrina had never publicly insulted her. The tension between the two reportedly stemmed from professional rivalry and Katrina’s proximity to Salman Khan, who had immense influence in the industry.

Interestingly, Bipasha eventually reconciled with Salman Khan and even expressed extreme joy at his presence during her wedding. This raised eyebrows, as it seemed like Bipasha was seeking validation from someone she once indirectly criticized. It highlighted a larger issue within Bollywood, where actors and actresses often navigate relationships based on convenience and professional gains rather than genuine values or consistent principles.

The discussion doesn’t end with Bipasha. Mrunal Thakur, too, has shown behavior that many consider inconsistent with the image she portrays. Apart from the viral interview with Arijit Singh, there have been other moments where she made indirect digs at her ex-boyfriends, commenting on their looks in a dismissive manner. In one instance, Mrunal said that although her ex was not good-looking, he was a good human being. This was perceived as a subtle form of body-shaming. What made it worse was that people were well aware of who she was referring to, as the ex-boyfriend in question had participated in a dance reality show with her. As a result, her comments felt unnecessarily harsh and personal.

Mrunal often promotes body positivity, encouraging women to embrace their curves and imperfections. Yet, in another interview, she indirectly shamed another female participant on the same reality show, Amrita, by constantly mocking her with her dance partner. This inconsistency has led people to question whether her public image of being supportive and body-positive is merely a facade.

These incidents point to a broader pattern in Bollywood where public personas are carefully crafted, often hiding a less flattering private reality. The public is becoming more aware and less forgiving of such double standards. With the rise of social media, fans now have access to a digital record of interviews, photos, and old footage, making it increasingly difficult for celebrities to maintain a polished image if their actions don’t align with their words.

It’s also important to reflect on the power dynamics in the industry. Female actors are often pitted against each other, competing for limited roles, screen time, and attention. This competitive environment may be one reason why actresses like Bipasha and Mrunal have made certain comments or decisions, but it doesn’t excuse the behavior. Instead of tearing each other down, the industry desperately needs genuine solidarity among women.

The Bipasha-Mrunal controversy is just one of many examples where celebrities have been called out for hypocrisy. It reminds us that public figures have a responsibility, especially when they promote messages of empowerment. Their actions should back their words, or else their credibility suffers. Authenticity matters more than ever in today’s world, where fans are smart, vocal, and not afraid to hold celebrities accountable.

At the end of the day, both Bipasha and Mrunal are talented individuals who have achieved success in their own ways. But if they want to be seen as role models, it is crucial they reflect on their past behavior and strive for genuine consistency. Supporting women, promoting body positivity, and being kind doesn’t just mean posting quotes online—it’s about embodying those values in every action, even when no one is watching.

As the public continues to watch, judge, and voice opinions, perhaps controversies like these will push Bollywood toward greater introspection and sincerity. One can only hope that the next generation of actors and actresses will learn from these mistakes and create a more supportive, honest, and empowering space for everyone—both on-screen and off.

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