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The New Controversy: A Viral Dig at Anushka Sharma
A resurfaced clip of Mrunal Thakur is making waves online. In a recent interview, she was asked whether she’d ever rejected a major film—one that eventually turned out to be a super hit. She responded:
“So many. I said no because I wasn’t ready. Controversies would have followed. It became a super hit and helped the female actress reach that point. But then I realized if I had done that film, I would have lost myself. Then she is not working at the moment, but I am—which itself is a victory… I don’t want instant gratification, instant recognition, or instant fame.”
Indiatimes
No names were mentioned, but social media users quickly connected the dots—believing she was referencing Sultan (2016), where Anushka Sharma starred opposite Salman Khan, taking the place reportedly offered to Mrunal Wikipedia.
The Sultan Backstory: Why Fans Made the Connection
Salman Khan even revealed that Mrunal was the originally considered female lead for Sultan. He said:
“Originally, it was her. But she wasn’t looking like a wrestler. Anushka wasn’t either, but I knew her career would do well.”
The Times of India
This hinted link between the interview clip and Anushka—coupled with Mrunal mentioning “instant fame”—fueled speculation that the remarks were directed at Anushka’s massive success from Sultan.
“Not Working, But I Am”—Instant Fame vs Longevity
The most contentious part of Mrunal’s comment was:
“She is not working at the moment, but I am, which is itself a victory.”
Netizens took offense—especially as Anushka hasn’t completely stopped working; she’s chosen to take fewer on-screen roles while managing production ventures and personal life Maharashtra Times
This line has been widely viewed as “mean girl energy” or self-praise at the cost of another star’s choice for career balance www.ndtv.com
The Fallout: Trolls and Comparisons
The internet reacted strongly:
- Reddit users labeled the tone as unnecessarily harsh and competitive.
- Many criticized Mrunal for undermining Anushka’s decisions, suggesting she should shift focus back to her own work instead of comparisons.
MensXP
The Bipasha Basu Episode: Earlier Controversy
This isn’t Mrunal’s first spat. A few weeks prior, a throwback video resurfaced where she joked with a co-star, saying:
“Do you want a girl who is manly with muscles? Go marry Bipasha. I am far better than Bipasha, okay?”
The comment sparked backlash for body-shaming. Mrunal later issued a public apology, clarifying she was only 19 at the time and hadn’t understood the impact of her words.
Hindustan Times
Summary Table
| Context | What Was Said | Public Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Sultan Rejection | “I said no… she is not working, but I am.” | Viewed as shade toward Anushka |
| Bipasha Comment | “I am far better than Bipasha.” | Called insensitive and rude |
| Apology Given | Explained she was young and didn’t mean harm. | Mixed reactions from netizens |
What began as an offhand reflection—”I wasn’t ready”—was amplified into controversy via assumed comparisons. Mrunal’s clip about rejecting a blockbuster leg up became a flashpoint, interpreted as a jibe at Anushka Sharma. Coupled with her past Bipasha remarks, the pattern has raised concerns about letting offhand “confidence” speak overshadow the focus on her craft.
