Mrunal Thakur apologizes after Bipasha Basu clip sparks debate

A resurfaced clip from early in Mrunal Thakur’s television career has reignited a debate over body image and tone in celebrity commentary. In the archival footage, Thakur is shown speaking with a co-star about the idea of marrying someone who is “manly with muscles.” She adds, “Go marry Bipasha then! I am far better than Bipasha,” comments that have been interpreted by many as bodyshaming toward Bipasha Basu. The clip has since circulated widely online, drawing sharp criticism from Basu’s fans and prompting broader conversations about respect and solidarity among women in the industry.

The exchange occurred during Thakur’s Kumkum Bhagya days, when she was a regular on the popular show. In the moment, she is heard asking whether a partner with a muscular, toned physique would be preferable, followed by the quip that she should “marry Bipasha” and the assertion that she was “far better than Bipasha.” While some viewers defended the remarks as a product of youth and a lighthearted interview, others viewed them as a dismissive jab at Basu, who is widely regarded as one of Bollywood’s fitness icons and a trailblazer for body positivity in the industry.