Bollywood actress Mrunal Thakur faces intense social media backlash as Virat Kohli fans defend the cricketer’s wife, Anushka Sharma. An old interview clip has resurfaced, sparking speculation that Thakur took an indirect jab at Anushka’s career. The controversy emerges as Kohli prepares for his ODI comeback and completes his fitness test.
In the viral video, Mrunal discusses rejecting film offers early in her career, stating she wasn’t ready and feared controversies. Without naming anyone, she revealed that one project became a superhit, helping the actress who eventually starred in it reach new heights. However, her controversial comment ignited the firestorm: “Then she is not working at the moment, but I am, is itself a victory because I don’t want instant gratification, instant recognition, instant fame because anything that comes instantly goes away instantly.”
Netizens quickly connected Mrunal’s remarks to the 2016 blockbuster Sultan, where Anushka starred opposite Salman Khan. Reports suggest Mrunal was initially considered for the female lead before being replaced by Anushka. Salman previously revealed on Bigg Boss that Mrunal was the original choice but didn’t fit the wrestler’s physique required for the role.
The backlash has been swift, with users branding Mrunal as exhibiting “peak mean girl energy”. Critics slammed her for unnecessary shade thrown at a senior actress who chose family over films. One Reddit user commented, “That last part was unnecessary shade at the actress, she really is a mean girl,” while another noted, “An actress deliberately taking a break from Bollywood to spend time with family is not her ‘victory’“.
This compounds Mrunal’s recent troubles following another viral incident where she apologized for body-shaming comments about Bipasha Basu. The actress had called Bipasha “manly with muscles,” leading to widespread criticism and forcing a public apology.
Virat Kohli’s ODI preparations amid fitness test debate
While fans rally around Anushka, Virat continues his international cricket preparations. The former captain made headlines for his unique fitness test arrangement, being the only player permitted to undergo mandatory assessments in London rather than at BCCI’s Bengaluru facility. This sparked debate about preferential treatment, with other senior players including Rohit Sharma completing tests in India.
The 36-year-old cricketer has been actively training in London’s indoor nets, sharing preparation glimpses on social media. His ODI comeback is scheduled for October 19-25, 2025, when India tours Australia. Despite retirement speculation, Kohli appears focused and determined, working with coaches to maintain match fitness.
Also READ: Fans divided over Virat Kohli’s fitness test conducted in London amid protocol debate
