Actor-turned-politician Hema Malini’s comment regarding wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics was criticised from all quarters. Now actor Nakuul Mehta has also expressed his shock and disbelief at her comment. Phogat was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight.
Nakuul Mehta slams Hema Malini's comment
Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Nakuul Mehta reposted a video of Hema Malini's statement and simply captioned it, "Disgraceful." His reaction quickly gained attention, with many echoing his sentiments.
What Hema Malini said
The controversy began when Hema Malini was asked about Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification. Her remarks, however, did not sit well with many, as she suggested that Phogat’s situation highlighted the importance of keeping one’s weight in check. She told PTI, “It is very surprising and bada ajeeb sa bhi lagta hain ki 100 gm ki wajah se woh disqualify ho gayi. Kitna mehatwa hain apna weight aur wazan ko theek se rakhna! Hum sab ko isse ek achha seekh milna chahiye sab kalakaro ko, mahilayon ko sabko… ki 100 gm also matters a lot! We feel very sad for her. I wish she loses that 100 grams quickly lekin milega nahi abhi (It is very surprising, and it feels strange that she was disqualified for being 100 gm overweight. It is important to keep the weight in check. It is a lesson for all of us. I wish she should lose that 100 gm quickly but she would not get an opportunity).”
The backlash was swift, with many calling Hema Malini's remarks "insensitive" and out of touch with the challenges faced by athletes. She later took to Instagram to express her support for Phogat, posting a picture of the wrestler and captioning it, “Vinesh Phogat, the whole nation rallies behind you! You are our heroine of this Olympics. Do not lose heart - you are meant for great achievements and you have a bright future ahead of you! Just carry on bravely (namaste emoji).”
Vinesh Phogat announces retirement
On Thursday Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling, a day after her disqualification. Sharing her decision on X, Phogat wrote, “Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken. I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness."