2 weeks ago
Faria Abdullah Cries Addressing Trolling Over Her Bonalu Participation
Faria Abdullah is an actress who makes movies in Telugu, a language of India; you may know her from the film 'Jathi Ratnalu'.
She went to Bonalu, a festive celebration in Hyderabad where people carry decorated pots called Bonam to temples and dance.
Videos of her dancing and carrying a Bonam went all over the internet.
Some people online were mean to her because she is Muslim and joined a Hindu festival, and some even called her a 'kaafir', a very hurtful word.
On August 15, Faria made an Instagram video where she cried while talking about it.
She said her father chose to become Muslim because he loved the religion, and that she was raised to see the good in it.
She also said she sees life and God in everything around her, like trees, rocks and butterflies.
She said she prays for love, unity and peace, and that love is her 'rebellion' and 'revolution'.
A group called Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad also spoke up, saying the trolling was wrong because everyone is equal under the Constitution.
Faria says she will keep sending love to people who are mean to her, because love is her way of fighting back.
Telugu actress Faria Abdullah's participation in Hyderabad's Bonalu celebrations — carrying a Bonam and dancing with the procession — went viral on social media.
Articles differ on the details: two report she joined festivities at the Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Temple in Hyderabad's Old City on August 9, while one says she visited the Sri Mahankaleshwara Ammavari Temple at Miralam Mandi on August 10.
Her participation drew online trolling, with some users questioning her joining the Hindu festival despite being Muslim and calling her a 'kaafir'.
On August 15, she broke down in an emotional Instagram video, saying her father converted to Islam because he liked the religion and that she was raised to see the good in it.
Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad (VHRP) National Mahila President Yamuna Pathak condemned the 'vicious trolling', saying India is governed by its Constitution, not religious policy.
- Who
- Telugu actress Faria Abdullah, with condemnation of the trolling from Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad (VHRP) National Mahila President Yamuna Pathak
- What
- Addressed online trolling over her Bonalu festival participation with an emotional Instagram video defending her faith, upbringing and belief in love and unity
- Where
- Hyderabad — Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Temple in the Old City (per two articles) or Sri Mahankaleshwara Ammavari Temple at Miralam Mandi (per one article)
- When
- Participation on August 9 per two articles and August 10 per one article; emotional Instagram response on August 15
- Why
- Because some social media users questioned her participation in the Hindu festival despite her being Muslim, prompting her to defend her faith, upbringing and belief in love and unity
Inclusive Celebration
Faith-Based Criticism
Interfaith Festival Participation
Inclusive Celebration
Participating in another community's festival is an expression of love and unity; Faria says her faith does not stop her and she prays for 'love, unity and peace'.
Faith-Based Criticism
Some social media users questioned how Faria, being Muslim, could take part in the Hindu Bonalu festival, with some calling her a 'kaafir' and saying she was 'going wrong'.
Legitimacy of the Backlash
Inclusive Celebration
VHRP condemned the 'vicious trolling and religious targeting' of Faria, saying every citizen enjoys equality, dignity and freedom of conscience under articles 14, 19, 21 and 25 of the Constitution.
Faith-Based Criticism
Critics believe her participation contradicts her proclaimed Muslim faith and have continued to question her motives online; Faria says she will keep sending love to those who hate her.
Key facts
- Actress
- Faria Abdullah (known for 'Jathi Ratnalu')
- Festival
- Bonalu celebrations
- Location
- Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Temple, Old City (per two articles) / Sri Mahankaleshwara Ammavari Temple, Miralam Mandi (per one article)
- Date of participation
- August 9 (two articles) or August 10 (one article)
- Date of response
- August 15
- Platform
- Instagram video
- Nature of backlash
- Trolling questioning her participation as a Muslim, with some calling her a 'kaafir'
- Group condemning backlash
- Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad (VHRP) via National Mahila President Yamuna Pathak
Quotes
Faria Abdullah
Telugu actress who participated in the Bonalu festival
“"I want to be aggressive about my love and I will be. I will continue sending love to those who were trolling me because I know my heart is true."”
freepressjournal.in
“"I wish well for you. I see life in trees, I see life in rocks, I see life in butterflies; it's everything, and if that doesn't amaze you…"”
thehansindia.com
Yamuna Pathak
National Mahila President of Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad
“I strongly condemn the vicious trolling and the religious targeting of actress Faria Abdullah merely for participating in Bonalu and offering prayers at a temple.”
wionews.com
Sources
Telugu actress Faria Abdullah addresses Bonalu trolling as VHRP condemns online backlash: 'Those who hate me, call me a kafir'
Actress Faria Abdullah Cries While Addressing Trolling Over Participating In Bonalu Celebrations: 'Whoever Thinks Main Kaafir Hoon...'
Faria Abdullah breaks down over Bonalu backlash, hits back at trolls
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