Veteran actor Annu Kapoor has responded to the backlash over his remarks on Tamannaah Bhatia’s appearance. Speaking exclusively to Zoom, he clarified the context of his statement while expressing his views on objectification, language use, and the societal mindset surrounding women’s looks, drawing fresh reactions from audiences. Veteran actor Annu Kapoor, known for his candid opinions, recently found himself at the centre of controversy over his “doodhiya badan” remark about actress Tamannaah Bhatia. He commented while talking about her widely appreciated dance performance in Aaj Ki Raat from Stree 2.
The statement triggered widespread criticism on social media, with many accusing him of objectifying the actress. Responding to the backlash, Annu clarified that he never intended to insult or disrespect any woman. He further argued that the public reaction might have been entirely different had the same expression been spoken in English instead.
Annu Kapoor Addresses Backlash Over Comment About Tamannaah Bhatia
In an interview with Zoom, Annu Kapoor addressed the controversy, saying, “Aisa hai ki kyunki 250-300 saal ki gulaami sahi hai, Indians ne isliye angrezi mein maa ki gaali jo hai, woh badi achhi lag jaati hai. Koi problem nahi hai. Lekin main agar Hindi mein gaali de doon toh chubh jaati hai. Samjhe na aap? Kyunki gulaami ki aulaad hain na. Gulaami abhi chitt se gayi nahi hai. 15 August, 1947, ko jo azaadi mili, jo swatantrata ki praapti hui, woh ek tarah ki political freedom mili hai. Mental roop se aaj bhi Indian gulaami mein hain. Isliye ‘milky body’ bolne mein koi problem nahi hai.”
(Translation: The thing is, because India has faced 250-300 years of slavery, abusing someone in English feels acceptable to Indians. There seems to be no problem with it. But if I abuse someone in Hindi, people get offended. Because we are the children of a society that has experienced slavery. Slavery has not completely left our minds yet. The independence we got on August 15, 1947, was political freedom. But mentally, Indians are still carrying the mindset of slavery. That is why there is no problem with saying milky body.)
Annu Kapoor Issues Apology to Tamannaah Bhatia After Controversial Remark
Asked about misogyny allegations, Annu Kapoor firmly denied the accusation outright. “I would be the last person on this earth to show disrespect to any woman or any man.” He added, “I come from a family, toh yeh saari cheezein bahut frivolous hain. Wahi main keh raha hoon na, ‘milky body hai toh chalega. Toh maine toh unse kaha tha ki agar aapko bura laga ho toh main kshama prarthi hoon. Aapko agar bura lag gaya ho toh koi problem nahi. Raat gayi baat gayi.”
(These things are very trivial. Regarding a woman, I am saying the same thing — if someone says ‘milky body,’ it is acceptable. I told her that if she felt bad, then I apologise. If it hurt her, I am sorry. What is done is done.) He also blessed Tamannaah, saying, “Saubhagyavati Bhava,” and wished her well.