Mrunal Thakur Faces Backlash for Comment on Anushka Sharma: “She’s Not Working, I Am

Mrunal Thakur has recently found herself at the center of social media controversy as snippets from her old interviews resurface online. The actor, best known for her performances in Sita Ramam, Toofan, and Love Sonia, is now facing criticism after a video clip went viral where she appeared to take a swipe at Anushka Sharma.

The resurfaced clip, shared widely on Reddit and other platforms, shows Mrunal recalling the early phase of her career and her decision to turn down a film project. Although she never directly named anyone, many on the Internet are convinced that she was hinting at Anushka Sharma, who eventually replaced her in Salman Khan’s blockbuster Sultan (2016).

What Triggered the Backlash

In the viral video, Mrunal was asked about films she rejected in her early years. Taking a pause, she admitted that she had indeed walked away from multiple opportunities.

What caught the Internet’s attention, however, was another remark she made during the same conversation. Without naming anyone, she said:

For many, this seemed like a clear reference to Anushka Sharma, who had played Aarfa, a wrestler, in Sultan opposite Salman Khan. Though Mrunal never mentioned Anushka by name, fans quickly connected the dots, especially since Salman himself had once revealed that Mrunal was originally considered for the part.

Internet Reacts: “Peak Mean Girl Energy”

The resurfaced interview clip did not go down well with netizens. Many social media users felt that Mrunal’s comment was unnecessary and disrespectful toward Anushka Sharma, an actor who has been a leading name in Bollywood for over a decade and later transitioned into producing successful films under her banner, Clean Slate Filmz.

One Redditor wrote:
“Peak mean girl energy — ‘she’s not working today, but I am.’ Why put others down to lift yourself?”

Another user pointed out:
“If this was about Anushka, Mrunal should remember that Anushka went from starring in Sultan to producing her own films like NH10, Phillauri, and Pari. She’s hardly ‘not working.’”

Some fans also noted that Mrunal may have missed a significant opportunity by losing out on Sultan.

Anushka has achieved a lot and has seen stardom. Mrunal you have just started, don't be so arrogant & as an actor nothing special performance you have served to the audience. https://t.co/C9q2nhG9eC

— 𝒜𝒽𝓃𝑒𝑒𝓉 🆅🅴🆁🆂🅴🦋★ (@for_krishvaani) September 1, 2025

“She might have benefitted from Sultan, but Salman and Anushka’s chemistry was unexpectedly good. The film worked because of that,” read one comment.

Others defended Anushka by highlighting her career achievements, including critically acclaimed roles and the fact that she chose to take a step back from acting after starting a family with cricketer Virat Kohli, rather than because of lack of work.

Salman Khan’s Revelation: Mrunal Was the First Choice

The buzz around Mrunal’s old comments gained further traction because of Salman Khan’s past statement. During an episode of Bigg Boss, when Mrunal and Shahid Kapoor appeared to promote their film, Salman had candidly shared that she was the original choice for Sultan.

He said:
“The original star of Sultan was her. Ali (director Ali Abbas Zafar) had got her, but she was not looking like a pahalwan. Anushka bhi nahi lagti thi pahalwan type, but mujhe pata tha inka bohot accha hoga career.”

To this, Mrunal responded with a laugh, admitting:
“Tab mera wazan bohot zyada tha.”

This revelation has often resurfaced in discussions about her career trajectory, and now with the viral video, it has again become a topic of debate.

A Pattern of Controversial Old Comments

This isn’t the first time Mrunal Thakur has faced flak for her past remarks. Not too long ago, another clip from an older interview surfaced in which she had commented on Bipasha Basu’s muscular physique, calling it “manly.” That video, too, triggered a wave of criticism, with many accusing her of body-shaming.

The resurfacing of such clips has created an impression among netizens that Mrunal has a tendency to make dismissive or judgmental remarks about other actresses. While she has not addressed the current controversy directly, the mounting criticism suggests she may need to clarify her stance sooner rather than later.

The Larger Discussion

This entire episode has also sparked a broader discussion about how female actors are often pitted against one another in the film industry, sometimes by the media and sometimes by their own words.

Anushka Sharma, despite being less active in front of the camera in recent years, remains a respected figure in Bollywood. After Sultan, she continued to headline major films like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Pari, and Sui Dhaaga, while also backing path-breaking projects as a producer.

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Meanwhile, Mrunal Thakur has steadily built her career, moving from television to films and earning critical acclaim, particularly for her work in South Indian cinema.

The comparison between the two may not be entirely fair, but social media thrives on such narratives, often magnifying old remarks into controversies.

Mrunal Thakur’s resurfaced interview clip has undeniably reignited debates about missed opportunities, industry rivalries, and the importance of being mindful of one’s words. While she never directly mentioned Anushka Sharma, the Internet’s interpretation of her comments has cast her in a negative light, with many calling it “mean-spirited.”

Whether she chooses to address the backlash or let it fade remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in today’s digital age, no old remark ever truly disappears, and even a casual comment can spark major controversy years later.