Cinema VinesWhen a clip of actress Mrunal Thakur joking about the physique of Bollywood star Bipasha Basu resurfaced on social media, it sparked a debate about women’s health and body image. In the viral video, Thakur, who was then a popular TV actress, remarked that if someone wanted to marry a woman with a muscular build, they should choose Bipasha, adding that she herself was “far better” than the actress. The comment drew heavy criticism, and Thakur later issued an apology on her social media accounts.
In response to the backlash, Basu took to Elle India to discuss her role in changing the industry’s standards for female bodies. She explained that in the early 2000s, Bollywood actresses were typically petite, fair‑haired, and had delicate features. Basu, who is taller and has an athletic, tanned physique, stood out as an exception. She admitted that muscular women were not widely accepted at that time, but she felt she had started a trend that encouraged other actresses to embrace strength and fitness.
“I don’t think women with more muscle tone were very acceptable as actresses,” Basu said. “But I think I started the trend, and I started preaching ‘love yourself’ to everyone because I realised it’s not just about looking good. It’s more intrinsic. You need to be healthy.” She added that her advocacy helped many women focus on exercise and overall well‑being, though she expressed concern that some people might pursue muscle for the wrong reasons—just to look good rather than to stay healthy.
During the same interview, Basu also spoke candidly about the pressures of ageing. She described ageing as “the biggest sin that you can commit” and shared that she loves herself more now than she did in her twenties. “I’m very happy with the way I am growing older, and I’m very proud of my age,” she said, adding that she refuses to succumb to the pressure to look younger.
