Actor Siddharth has apologised to Saina Nehwal after receiving huge backlash for his “rude joke" on the ace badminton player on Twitter. The ‘Rang De Basanti’ actor has asserted that his "word play" had "none of the malicious intent" that was attributed to it.
In his letter of apology posted on Twitter, Siddharth wrote, “Dear Saina, I want to apologise to you for my rude joke that I wrote as a response to a tweet of yours, a few days ago. I may disagree with you on many things but even my disappointment or anger when I read your tweet, cannot justify my tone and words. I know I have more grace in me than that."
The actor further said, “As for the joke, if a joke needs to be explained, then it wasn’t a very good joke, to begin with. Sorry about a joke that didn’t land. I, however, must insist my wordplay and humour had none of the malicious intent that so many people from all quarters have attributed to it. I am a staunch feminist ally and I assure you there was no gender implied in my tweet and certainly no intent to attack you as a woman. I hope we can put this behind us and that you will accept my letter. You will always be my champion."
In her response to the actor’s apology letter, Saina told news agency ANI, “He said something about me first and then apologised. I don’t even know why it went so viral. I was surprised to see myself trending on Twitter. Happy that Siddharth has apologised. You should not target a woman like that. It is okay. I am not bothered about it. I am happy in my place. God bless him."
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has slammed Siddharth for making derogatory remarks on Saina Nehwal. The NCW said: "The comment is misogynist and outrageous to the modesty of women amounting to disrespect and insult to dignity of women on social media platforms."
NCW chairman Rekha Sharma wrote a letter to Maharashtra Police to investigate the matter and register FIR under relevant provisions of the law.
She has also written a letter to Twitter India to immediately block the actor's account and take appropriate action for posting offensive remark on Nehwal.
Retweeting the shuttler's post, the actor said: 'Subtle cock champion of the world...Thank God we have protectors of India."
After facing a backlash on social media, Siddhartha tweeted; 'COCK & BULL' That's the reference. Reading otherwise is unfair and leading!
"Nothing disrespectful was intended, said or insinuated. Period,' he added. (Inputs from agencies)