Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has expressed regret over his controversial social media post directed at film critic Anupama Chopra following her review of Dhurandhar. Reflecting on the incident during a recent interview, the actor admitted that his “Miss Irrelevant” remark was “unwanted and unwarranted” and acknowledged that he should not have posted it.
The controversy began when Rawal publicly criticised Chopra’s negative review of Dhurandhar, writing on social media, “Aren’t you tired of being Miss Irrelevant?” The post quickly went viral, sparking widespread debate and backlash. The review was later taken down, adding further fuel to the discussion surrounding film criticism and online discourse.
Paresh Rawal described social media as a “puking pot,” saying that while he avoids using abusive language online, his sarcasm can often be sharp. Looking back at the tweet, the actor admitted that his response was unnecessary. “I should not have done it,” he said, adding that he now views the post as an impulsive reaction.
Rawal, however, maintained that constructive criticism is essential in cinema. He said that while audiences are free to either like or dislike a film, reviews should remain balanced and meaningful. Clarifying that he was not trying to act as the industry’s spokesperson, the actor explained that he simply reacted because he personally disagreed with the review, while acknowledging that critics are ultimately doing their job.
Addressing the online trolling and threats faced by Anupama Chopra after the controversy, Rawal strongly condemned abusive behaviour on social media. He described Chopra as an educated and cultured individual and stressed that disagreements over films should never lead to personal attacks or harassment.
The actor also revealed that filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra reached out to him after the controversy and praised his son, Aditya Rawal, for his performance. According to Rawal, Vidhu Vinod Chopra also requested Aditya’s contact details because Anupama Chopra wanted to speak with him. He added that the Chopra family has always been professional in their interactions.
Rawal’s latest remarks have shifted the conversation from confrontation to reflection, with the veteran actor acknowledging his mistake while reiterating the importance of respectful criticism and healthy discussions within the film industry.