While Mrunal Thakur is PROUD of being called SON, Indira Gandhi called similar label INSULT: Netizens REACT

Mrunal Thakur has been in the spotlight quite a bit recently, and much of that attention has come from controversies rather than her on screen work. Old clips resurfacing and fresh statements going viral have kept her in constant discussion online. Her latest remark from a podcast has once again sparked a heated debate, with social media sharply divided over what she meant and how it should be interpreted.

The conversation picked up after a clip from her podcast appearance started circulating widely. In it, Mrunal speaks about a deeply personal moment involving her father. She says, "My dad said, 'You're not my daughter, You're my son.' That just hit me, That I was like 'best.' No award, no nothing can compete this." For her, the statement clearly held emotional value, something she viewed as a mark of pride and validation. However, many people online did not take it in the same spirit.

What added more fuel to the discussion was another clip included in the same viral video, featuring former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In that interview, she is asked how she feels about being described as a man in politics. Her response is direct: "Well, I consider it an insult." When further questioned, she explains, "I think so. Why should I be considered a man when I am not." The contrast between these two viewpoints quickly became the focal point of online conversations.

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The video, shared by a page called Cultural Chaat, drew a flood of reactions in the comments. A section of users strongly criticised Mrunal’s statement. One user wrote, "The secondhand embaressment I felt through the screen." Another commented, "Why u want to be their son when u can do everything they deserve being their daughter!" Some responses were more reflective, like one that read, "I used to take it as a compliment when I was younger, but now I realize I was just too immature to understand it differently. Strength isn’t something I associate with being a man anymore, if anything, I see women as the stronger ones. So being called a man doesn’t feel flattering to me now, it feels like a misread of what strength really looks like." Others were blunt, saying, "Imagine being called a man and thinking it's a compliment" and "It is an insult."

At the same time, not everyone agreed with the criticism. Several users defended Mrunal, suggesting that her words were being taken too literally. One comment explained, "It was always not but that they mean you are boy or something it means as per society feels men are strong in that way you are strong in my eyes... ya on pov of indra gandhi she is right at their place but who was this actor she is also right at her pov why you guys hating her." Another simply stated, "Both are right," reflecting how divided opinions remain.

While the internet continues to debate Mrunal’s statement, many viewers praised Indira Gandhi’s response, calling her the "Iron lady for a reason." The comparison has also opened up a broader discussion about how language tied to gender is evolving, and whether such expressions should still be seen as compliments today.

This is not the first time Mrunal has faced backlash. She was recently criticised after an older video resurfaced where she spoke about Bipasha Basu. In that clip, she referred to Bipasha as "manly with muscles" and said she was "far better" than her, remarks that many felt were inappropriate. The backlash led Mrunal to issue an apology, where she clarified that she never intended to body shame anyone and admitted that her words were not chosen carefully.

With repeated controversies and strong reactions online, it is clear that public figures today are constantly being evaluated not just for their work but also for their words. As opinions continue to pour in, the debate around this incident shows no signs of slowing down. What do you think of the same? Let us know in the comments below.