Mrunal Thakur’s "I am better than Bipasha Basu" clip: What she said, how fans reacted, & why it’s back?

Mrunal Thakur is no stranger to headlines – whether for her acting projects, red carpet appearances, or off-screen chatter. But this week, the Son of Sardaar 2 actress has found herself at the centre of a social media storm, with multiple conversations about her resurfacing at once.

From an old video taking digs at Bipasha Basu to online chatter about her alleged relationship with South superstar Dhanush, the internet has plenty to say. Here’s a deep dive into how one resurfaced clip has reignited debates around celebrity accountability, online perceptions, and the fine line between confidence and controversy.

The Clip That Sparked the Debate

The controversy began when an old video from Mrunal Thakur’s television days on Kumkum Bhagya started making the rounds again. In the clip, she is seen chatting with co-star Arjit Taneja about fitness preferences in a partner. When Arjit mentioned that he preferred a toned physique, Mrunal quipped, “Go marry Bipasha then. Listen, I am far better than Bipasha.”

While the remark may have been casual in intent, it didn’t land well with viewers, both now and when the video first emerged years ago. Social media users quickly called out the comment for “pulling down” another woman, reigniting a debate on whether such statements from public figures should be taken as lighthearted banter or as problematic behaviour.

Online Reactions – Then and Now

The internet has long memories, and Reddit threads from the past discussing this very clip have resurfaced alongside new reactions. Some users labelled her a “typical mean girl,” recalling her stint on Nach Baliye where they claim she displayed a “judgmental” streak toward her ex.

Others criticised her for comparing herself to Bipasha Basu, with comments like, “She stands nowhere remotely close to Bipasha.” A few went further, taking aim at her acting skills and alleged overconfidence, while some criticised her manner of speaking. The sentiment was clear: for many netizens, this wasn’t an isolated remark but part of a pattern they believe they’ve seen in her public appearances.

Past Perceptions – Reality Shows & Podcasts

Mrunal’s appearance on reality shows like Nach Baliye has often been dissected in fan circles. Viewers have pointed out moments they perceived as “sharp” or “unnecessarily competitive,” especially in interactions with co-contestants and her then-partner.

More recently, her guest spot on the BeerBiceps podcast also attracted commentary. Some users claimed she appeared overly eager for “male validation” and presented herself in a way that didn’t resonate well with certain sections of the audience. These past impressions have now been folded into the current discourse, with online users citing them as “examples” to support their reactions to the Bipasha Basu comment.

When Personal Life Enters the Picture

As if the resurfaced video wasn’t enough to keep her trending, Mrunal’s name has also been linked to South cinema star Dhanush in recent weeks.

Rumours began when Dhanush attended the screening of Son of Sardaar 2. Social media quickly speculated about a possible romance, even though no confirmation came from either side. Addressing the chatter in a recent interview, Mrunal clarified, “Dhanush is just a good friend to me. No one should misunderstand that. It was Ajay Devgn who invited him to the event.”

Her statement has somewhat cooled the speculation, but the fact that these two stories, the resurfaced clip and the dating rumours, are running parallel has only amplified online attention.

On the work front, Mrunal was last seen in Son of Sardaar 2, which unfortunately has struggled to find box office success despite a high-profile cast. She continues to be one of the few television-to-film crossover stars to have carved a solid space in Hindi cinema, with notable performances in films like Sita Ramam and Jersey.

Mrunal Thakur’s resurfaced remark about Bipasha Basu has once again shown the unpredictable nature of celebrity life in the age of social media. While some view it as harmless banter from years ago, others see it as part of a larger pattern. Coupled with the Dhanush dating rumours and the underwhelming run of her latest film, it’s been a headline-heavy month for the actress.