Veteran actor Paresh Rawal opens up about his regret over targeting critics like Anupama Chopra and the physical toll his online outbursts took on his health.
Key Takeaways
- Paresh Rawal expressed regret over his aggressive social media posts targeting Arundhati Roy and Anupama Chopra.
- The actor revealed that online controversies led to significant health issues, specifically high blood pressure.
- He addressed the 'Miss Irrelevant' controversy, emphasizing the need for constructive film criticism over toxicity.
- Rawal highlighted the importance of emotional self-control for artists in the digital age.
Legendary Indian actor Paresh Rawal, known for his impeccable acting and outspoken personality, has recently reflected on his tumultuous relationship with social media. In a candid conversation, the veteran performer admitted that his tendency to engage in heated digital debates, particularly on Twitter (now X), has caused him significant distress. Rawal expressed deep regret for his past comments targeting author Arundhati Roy and film critic Anupama Chopra, acknowledging that his actions were often impulsive.
The Physical Toll of Digital Warfare
One of the most striking revelations from the interview was the impact of social media toxicity on Rawal's physical well-being. He disclosed that the constant engagement with negativity caused his blood pressure to spike. "I've almost stopped using Twitter because it was harming my health very badly," Rawal stated. He shared that his physician advised him to disconnect from news cycles and newspapers during sensitive hours to maintain mental and physical stability, highlighting a growing trend of 'digital burnout' among public figures.
Addressing the 'Miss Irrelevant' Controversy
The actor also revisited the backlash following his tweet directed at Anupama Chopra, where he labeled her "Miss Irrelevant" after her review of the film Dhurandhar. While Rawal stood by his belief that the film deserved more constructive discourse rather than mere dismissal, he admitted that the specific phrasing was "unwanted." He condemned the online abuse and threats that Chopra faced following his remarks, emphasizing that despite professional disagreements, decency and respect must be maintained toward fellow professionals.
A Lesson in Self-Control and Integrity
Beyond social media, Rawal touched upon his personal temperament, recalling an instance where he lost his cool during a live performance. He described his past outbursts as "idiotic" and stressed that an artist must possess mastery over their emotions and the surrounding circumstances. Driven by honesty rather than greed, Rawal's reflections serve as a profound commentary on the volatility of fame in an era where a single tweet can trigger a global storm of controversy and personal health crises.
