Bollywood actor Khushi Mukherjee found herself at the centre of an online storm after making remarks about Indian T20 cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav. The controversy began when a video from a media interaction went viral, leading to significant backlash from fans. Mukherjee has since provided a clarification, attempting to set the record straight on the nature of her association with the star cricketer.
The Viral Claim That Sparked Controversy
During a media interaction at an event, Khushi Mukherjee was asked by a reporter if she would ever consider dating a cricketer. Her response quickly became the talk of social media. She stated that she did not wish to date any cricketer and claimed that many had been trying to court her. Specifically, she named Suryakumar Yadav, alleging that he "used to message me a lot." She added in Hindi, "Abhi hamari zyada baat-cheet nahi hoti hai" (Now we are no longer in contact).
She further emphasized her desire to avoid any link-ups, saying, "I don't even want to get associated, and I don't like any link-ups with me. No more link-ups." This clip was widely shared across various social media platforms, drawing immediate and intense reactions, particularly from fans of the cricketer.
Khushi Mukherjee's Clarification and Backlash
Following the viral spread of her initial comments, Khushi Mukherjee gave another interview to News 24 to explain her stance. She downplayed her earlier statement, insisting that her relationship with Yadav was purely platonic. "There was nothing like that between us. We were only good friends and nothing more," she clarified.
She connected their communication to a period when Yadav was facing a rough patch in his cricket career. "He lost a match at that time, and it made me quite sad. That's all, there's nothing beyond this. Suryakumar Yadav was just my friend," Mukherjee explained. She also expressed frustration over the invasion of her privacy, hinting at past incidents where her private chats were accessed and shared without her consent.
The backlash was amplified by the fact that Suryakumar Yadav has been married to Devisha Shetty since 2016. Shetty is a constant presence in the stands during his matches, and Yadav frequently shares pictures with her on his official Instagram account. Fans were quick to defend the cricketer's personal life and character, criticising Mukherjee for making what they perceived as inappropriate and false claims.
Context and Fallout
This controversy emerges during a challenging phase in Suryakumar Yadav's professional life. As the T20 captain, he has been under immense pressure due to a string of low scores, putting his form under intense scrutiny. The added distraction of a personal controversy is unlikely to be welcome for the athlete, who has been working hard in the nets to regain his touch.
As of now, Suryakumar Yadav has not publicly commented on Khushi Mukherjee's statements or her subsequent clarification. The incident highlights the intense public and media scrutiny faced by both cricketers and film personalities in India, where off-hand remarks can quickly escalate into national news. The episode serves as a reminder of how quickly narratives can spread online and the lasting impact they can have on public perception.
