Faria Abdullah breaks down, hits back at religious trolling over Bonalu

Telugu actress Faria Abdullah broke down in an Instagram video on Independence Day after facing religious abuse for taking part in Bonalu celebrations at the Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Temple in Hyderabad’s Old City on August 9. Times Now reports that she danced to drumbeats and offered Bonam, drawing devotees’ attention, but some users called her a 'kafir' and questioned her participation in a Hindu festival because of her Muslim background.

Faria, whose Hindu father converted to Islam, said through tears that she grew up seeing only the positive side of Islam. She told trolls she wished them well even as they labelled her a kafir. Deccan Chronicle quotes her saying she sees divinity in trees, rocks and butterflies, and that recognising God in everything should unite people, not divide them.

She called her response a 'rebellion' and a 'revolution' rooted in love and peace. Recalling a childhood conversation, she said her mother told her Allah means light, adding that something representing everything cannot be used to exclude others. She concluded by saying she would keep sending love to those who hate her.