South Indian actress Priyamani, known for her stellar performances in films and web series, has always been in the spotlight. However, following her inter-religion marriage with Mustafa Raj, she faced an onslaught of online trolling and negative remarks. In a recent interview, Priyamani openly discussed the backlash she received after her marriage and how she handled the intense scrutiny on social media.
Priyamani and Mustafa Raj: A Love Story Beyond Religion
Priyamani got engaged to Mustafa Raj in 2016, and the couple tied the knot in a simple yet elegant wedding ceremony in Bengaluru in 2017. Their marriage, which should have been a moment of joy, was marred by criticism from certain sections of social media. Many users targeted Priyamani for marrying someone from a different religion, branding their union as “Love Jihad”—a term often used by right-wing groups to spread misinformation.
Despite the negativity, Priyamani and Mustafa stood firm, proving that love transcends barriers of caste, creed, and religion.
Facing Online Trolls: Priyamani’s Experience
Priyamani revealed that when she announced her engagement, she was excited to share the happy news with her fans and well-wishers. However, she was shocked by the hatred and toxicity that followed.
“When I shared my engagement news, I never expected such a reaction. Suddenly, people started spreading hatred, making baseless accusations, and bringing religion into our personal lives. It was deeply disturbing.”
Some trolls went as far as to make extreme and baseless claims, alleging that their future children would be forced into terrorism.
“People even said that our children would grow up to join ISIS. I was heartbroken reading such comments. It was beyond shocking how people could be so hateful towards someone they don’t even know.”
The actress admitted that initially, she was deeply affected by these comments. For the first few days, she felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of negative messages and threats she received.
How Priyamani Handled the Online Hate
Despite the harsh criticism, Priyamani made a conscious decision not to respond to the trolls.
“I never replied to any of them because I didn’t want to give them even a minute of my time or attention. Engaging with such negativity only fuels it further.”
She also noted that even today, whenever she posts pictures or videos with her husband, a majority of the comments focus on their religious backgrounds instead of their love and happiness.
Priyamani, however, refused to let these comments affect her marriage or her mental well-being. Instead, she chose to focus on her work and her personal happiness.
The Impact of Religious Bias in the Film Industry
While the film industry often promotes love, diversity, and inclusivity, Priyamani’s experience sheds light on the persistent biases and prejudices in society.
Many actresses who have married outside their religion—such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Dia Mirza, and Nargis Fakhri—have faced similar backlash. The level of scrutiny and hate speech directed at women in interfaith marriages is disproportionately higher compared to men.
Priyamani’s story highlights a larger societal issue, where women’s choices—especially in relationships—are often judged and criticized through a patriarchal and religious lens.
Priyamani’s Work and Future Projects
Despite the negativity surrounding her personal life, Priyamani has continued to flourish in her career.
She was recently seen in the Malayalam thriller “Officer On Duty”, which received critical acclaim. In 2023, she also played important roles in Bollywood films like “Maidaan” and “Article 370.”
Her upcoming projects include:
- “Jan Nayakan” – A highly anticipated political drama.
- A new web series, details of which are yet to be announced.
Priyamani remains a strong, fearless, and incredibly talented actress who refuses to let online hate affect her professional success.
Final Thoughts: Priyamani’s Powerful Message
Priyamani’s experience is a stark reminder of the toxicity and discrimination that still exist in the digital age. However, her grace, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to many.
“At the end of the day, it’s my life, my choice, and my happiness that matter. People will always have opinions, but that shouldn’t dictate how we live our lives.”
By choosing love over hate, silence over confrontation, and dignity over drama, Priyamani has proven that she is not just a remarkable actress but also a fearless woman who stands by her decisions without fear of judgment.
As she continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, Priyamani’s journey serves as a testament to the power of self-confidence, love, and resilience.
