Telugu actress Faria Abdullah breaks silence after getting trolled for Hyderabad's Bonalu celebrations. Actress Lakshmi Manchu reacts

On Independence Day (August 15), Telugu actor Faria Abdullah broke down in an emotional social media video while responding to the trolling she faced over her participation in Hyderabad’s Bonalu celebrations. She attended the festivities at the Sri Mahankaleshwara Ammavari Temple in Miralam Mandi. Videos of the actress taking part in the traditional celebrations soon surfaced online, drawing both attention and criticism. Faria has now spoken about the backlash, sharing her views on faith, spirituality and why she continues to believe in love and peace.

Faria Abdullah gets trolled over Bonalu participation

Faria Abdullah, best known for her role in Jathi Ratnalu, participated in Bonalu celebrations in Hyderabad's Old City. She was seen carrying a traditional Bonam and joining the procession alongside Pothuraju performers at the temple.

The videos quickly went viral. While several people appreciated the actress for participating in the cultural festivities, some users questioned her religious identity and criticised her presence at the celebrations.


The backlash led Faria to address the issue through an emotional Instagram video. The actress broke her silence about the comments she had received and explained why she does not believe spirituality should be restricted by religious labels.

She also revealed more about her family background while responding to the criticism.

Faria talks about her interfaith family

Faria explained that her father, Sanjay Abdullah, was born into a Hindu family but later converted to Islam. According to the actress, her father chose Islam because he genuinely admired the religion and wanted to embrace it.

She said this meant she grew up seeing the positive side of Islam through her father's beliefs. Faria also pointed out that her upbringing exposed her to different ideas about spirituality and faith.

"What kind of an upbringing would I have had if someone is bringing me up with showing me all the good things about a religion because they loved it so much that they wanted to accept it? I've always seen the good about Islam. I really wish good things for you bro, actually."

The actress appeared particularly hurt by people who called her “kaafir” after seeing her participate in Bonalu. She said that despite the criticism, she did not want to respond with hatred and instead wished well for those who were targeting her.

Actress says she finds spirituality in everything

While speaking about her personal beliefs, Faria said, "Whoever is hating on me, whoever thinks that main wrong jaa rahi hoon, kaafir hoon, whatever you want to say, I wish well for you. I wish well for you. I see life in trees, I see life in rocks, I see life in butterflies; it's everything, and if that doesn't amaze you, if that doesn't make you believe more in God instead of taking you away from it, I'm sorry, my friend, you're missing out."

Faria also made it clear that she does not want to engage in a fight with people who disagree with her. Instead, she said she chooses to respond with love and goodwill.

The actress's emotional response has since drawn attention online. From celebs to fans, everyone showered love on her. Even actress Lakshmi Manchu came out in support and commented, "Shine Baby."

She described her decision to continue promoting love, unity and peace as her own form of rebellion. Faria's mother, Kausar Sultana, was born Muslim and later developed an interest in Hindu spirituality and meditation. The actress therefore comes from a family where different religious and spiritual influences have been part of her upbringing.