Telugu actor Faria Abdullah broke down emotionally after facing severe online hate for participating in the Bonalu festival in Hyderabad. The Jathi Ratnalu actor, who comes from a Muslim background, was targeted by social media users who questioned her presence at the Hindu festival. Some even called her a “kafir” and accused her of going against her faith.
Faria took to Instagram on Independence Day with a video where she could not hold back her tears. She addressed the haters directly and shared details about her family background to explain why she chose to celebrate the festival. Her emotional response has now gone viral, drawing both criticism and support from fans and political groups.
What Happened at the Bonalu Festival
Faria attended the Bonalu celebrations on August 10, 2026 at the Sri Mahankaleshwara Ammavari Temple in Miralam Mandi, located in Hyderabad’s Old City. She wore traditional attire, carried a Bonam (a ceremonial food offering), and joined devotees in the festivities. Videos showed her dancing to dappu beats at the temple, which quickly spread across social media.
While many people appreciated her participation in the Telangana tradition, a section of online users attacked her for being a Muslim woman taking part in a Hindu festival. The criticism quickly turned into personal attacks and religious abuse. Some called her an “Islam traitor” and accused her of rejecting her own faith.
Faria Abdullah’s Emotional Response
In the video she shared on Instagram, Faria was seen crying while speaking about the hate she had been receiving. She began by explaining her family background. Her father, Sanjay Abdullah, was born Hindu and later converted to Islam because he connected with the religion.
“My dad is a converted Muslim bro. Do you understand what that means? He got converted to Islam because he liked the religion. 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.”
She made it clear that she does not wish harm on anyone, even those attacking her. She responded to those calling her a “kafir” with a message of peace.
“Whoever is hating on me, whoever thinks that main galat jaa rahi hoon, kafir hoon, whatever you want to say, I wish well for you, bro. I wish well for you.”
Finding Spirituality in Everything
Faria also shared her personal spiritual beliefs during the emotional video. She explained that she sees life and God in everything around her.
“I see life in trees, I see life in rocks, I see life in butterflies, in everything. If that doesn’t amaze you, if that doesn’t make you believe more in God instead of take you away from it. I’m sorry, my friend, you’re missing out.”
She said that if people cannot see magic or God in everything they meet, they are missing out on something important. The actor also spoke about how she was raised to respect both faiths because of her parents’ diverse religious journeys.
Her mother, Kausar Sultana, was born Muslim but later developed a deep interest in Hindu spirituality and meditation. Faria grew up in an interfaith household where both religions were respected.
Choosing Love Over Hate
Faria made it clear that the hateful comments would not change how she views people or religion. She described her decision to spread love despite the trolling as her personal rebellion.
“I pray for love, I pray for unity, I pray for peace, and I will do that because that’s my rebellion, that’s my revolution, bro. I want to be aggressive about my love. And I will be. I will send love to all of you, who are hating on me right now.”
She ended her video by sharing what the word “Allah” means to her. She recalled asking her mother about it as a child.
“When I was a kid, I asked my mom, what is this word, Allah? What does it mean? She said, it means light. It means it’s everything everywhere all at once. How can you exclude something from everything everywhere all at once?”
Political and Religious Groups React
The online trolling of Faria also drew reactions from political and religious organizations. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal condemned the attacks on the actress. He described the trolls as people with a “racial mindset” who lack respect for women.
“The online trolling gang and Ulemas passing comments have neither accepted the country, its traditions, nor Vande Mataram. Then how would they tolerate the participation of Muslim actresses in Hindu festivals or their visit to temples? They must understand that India is now changing and you will not be able to function for long with a radical mindset. At least respect women.”
Vishwa Hindu Raksha Parishad (VHRP) National Mahila President Yamuna Pathak also condemned the trolling. She called the attacks “vicious” and said targeting a woman for celebrating another community’s tradition is unacceptable.
“I strongly condemn the vicious trolling and the religious targeting of actress Faria Abdullah merely for participating in Bonalu and offering prayers at a temple. Bharat is governed by the Constitution, not by religious policy. Every citizen enjoys equality, dignity and freedom of conscience under articles 14, 19, 21 and 25…targeting or humiliating a woman for celebrating another community’s tradition is unacceptable.”
Support from Fans and Netizens
Following her emotional video, many netizens came out in support of Faria and condemned the personal attacks against her. Her sincerity and emotional breakdown touched many people. Several social media users praised her for standing up against hatred and promoting love and unity.
The incident has once again highlighted how social media criticism can cross the line when personal beliefs and religious identities become targets.
Related:
Who Is Faria Abdullah?
Faria Abdullah is a Telugu actor who was born and raised in Hyderabad. She comes from an Urdu-speaking Muslim family. Her father, Sanjay Abdullah, was born Hindu and later converted to Islam. Her mother, Kausar Sultana, was born Muslim but later developed an interest in Hindu spirituality.
Faria entered Telugu cinema with the film Jathi Ratnalu in 2021. She has since appeared in several movies including Ravanasura, Like, Share & Subscribe, Mathu Vadalara 2, and Kalki 2898 AD. She also has a Master’s degree in Journalism.
Upcoming Projects
On the work front, Faria will next be seen in Sigma, the directorial debut of Jason Sanjay, son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay. The film also stars Sundeep Kishan and is set to release in theatres on October 2, 2026. The film was postponed to avoid a clash with Vijay’s final film, Jana Nayagan.
Faria was last seen in Gaayapadda Simham earlier this year.
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more breaking news and updates from the world of entertainment.
Leave a Reply