Mandira Bedi Trolled Brutally For Husband's Funeral, Women Colleagues Back Her

Mandira Bedi funeral trolling: In the early hours of June 30, filmmaker Raj Kaushal passed away following a cardiac arrest in Mumbai. His wife, actor-anchor Mandira Bedi, actively partook in his final rites, leading the bier he lay on.

As photos from the funeral did rounds on social media, trolls began picking on Bedi for performing Kaushal's last rites. Hindu traditionalists pointed out Bedi, being a woman, should not have been allowed to participate in funeral rituals. The 49-year-old was also criticised for her choice of clothes on the day, a simple white tee and denim jeans. Read an opinion here.

Several women colleagues of Bedi from the film and television industry have come forward on social media to defend her from the massive trolling she is being subjected to.

Mini Mathur, Sona Mohapatra And Others Criticise Mandira Bedi Funeral Trolling

Television presenter and actor Mini Mathur expressed it made her sick that "people are having a field day trolling a grieving woman for performing last rites..." Though netizens are offering various arguments for why women shouldn't participate in funeral rituals, many have pointed out that ancient texts contain no such restrictions.

Makes me sick that people are having a field day trolling a grieving woman for performing last rites on her husband instead of asking a stranger or her tiny kid. Or for not having the time to dress the way THEY imagine grieving women should dress. Fools!! Applaud her strength!

— Mini Mathur (@minimathur) July 3, 2021

Singer Sona Mohapatra, who is vocal about women's rights and issues, too hit out at Bedi's trolls,

That some people are still commenting on Mandira Bedi’s dress code or choice to carry out her husband Raj Kushal’s last rites shouldn’t surprise us. Stupidity is more abundant than any other element in our world after all ..

That some people are still commenting on Mandira Bedi’s dress code or choice to carry out her husband Raj Kushal’s last rites shouldn’t surprise us. Stupidity is more abundant than any other element in our world after all ..

— Sona Mohapatra (@sonamohapatra) July 2, 2021

Dancer Mukti Mohan, on Instagram stories, shared a photo of Bedi carrying the earthen pot and Kaushal's bier, and wrote, "Women are half of humanity, half of humanity has remained undignified, uneducated, deprived of freedom, we've hampered and handicapped ourselves... and if we are in misery then who is to be blamed?"

Shweta Tiwari, television star, also wrote on Instagram, "@MandiraBedi we are with you and proud of you for expressing your love freely!"

Many women too offered Bedi support on Twitter, lashing out at the outrage against her choices. Read some reactions here: 

Who are the idiots judging Mandira Bedi performing last rites for her husband. It's her wish and what she wears is her choice.I wore trousers for my husband's funeral and dressed the way he liked to always see me.That's very special kind of genuine love for someone very dear.

— Geeta Madhavan (@GeetaMadhavan) July 2, 2021

People outraging about what Mandira Bedi wore to her husband's last rites, you are SICK. You are trying to bring down a super courageous woman, who battled tremendous grief with such grace.
You are rotten souls.

— Devlina (@AarKiBolboBolo) July 2, 2021

Mandira Bedi being trolled for not wearing "appropriate clothes" for her husband's funeral, for carrying out his last rites reminds of Rhea Chakraborty's first interview appearance after Sushant's demise. She was "smiling too much for a grieving lady". What has changed?

— Garima (@j_garima_j) July 1, 2021

Women are not spared trolling even in times of grief. When does the policing end? All I see in the picture is a brave woman who just lost her life partner. 💔 #MandiraBedi pic.twitter.com/rjXBaeBpox

— Vasundhara Tankha (@VasundharaTankh) July 2, 2021

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