Veteran cricketer Harbhajan Singh issued an apology and deleted his viral ‘Tauba Tauba’ reel after being criticized by para-badminton star Manasi Joshi and various disability rights groups.
“We didn't want to hurt anyone's sentiments. We respect every individual and community. And this video was just to reflect to our bodies after playing continues cricket for 15 days. Sore bodies.. We are not trying to insult or offend anyone. Still if people think we have done something wrong…all I can say from my side is sorry to everyone. Please let's stop this here and move forward,” Harbhajan wrote on the social media.
Responding to his apology, Manasi Joshi wrote: Thank you for showing your sportsmanship and spirit by deleting (the video). Understand your intentions were not to hurt anyone."
What’s the controversy?
After winning the World Championship of Legends in Birmingham, Harbhajan Singh shared the now-deleted video with the caption: “Body ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi in 15 days legends cricket. Every part of the body is sore.”
Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina were seen limping while dancing to the viral Bollywood song “Tauba Tauba” in the video. However, Manasi Joshi lashed out at the cricket legends for ‘mocking’ the gait of handicapped people.
“Wanted more responsibility from the stars that you all are, please do not mock the gait patterns of people with disabilities. This isn’t funny. You don’t know how much harm your behaviour can do. The appreciation you’re getting from people around is appalling to see. This reel of yours is going to encourage that it is ok to make fun of the walking patterns of people with disabilities for a few laughs. More young children with disabilities will be bullied by using this reel. If any of you athletes would have done responsible community service in disability space area, you all would not have come up with this reel. I’m scared how the PR agencies of these athletes approved this reel for public platform,” she wrote.
