Telugu actor Faria Abdullah has responded emotionally after facing online criticism over her participation in Hyderabad’s Bonalu celebrations, saying that she continues to believe in love, unity and peace.
Telugu actor Faria Abdullah, best known for Jathi Ratnalu, recently addressed social-media criticism following her participation in the Bonalu celebrations in Hyderabad.
The actor shared an emotional video on Instagram in which she spoke about her personal understanding of faith, her family background and the online comments directed at her after she took part in the festivities.
Rather than responding to the criticism with hostility, Faria said she wanted to continue choosing love, unity and peace.
Faria Abdullah participates in Bonalu celebrations
Faria took part in the Bonalu celebrations at Sri Simhavahini Mahankali Temple in Hyderabad’s Old City on August 9.
Videos from the event showed the actor carrying a traditional Bonam and participating in the procession alongside Pothuraju performers.
Bonalu is an important Telangana festival dedicated to Goddess Mahankali, with celebrations taking place across Hyderabad and other parts of the state.
Faria’s participation subsequently became a subject of discussion online, with some social-media users questioning her religious identity.
Actor responds emotionally to online criticism
Following the backlash, Faria posted a video addressing the comments she had received.
The actor appeared emotional while explaining that her understanding of religion had been shaped by her upbringing and by exposure to different perspectives.
She also responded to people who questioned her religious identity and used the term “kaafir” against her.
Faria explained that her father, according to her account, converted to Islam after being raised in a Hindu family.
“My dad is a converted Muslim bro. Do you understand what that means?” she said while explaining how her family environment exposed her to different religious ideas.
She added that she had always been able to see positive aspects of Islam because of the way she was raised.
Faria says she sees spirituality in the world around her
The actor went beyond discussing her family background and described her own spiritual outlook.
Responding to those who criticised her, Faria said she did not wish them harm and instead wanted them to experience the same sense of wonder she finds in nature and everyday life.
“I see life in trees, I see life in rocks, I see life in butterflies,” she said.
For Faria, spirituality is not confined to one particular setting. Her comments suggested that she finds a sense of connection and wonder in the natural world and in the people around her.
“I pray for love; I pray for unity; I pray for peace”
Towards the end of the video, Faria explained how she wanted to respond to the controversy.
“I pray for love; I pray for unity; I pray for peace,” she said.
She described that approach as her form of “rebellion” and “revolution”.
The message marked a clear departure from the confrontational tone often associated with social-media controversies. Instead of directing further criticism at those who had targeted her, Faria said she wished them well.
Faria’s interfaith family background
Faria has spoken about growing up in an interfaith family, which has influenced how she views religion and spirituality.
Her father, Sanjay Abdullah, was born into a Hindu family and later converted to Islam, according to the information shared in the actor’s response.
Her mother, Kausar Sultana, was born Muslim and has also been described as having an interest in Hindu spirituality and meditation.
This family background forms an important part of the context behind Faria’s comments about experiencing different religious traditions.
The Bonalu controversy highlights a larger social-media debate
Faria’s response also raises a broader question about how public figures are treated when they participate in cultural or religious events.
Bonalu is deeply connected with the cultural identity of Telangana, particularly Hyderabad, and attracts participation from people across different backgrounds.
For Faria, taking part in the celebrations became an opportunity to engage with a tradition she encountered in her home city. The subsequent online criticism prompted her to explain that her spiritual outlook is shaped by a broader understanding of faith.
Her response ultimately centred on coexistence rather than confrontation.
Faria Abdullah’s message remains focused on peace
The actor’s emotional video was not simply a response to a social-media controversy. It also offered a glimpse into how she understands religion, spirituality and identity.
Faria made it clear that she did not want to respond to criticism with hatred.
Her repeated message was one of goodwill: love, unity and peace.
For an actor whose public image has largely been associated with her work in Telugu cinema, the episode has brought attention to another side of her personality and beliefs.
