Arjun Bijlani, Neha Swami apologise over T-shirt with Urdu word 'Allah' after social media row

TV actor Arjun Bijlani and his wife Neha Swami have been in the news over a T-shirt. A row broke out on social media over the Urdu text on the T-shirt Neha wore. The shirt showed a cartoon character along with the word "Allah" in Urdu, after which Neha was accused of hurting religious sentiments. Following mounting criticism, Arjun and Neha clarified and apologised on social media.

The matter began when Arjun and Neha were recently seen with their son Ayaan. Neha was wearing a T-shirt and trousers. The cartoon character on the T-shirt and the Urdu text on it became a talking point online. Some netizens expressed anger because of the religious significance of the word, and Neha also faced trolling.

Clarifying on his Instagram story, Arjun said a fan had gifted him the T-shirt during a trip to Bangkok. He said the text was in Urdu, so he did not understand its meaning. The couple said they were unaware of the religious significance of the words when the shirt was worn.

Arjun and Neha issued a statement on social media apologising in the matter. They said Neha did not know the meaning or significance of the words on the T-shirt and that they had no intention of hurting the religious sentiments of any person or community. In the statement they said they respect all religions and faiths. They also wrote that they would never knowingly do anything that hurts anyone's feelings.

Along with the clarification, the couple expressed anger over the insulting comments, abuse and threats directed at Neha. They acknowledged that feelings can run high on religious issues, but said a lack of knowledge is no reason to harass or threaten anyone online.

Arjun and Neha appealed to everyone to handle the matter with sensitivity, empathy and mutual respect. They said that instead of spreading hatred or targeting Neha and her family, the situation should be resolved through dialogue.