Published Aug 16, 2026 | 4:44 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 16, 2026 | 4:45 PM
Actor Faria Abdullah at Bonalu festivities
Synopsis: Telugu actor Faria Abdullah has responded to online abuse after being called a “kafir” for taking part in Hyderabad’s Bonalu celebrations, saying her upbringing taught her to respect different faiths. Abdullah visited the Sri Mahankaleshwara Temple in Mir Alam Mandi, near Pathergatti, on 10 August, where she offered special prayers, carried a traditional bonam and joined the procession.
Telugu actor Faria Abdullah has responded to online abuse after she was called a “kafir” for taking part in Hyderabad’s Bonalu festivities earlier this month, saying her upbringing taught her to respect different faiths and see religion as a source of warmth rather than division.
The actor, known for films such as Jathi Ratnalu and Mathu Vadalara 2, visited the Sri Mahankaleshwara Temple in Mir Alam Mandi, near Pathergatti, on 10 August. She offered special prayers, carried a traditional bonam and joined the procession, dancing outside the temple to the beats alongside pothurajus and devotees.
Addressing the gathering at the temple, Abdullah spoke of her respect for Telangana’s culture of inclusivity and acceptance.
Videos of her participation were widely shared on social media, with many praising her for joining the Bonalu celebrations. A section of users, however, objected to her participation because she is Muslim and called her a “kafir”.
In a video posted on Instagram on Saturday, 15 August, Abdullah addressed the criticism and spoke about growing up in a multicultural household.
She said her father was born Hindu and converted to Islam later in life because he was drawn to the faith. Her household, she said, showed her the best side of Islam through “someone who had chosen it out of love rather than been born into it.”
She said that upbringing taught her to view faith as a source of warmth rather than division.
Abdullah has previously spoken about growing up in an interfaith household in Hyderabad and described the city’s everyday culture of coexistence as something she carries with pride.
Addressing those abusing her on social media, she said she held no ill will towards them and wished them well regardless of what they called her. She spoke of finding life and meaning in everything around her, from trees and rocks to butterflies and insects.
She said anyone who could not find the same sense of wonder in the world or in the people around them was missing out.
“I pray for love, I pray for unity, I pray for peace,” she said, describing that outlook as her own rebellion. She said she felt only love for those criticising her because she knew her own intentions were genuine.
Abdullah also recalled asking her mother as a child what the word “Allah” meant. Her mother told her it meant light, present in everything, everywhere, all at once. Abdullah said she saw no way to exclude anyone from a definition that was all-encompassing.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
