Mahira Sharma founds herself in the eye of a storm when she put up a certificate on Instagram story claiming that she has received the ‘Most Fashionable Contestant Of Bigg Boss 13’ award at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Awards show. Soon after, the DPIFF officials lashed out against the actress stating that she has forged the certificate. This gave birth to a massive controversy.
Now, in an exclusive conversation with SpotboyE.com, the Bigg Boss 13 inmate addresses the whole situation.
How are you dealing with the entire Dadasaheb Phalke Award controversy?
Firstly, let me clear it wasn't an award that I received. It was just an appreciation certificate that was handed over not just to me but all the actors who were present there.
Apart from you, who all were there from Bigg Boss 13?
Rashami Desai, Shefali Bagga and Hindustani Bhau.
Have they also received the same certificate?
I think so. Because when I was leaving from the venue, I saw Rashami Desai's manager holding the certificate in her hand. In fact yesterday, Shefali Bagga shared picture with me of the same certificate that she has received but it doesn't have her name. I don't know about Bhau though.
Did you try to speak to them on this matter?
I did but Rashami told me she didn't take it. However, I saw Shefali speak about the controversy in one of her interviews and clarify that she too has received a similar certificate and she even spoke about me saying that nowhere have I mentioned that I have been awarded in this category so why am I being questioned. That's when I called and asked her to share a picture of the certificate that she received.
While posting the certificate on social media, didn’t you think twice as to why didn’t they give you the appreciation on-stage and instead did it back stage?
Nahi kyunki mere dil mein koi paap nahi tha. They did give me an award along with Rashami, Shefali and Bhau for Bigg Boss, the best reality show. But the certificate was given to me later as the organizers said they can’t call every person on stage and that left me upset. If it would have been an award show, I would have given it a thought but this was a certificate. Also, if you notice, I had just put the grabs of it without any words or caption.
Why were you leaving in anger?
I don't attend award functions usually and this time also when my manager Abhinav Tanwar asked me about this event, I first refused. But then, Parimal Mehta and Yash Naik who are with Purple Fox Media told my manager that I am receiving the Most Stylish Icon award and it would be great if I receive it. So I got ready. But when I reached there, they did call me along with Rashami, Shefali and Bhau to receive an award for Bigg Boss in the best reality show category but not for the award that I was promised. I was waiting for it and then I was told that they have time crunch so they would be giving the promised awards back stage. Not just me, but many actors present there walked out. Then, a person from their team called Yash Naik came near my car and apologized. He gave me this certificate on which my name and category (Most Fashionable Contestant Of Bigg Boss 13) was mentioned so I accepted it.
What does Parimal have to say on the whole matter?
He is going all out to support us. He has mailed them and accepted his mistake. He has apologised to me on social media and has also said he would be there when I need him.
But the award committee isn’t convinced and asking you to apologise...
Yes, they are asking me to apologise even after Parimal Mehta (third party) who is associated with them has accepted his mistake and taken complete responsibility by clearing the air that I was not at fault. Still they are issuing a statement, blaming me for things and asking me to apologise. Mahira kyun apologise kare? Jab kuch galat nahi kiya hai. Their post has tarnished my image and I have been dealing with consequences where I am at no fault. Still I am not asking DPIFF to say sorry to me. So why do they expect an apology from my side?
They have claimed that you have forged the certificate…
I shared the certificate on my Instagram story within an hour of receiving it. Being a celebrity with a good amount of fan following on social media, would I have the guts to even attempt something of this sort?
If you don't apologise, don’t you think the repercussions could lead you into legal trouble?
On what grounds will they take legal action? If their own person is accepting his mistake and saying Mahira has no role to play in it. If they want to find out who is behind all of this then they should ask everyone present at the award ceremony who has received this appreciation certificate to return it and apologise. Why only me? Let me tell you, there are many contestants who have received it but they won’t admit just to avoid the whole controversy.
The organizers also feel that you did this for publicity…
More than me, I think they are craving for the controversy. I have just come out of such a big reality show and the world knows me. Why do I have to do things to get publicity?
What are you planning next?
I am not planning to take any kind of action against them. With all due respect, I have shared my statement answering the allegations levied on me. But I am definitely not going to apologise for what I have not done. Honestly, I don’t want to put down their reputation as I respect their prestigious awards show. But what they are trying to do with me is also not right. It will be great if they go and find out the responsible person behind this rather than forcing me to give an apology. It will help them and me as well.
How much has this whole controversy affected you?
You won't believe how disturbed and hurt I am. Since the day it all has started I am not able to concentrate on my work. But I am trying to make myself stronger.
Are you receiving flak from your fans?
In that case, I am blessed as my fans and family have trust on me.
Will you take extra care before participating in any other show from now onwards?
I anyway used to avoid award functions and now I will definitely take extra care. There is only one award which I dream about and also have it tattooed on my body that’s the Filmfare Award. I’m sure one day I will win the black lady.
Image Source:-Instagram.com/officialmahirasharma