Dharmendra calls Vinesh Phogat ‘a brave daughter of the soil’ day after wife Hema Malini’s ‘important to keep weight in check’ remark

Sharing a photo of Vinesh from Olympics 2024, Dharmendra captioned his Instagram post: “Darling daughter Vinesh, we are extremely sad to hear the news. You are a brave adventurous daughter of the soil. We love you and always pray for your health and happiness. Be happy healthy and strong for your family and your loving people.”

 

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A post shared by Dharmendra Deol (@aapkadharam)

Vinesh’s disqualification brought messages of support and reactions from Indians. One of them being the 77-year-old BJP leader Hema Malini. During an interaction with the media, the actress said, “It is very surprising, and it feels strange that she was disqualified for being 100 gm overweight. It is important to keep the weight in check. It is a lesson for all of us. I wish she should lose that 100 gm quickly but she would not get an opportunity.”

Hema Malini’s statement didn’t go down well with the netizens who slammed the actress for her remarks. She later backtracked and took to her Instagram handle to share a post. “Vinesh Phogat, the whole nation rallies behind you! You are our heroine of this Olympics. Do not lose heart – you are meant for great achievements and you have a bright future ahead of you! Just carry on bravely,” she wrote.

 

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A post shared by Dream Girl Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhemamalini)

However, this too was criticised by many who commented on her post and said, “We all saw your comments. No need to act nice after receiving criticism.”

On Thursday, Vinesh Phogat, 29, announced her retirement from wrestling. In an emotional post, Vinesh wrote, “Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness.”

माँ कुश्ती मेरे से जीत गई मैं हार गई माफ़ करना आपका सपना मेरी हिम्मत सब टूट चुके इससे ज़्यादा ताक़त नहीं रही अब।

अलविदा कुश्ती 2001-2024 🙏

आप सबकी हमेशा ऋणी रहूँगी माफी 🙏🙏

— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 7, 2024

At The Indian Express’ Idea Exchange, Vinesh Phogat talked about her bond with her mother, “Our relationship is stronger than the bond between friends. She was about 32 when she became a widow. She struggled for us and made us big wrestlers.”