HYDERABAD: While Independence Day is traditionally observed as a celebration of freedom from the past, Tollywood actress Faria Abdullah utilized the occasion to advocate for a different kind of freedom: the freedom to love, embrace diverse faiths, and perceive divinity without boundaries. Addressing the heavy backlash and online trolling she faced for participating in Hyderabad’s Bonalu celebrations earlier in the week, Faria shared a tearful, emotional video message on Instagram centered on choosing love over hatred.
Faria’s Upbringing and Multicultural Background
In the video, Faria opened up about her family background to explain her outlook on religion. Discussing her father, Sanjay Abdullah, who was born Hindu before converting to Islam because of his admiration for the faith, she noted the unique perspective this provided. “What kind of an upbringing would I have had if someone is bringing me up with showing me all the good things about a religion because they loved it so much that they wanted to accept it,” she shared, adding that she has always viewed Islam and religion through a lens of love rather than conflict.
Her family heritage is deeply multicultural: her father converted to Islam, while her mother, Kausar Sultana, was born Muslim and later grew deeply inspired by Hindu spirituality and meditation. Discussing her childhood understanding of faith, Faria recalled asking her mother about the meaning of the word “Allah,” to which her mother replied that it means “light” and “everything everywhere all at once,” questioning how anything could be excluded from that omnipresence.
Addressing the Trolls and Choosing Love
Directing her message to those criticizing her for taking part in Bonalu, Faria responded with empathy rather than anger: “Whoever is hating on me, whoever thinks that mein wrong jariu kafir hoon whatever you want to say i wish well for you bro i wish well for you.” Explaining her worldview, she expressed that she finds wonder in nature, trees, and living things, noting that if such beauty does not deepen one’s belief in God, “you’re missing out.”
Asserting that divinity exists everywhere and in everyone, Faria stated that her form of rebellion and revolution is to pray for love, unity, and peace. “I want to be aggressive about my love and i will be i will send love to all of you who are hating on me right now because i know that my heart is true,” she emphasized, highlighting the gratitude and blessings she has experienced.
The Roots of the Backlash
The controversy began after Faria attended Hyderabad’s traditional Bonalu festivities on August 10, 2026, visiting the historic Sri Mahankaleshwara Ammavari Temple located at Miralam Mandi in the Old City. She participated enthusiastically in the celebrations and fulfilled a long-held childhood wish by carrying the traditional Bangaru Bonam. While many social media users applauded her for celebrating Telangana’s culture and inclusivity, a section of critics attacked her online simply because she was born into a Muslim family.
Previously, speaking on the podcast Ice Breaking With Isaac, Faria addressed why visiting temples and engaging in multi-faith celebrations feels completely natural to her. “For me, temples, holy places have always been sacred and because I have been brought up in a multi-cultural family, they invited me for Bonalu,” she explained, adding that she loved the vibrant energy and felt a deep connection to the cultural heritage. Acknowledging that her actions triggered a clash of perspectives due to differing religious texts and interpretations, Faria remained steadfast in her appreciation for her diverse cultural identity.
You can See the Faria video in her Instagram Page @fariaabdullah
