Mumbai, Dec 30, 2019: Bollywood filmmaker Farah Khan and actor Raveena Tandon have apologized to Cardinal Oswald Gracias, head of the Catholic Church in India, for allegedly hurting Christian sentiments in a television show.
At least three cases were filed against the duo and comedian Bharti Singh who took part in the Christmas eve show.
Farah earlier took to Twitter to apologize on behalf of entire team of Flipkart Video Original’s quiz show “Backbenchers” that she serves as the host. Flipkart Video has taken off the episode after the controversy erupted.
In a statement, the host-director said she along with Raveena paid a visit to Cardinal Gracias in Mumbai to tender an unconditional apology.
“His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias met us. We apologized and asked him to forgive our mistake and he very graciously accepted our apology. He also issued a statement on our behalf to end this matter,” Farah said.
Abraham Mathai, president of Indian Christian Voice, said the Christian community has accepted the apology tendered by Farah, Raveena and Bharti Singh.
“We appreciate Flipkart video and Walmart CEO for removing the episode off air. The Christian community expresses appreciation to Flipkart video and Mr Doug McMillon, the global CEO of Walmart for having considered our demands and sentiments.
“This evening Farah Khan and Raveena Tandon went in person to His Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias to tender a written and unconditional apology, which the Cardinal graciously accepted. I appeal to the Christian community in this nation who have been enraged by this whole episode to accept their apology in the true spirit of Christ,” Mathai said in a statement.
Farah on Monday took to Twitter to express her gratitude to the cardinal.
Farah Khan
✔
@TheFarahKhan
Blessed to get blessings from YOUR EMININCE CARDINAL OSWALD GRACIOUS.. whatever the circumstances , was fortunate to meet such a kind and pure soul.
“To err is human to forgive divine. Thank you, Your Eminence Cardinal Oswald Gracias for meeting us and accepting our heartfelt apologies and putting this unfortunate matter to rest,” her tweet read.
Bharti, who is out of the country, also apologized to the community for “hurting their sentiments.”
“From the bottom of my heart I would like to say Sorry to my Christian brothers and sisters for hurting their sentiments. Thank you Your Eminence Cardinal Oswald for personally hearing my apology in the voice note (as I’m not in the country) and forgiving me,” she tweeted.