MUMBAI: Aping a hook step from a recently-released Bollywood movie and sharing it on social media has spoiled the celebration party for India’s 2011 World Cup heroes.
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh on Monday apologised on social media after he and India’s other 2011 World Cup heroes Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina were slammed by India’s Paralympic community for posting a celebration dance video following the India Legends team’s World Championship of Legends triumph, beating Pakistan by five wickets in the final in Birmingham on Sunday.
Posting a lengthy apology on ‘X’ on Monday after deleting the video, Harbhajan wrote: “Just wanted to clear to our people who are complaining about our recent videos of Tauba Tauba on social media after winning the championship here in England. We didn’t want to hurt anyone’s sentiments. We respect every individual and community, and this video was just to reflect to our bodies after playing continuous cricket for 15 days. SORE bodies…we r not trying to insult or offend anyone.. still if people think we hv done something wrong.. All I can say from my side SORRY to everyone..plz let’s stop this here and move forward. Stay happy and healthy. Love to all. Regards.”
“I spoke to Harbhajan yesterday, and expressed that the entire differenty-abled community was feeling hurt and disappointment with his video, especially as he has been a supporter of differently-abled sports in the past, and I told him that it wasn’t expected from someone of his stature. He immediately apologised and promised to me that he and the others will delete this video, and I’m glad that he kept his promise,” DCCI (Differently abled Cricket Council of India) general secretary Ravi Chauhan told TOI.
“I’m sure that our cricketing superstars didn’t intend to hurt anybody’s sentiments. Making mistakes is human nature, but the ability to accept a mistake in time and correct it is what differentiate men from the boys,” he added.
In the controversial video on Instagram, the former India star cricketers were dancing to the viral number ‘Tauba Tauba’ from the newly-released Bollywood movie Bad Newz.
However, the celebration did not sit well with the Indian Paralympic community, and following heavy criticism, the trio deleted the video.
In the video, Yuvraj, Harbhajan and Raina were seen limping and holding their backs to show the physical toll taken by the matches on their bodies. “Body ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi in 15 days legends cricket… Every part of the body is sore. Straight competition to our brothers @vickykaushal09 @karanaujla our version of Tauba Tauba dance. What a SONG,” the caption of the video read.
However, the dance video did not go down well with Indian para-swimmer Shams Aalam, who felt that the former India cricketers made fun of the disabled community, as termed the act as “unacceptable.” Aalam posted on Instagram: “Harbhajan, Yuvraj and other respected team members. We understand that body pain after events or practice but the way you guys are expressing it on social media is making fun of disabled community which is not acceptable. I know my comments will not affect you and your team members but imagine if something happens like this with one of your close one. Will you still express your pain in this way? We all respect you guys. Hopefully, you guys will understand and act accordingly.”
Paralympic India called the trio’s video as “disgusting and insensitive.” “Behavior is disgusting & insensitive. As Star celebrity cricket players have a responsibility to set a positive example. but mimicking the movements of individuals with disabilities, using derogatory gestures & making fun of their physical limitations. Mocking disabilities is not just a joke – it is a form of discrimination. It is time for them to apologize for their actions.”
