Ridhi Dogra: If trolls express themselves, why can’t I

Actors Raqesh Bapat and Shamita Shetty announced their split a while ago, leaving fans heartbroken. While some respected the decision, others took it upon themselves to blame it on Bapat’s ex-wife, actor Ridhi Dogra. Amid the trolling, Dogra had taken to Twitter to call out those “spreading negativity”.

The post in question read, “Ok guys. I’m seeing the nonsense being spewed towards me for absolutely no reason coz of Raq. Well he has been my friend before, during and post our marriage and I stand by all my friends and wish them well in whatever they decide for themselves.”

Now, the Asur actor finally speaks out about the entire incident, and if incidents like these have a negative impact on her mental health and whether she is affected when her name is dragged into matters with which she has no connection. “I don’t take seriously what trolls say, and I didn’t take it that badly back then, because I understand that I’m in the public domain,” she shares. The reason Dogra shared the post was that “if they can express themselves, why can’t I? Whatever you think of me, I can’t come to your house and sit you down and ask what the problem is. If you have the right to express yourself, I do too. But once I was finished, I didn’t give it much thought,” she explains.

Dogra believes trolling is something she is well aware of as a celebrity who is very active on social media. “It is not surprising, the things that happen to everyone every day. Anyone who is in the public eye is vulnerable. So, once I posted my feelings, I knew they would also be trashed by the public. And I was fine with it,” she says, adding, “Strong people are strong for a reason: they don’t look at what holds them back. I won’t be smiling if I start looking down. And it’s not just the trolls. There are numerous factors in life that work against you. Things don’t always go as planned. And I believe that you should not take everything personally.”