Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s attempt at witticism on Sunday backfired, after he tried to play on newly-crowned Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar’s surname, comparing it to ‘loose change’.
“What a mistake to demonetise our currency! BJP should have realised that Indian cash dominates the globe: look, even our Chhillar has become Miss World!,” Tharoor tweeted.
‘Chillar’ is the Hindi word for ‘loose change.’
His remark came under fire from many on Twitter, including veteran actor Anupam Kher, who asked him why he had “fallen so low.”
While several Twitter users slammed his comments, one asked him why he was “demonatizing his own value!(sic).”
Another attempted to educate him about the community Manushi belongs to, informing him that it was a “brave community (Jats),” and asked him to refrain from making fun of it.
In what may be perceived as possible damage control, Tharoor later put out a tweet appreciative of Manushi.
“What a terrific answer by this bright young woman — a real credit to Indian values! #missworldmanushi,” he tweeted, referring to her answer in the final round of the competition.
When asked which profession in the world deserved the highest salary and why, Manushi had said, “Since I am very close to my mother, I believe a mother deserves the highest respect. When you talk about salary, I don’t think it’s just about cash, but it’s the love and respect you give to someone. I think my mom has always been my biggest inspiration; mothers sacrifice so much for their kids. It is certainly that one profession which deserves the highest salary, the highest respect and love.”
Within a few hours of his first tweet, Tharoor took to Twitter again, this time to clarify that “no offence was meant” to Manushi. He also asked people to “chill.”
“Guess the pun IS the lowest form of humour, & the bilingual pun lower still! Apologies to the many who seem to have been righteously offended by a light-hearted tweet today. Certainly no offence was meant to a bright young girl whose answer i’ve separately praised. Please: Chill!,” he wrote.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Chhillar, and praised her for making the country proud. “Congratulations @ManushiChhillar! India is proud of your accomplishment,” the Prime Minister wrote on Twitter.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah tweeted, “Heartiest Congratulations to the Indian daughter Manushi Chhillar for conquering the world and making India proud on being crowned as #MissWorld2017.”
Minutes after the results were announced, the Chief Minister of Chhillar’s home-state Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar, took to Twitter and said, “Congratulations to Manishi Chillar, daughter of Haryana, on becoming Miss World 2017.”
Haryana Minister Vipul Goel also expressed pride over her victory. “Haryana girls making India proud around the world. Many congratulations to @ManushiChhillar for becoming 6th Indian to win Miss World 2017. We all are proud of you.
“Congratulations to Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar on her achievement. Our young achievers make us proud. India’s future lies in the indomitable spirit & excellence of our youth,” Gandhi tweeted.
20-year-old medical student from Haryana, Chhillar, won the coveted crown at a grand event in China yesterday, bringing to an end the country’s dry spell of 17 years at the top pageant contest.
Aishwarya Rai had bagged the title in 1994, followed by Diana Hayden in 1997, Yukta Mookhey in 1999 and Priyanka Chopra in 2000.
She edged out four other top contestants from England, France, Kenya and Mexico at the event, which saw participation from over 100 countries.
Chhillar is the sixth Indian to win the coveted crown, which was first won by Reita Faria back in 1966.
