Actor Siddharth has issued an apology to Saina Nehwal over his "inappropriate" tweet against the badminton player and said he never intended to attack her as a woman with his "joke".
On Monday, the actor received widespread backlash on Twitter for his reply to the Olympic bronze medallist's tweet on the alleged lapse in the security of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Punjab visit.
In an open letter published on Twitter late Tuesday evening, the "Rang De Basanti" star said even though he may disagree with Nehwal's views, his tone of the tweet cannot be justified.
"Dear Saina, I want to apologise to you for my rude joke that I wrote as a response to a tweet of yours, a few days ago. I may disagree with you on many things but even my disappointment or anger when I read your tweet, cannot justify my tone and words. I know I have more grace in me than that.
"As for the joke... If a joke needs to be explained, then it wasn't a very good joke to begin with. Sorry about a joke that didn't land," he said.
The 42-year-old actor wrote he is a "staunch feminist" and would never say anything to a woman with a "malicious intent".
Siddharth hoped that the badminton star would accept his apology.
"I, however, must insist my word play and humour had none of the malicious intent that so many people from all quarters have attributed to it. I am a staunch feminist ally and I assure you there was no gender implied in my tweet and certainly no intent to attack you as a woman.
"I hope we can put this behind us and that you will accept my letter. You will always be my Champion. Honestly, Siddharth," he added.
Saina on Wednesday said she is happy that actor Siddharth issued a public apology for his unsavoury remarks on her after she raised concerns about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security breach recently.
Saina said she is glad that he acknowledged that.
"He only said it and he is now apologising. I was surprised to see myself trending on Twitter that day. I haven't spoken to him but I am happy that he apologised," she said on the sidelines of the ongoing India Open here.
"See, it is about women, he shouldn't target a woman like that but it's okay, I am not bothered about it, I am happy in my space and god bless him," she added.
After Saina posted her tweet on PM's security breach, Siddharth had tweeted, "Subtle cock champion of the world Thank God we have protectors of India (sic)."
Following strong criticism on social media for his comment, Siddharth said that "nothing disrespectful was intended".
Siddharth (right) Twitter: @Actor_Siddharth
The National Commission for Women (NCW) had asked Twitter India to immediately block the actor's account as it claimed the comment was misogynistic, outraged the modesty of a woman, amounted to disrespect and insulted the dignity of women.
NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma had also written to the Maharashtra DGP to investigate the matter and register an FIR against Siddharth.
