Yuzvendra Chahal And Taniya Chatterjee Row: Actress Hits Back, Calls Defamation Notice ‘Baseless’ Over ‘Cute’ Remark

Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, whose international career is believed to be nearing its end, has reportedly sent a defamation notice to actress Taniya Chatterjee following the resurfacing of some of his old messages.

The amount mentioned in the notice has not been disclosed so far. It is being speculated that Chahal may have taken this step to exert pressure on the actress.

Breaking her silence on the matter, Taniya Chatterjee spoke to OneIndia Hindi, calling the notice "absurd" and firmly presenting her side. She stated that sending a notice would not change anything and that her lawyers would respond appropriately. Here are the excerpts.

Q: Where did this controversy begin, and what was the actual meaning behind your message?

Taniya Chatterjee: Calling someone "cute" is not a crime. It was simply a normal compliment, which he (Chahal) misinterpreted. I only shared my thoughts, but it was presented as though I had done something wrong. I fail to understand how the word "cute" can be problematic. I certainly didn't say anything inappropriate.

Q: There are reports that you were pressured to delete the video. How true is that?

Taniya Chatterjee: Yes, his PR team gave the matter a misleading spin. I was pressured to delete the video, but I clearly refused. If I have done nothing wrong, why should I back down? I stand by what I said and am presenting my side honestly.

Q: You have received a defamation notice. How do you view it?

Taniya Chatterjee: Honestly, I find the idea quite ridiculous. How can a compliment amount to defamation? Even top celebrities compliment each other nowadays. Many well-known personalities call me "hot"-should I file defamation cases against all of them? My lawyers will respond to the notice legally. For now, I will not disclose the amount mentioned in it.

Q: You are facing significant trolling on social media after this controversy. How are you dealing with it?

Taniya Chatterjee: That's the irony. He has sent the notice, yet I am the one being defamed. People are trolling me and insulting me. It is often seen that in such situations, people side with the man. This has always been the case in a male-dominated society.

Q: Finally, what would you like to say to Chahal regarding this matter?

Taniya Chatterjee: He should focus on his game rather than such controversies. This entire episode has given him plenty of publicity. He has been dropping catches on the field-so is he taking out that frustration on me? I was also upset, which is why I spoke out. People should learn to take compliments positively. I am focused on my work, including music videos, and he should focus on his as well.