Shia Muslims across the globe are mourning the untimely death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed amid the ongoing conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran. Missiles continue to be intercepted over Dubai and parts of Iran. On Sunday, news of Khamenei's death sent shockwaves among his supporters. While reactions on social media have been mixed, Shia Muslims in several Indian states are grieving, with protests reported on the streets. Some demonstrators have criticised US President Donald Trump and Israel for the killing. On the other hand, videos circulating online show some Iranian women celebrating and lighting cigarettes in apparent defiance.
Bigg Boss 19 runner-up Farrhana Bhatt mourns Khamenei's death
Speaking to Instant Bollywood, she said, "Woh ek aisi shaksiyat hai, jinko kabhi bhulaya nahi jaa sakta. He will be alive in our hearts, and definitely Allah unki shahadat qabool kare. Kashmiri jitne bhi log hai bahot hi iss chiz se jhulas chuke hai, dil dahal chuka hai sabka (He is a personality who can never be forgotten. He will remain alive in our hearts, and may Allah accept his martyrdom. Many Kashmiris have been deeply affected by this, and it has shaken everyone's hearts)."
She added, "You will not believe, sehri ke baad main bilkul soyi nahi hoon. Aaj maine namaz padhi toh I was so sad because this should not have happened. Kaafi logon ke liye woh ek messiah the. Definitely, woh hamare dil mein zinda rahenge (You won't believe it. I haven't slept at all after Sehri. When I prayed today, I felt very sad because this shouldn't have happened. For many people, he was a messiah. He will remain alive in our hearts."
However, netizens were not pleased with Farrhana's remarks.
One user commented, "Farrhana, I kindly request you not to comment on such serious matters without knowing the full truth. Many innocent people suffered, and their voices were silenced. Several young girls were also brutally assaulted. This isn't about religion; it's about humanity. Please don't speak just for attention, especially when you're not in touch with those who are actually suffering in Iran. Let's speak responsibly and with compassion."
Another user wrote, "Then why isn't she wearing a burqa?"
Meanwhile, actor Elnaaz Norouzi, an Iranian working in Indian cinema, is among those who welcomed Khamenei's death. Hours after the news broke, she shared a report about the assassination on Instagram Stories and wrote, "This is the most incredible news for us. The news we've been waiting for for 47 years has arrived. Khamenei is dead. God is greatest."
On Sunday, she posted a series of Instagram Stories highlighting alleged human rights violations in Iran during Khamenei's rule. She also shared videos discussing the "revolution" in Iran and one where she danced with the caption: "When lefties disagreed with me, and now they know I am right."
Work front
After Bigg Boss 19, Farrhana was recently seen in the music video Yahin Guzaar Doon alongside Amaal Mallik. She began her career with a small role in Laila Majnu and later had a blink-and-miss appearance in Singham Again.
Who is Elnaaz?
Elnaaz, born in Tehran, moved to Germany as a child and started her career as a model and actor in Europe during her teenage years. In 2017, she made her acting debut in a Pakistani film before appearing in the two seasons of Sacred Games (2018–19). She has since featured in shows such as Abhay, Made in Heaven and Hai Junoon, and films including Jugjugg Jeeyo and Mastii 4. In 2023, she made her Hollywood debut in Kandahar alongside Gerard Butler and Ali Fazal. She currently appears as a co-host on Wheel of Fortune with Akshay Kumar.
