Actor and model Aly Goni has been subjected to an intense trolling on social media by “nameless” and “faceless” people after he refrained from chanting “Ganpati Bappa Morya”. He has now reacted to the backlash, clarifying that such chants are “not allowed in Islam.” Goni also revealed that this was the first time he attended Ganpati celebrations.

But before we tell you what more has he said, let us take a look at the criticism that he has been receiving.

When photographers, during Ganpati celebrations at actor Ankita Lokhande’s house, chanted “Ganpati Bappa”, Goni didn’t say “Morya” like his girlfriend Jasmin Bhasin and friend Nia Sharma. He instead stood there in silence and kept on chewing gum while looking around awkwardly.

This behaviour triggered a section of Internet users, who accused him of being “disrespectful” and “hypocritical”.

Some even claimed that he wasn’t genuinely “secular” or tolerant of other religions.

Many people even pointed out the “irony” that he is in a relationship with a Hindu woman yet refuses to chant a religious slogan associated with her faith.

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‘Not allowed in my religion’

Goni, in a video posted by Filmygyan, explained that participating in religious chants is prohibited by his faith.

“I never understood that if I was in my thoughts, where I was, you know, I was thinking something, what I was doing, I never paid so much attention that this thing can become such a big problem,” Goni said.

He revealed, “And I have gone to Ganpati for the first time, you know, I don’t go, I never go,” before adding, “It’s not allowed in my religion, we don’t do pooja and all, right.”

The Yeh Hai Mohabbatein star further expressed that he respects other religions, but only follows the tenets of Islam.

“We have one believer, we read Namaz, we pray and respect each and every religion. I can’t say this, but it’s written in the Quran. We have to respect everybody and I do,” he further added.

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On viral burqa video

Goni even put an end to rumours that he pressures Jasmin to follow Islam, asserting that their relationship is built on trust and mutual respect and that he would never force her to do something.

“Jasmin has been with me for the last four years. If she does not want to observe Roza (fasting) or follow any other religious rituals, I will never force her,” he said, before stressing, “It is her own choice.”

He also said that Jasmin also doesn’t force him for anything.

The 34-year-old said that the video showing his girlfriend wearing burqa was recorded at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, where female visitors are required to wear an abaya. He clarified that Jasmine was accompanied by his sister and that they purchased the attire from a nearby shop before entering the mosque.