Actor Mareena Michael Kurisingal has shared a heartfelt message thanking those who stood by her following her recent comments about actor and television presenter Pearle Maaney.Taking to social media, Mareena opened up on the support she has received over the past few days and said the issue was never about defeating another person. Instead, she described it as a process of healing and encouraging meaningful conversations.Mareena wrote, “This isn’t about winning. It’s about healing….To everyone who has ever been cyberbullied, mocked, silenced, or made to feel invisible for speaking your truth or simply for being genuine—this is for you And today, I feel seen.”Her latest statement comes after she publicly questioned Pearle Maaney’s handling of criticism related to the Jantar Mantar protest. Mareena had also criticised Pearle’s decision to disable the comments section on her social media posts and block users who disagreed with her views.
Mareena Michael says recognition isn’t the measure of a person’s worth
In her post, Mareena recalled a past interaction and said personal recognition should never define someone’s value. She also suggested that the present discussion gained attention because of how criticism was handled rather than because of individual popularity.She wrote, “You once told me, ‘I didn’t even know you existed.’ That’s okay. Recognition isn’t the measure of a person’s worth. And ironically, today we’re having this conversation because your own words made people pay attention—not to who I am, but to how you chose to respond. Sometimes, it’s not about who knew whom. It’s about who handled criticism with grace.”
Calls for responsibility from public figures
Mareena argued that people with large platforms should be prepared to face criticism and respond respectfully to differing opinions.She stated, “Public figures enjoy influence because the public gives it to them. That influence comes with responsibility. If you choose to speak on matters affecting society, you should also be willing to hear disagreement without labelling, mocking or personally targeting those who question you.”The actor also addressed the practice of deleting posts and blocking social media users.She wrote, “Deleting a post doesn’t erase the words that were written. Blocking critics doesn’t make criticism disappear. It simply creates an echo chamber where only praise is allowed. Leadership is not measured by how loudly you speak when everyone agrees with you. It is measured by how calmly and honestly you respond when people disagree.”
Actress says the issue is about accountability, not hate
Concluding her note, Mareena stressed that her intention was not to spread negativity or target an individual. Instead, she said she expects consistency and accountability from public personalities who use their platforms to shape public opinion.She concluded, “This is not about hate. It is not about bringing anyone down. It is about expecting consistency, accountability and respect from people who choose to use their platforms to influence public opinion. If your position is just, defend it with facts. Address the issue. Answer the questions. Don’t attack the person asking them. That is the difference between influence and integrity.”Meanwhile, on the professional front, Mareena Michael Kurisingal was most recently seen in ‘Kalinga’.
