Sexist comment row: Siddharth apologies to Saina; says she'll always be his champion

Actor Siddharth has been under fire for making sexist comments against badminton champion Saina Nehwal. He has drawn a lot of flak on the internet from his tweet.

Parupalli Kashyap, the husband of Saina, also took to Twitter, saying he was not expecting such a comment from a celebrity.

"Dear Saina, I want to apologize to you for the 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 in the letter.

"I, however, must insist my wordplay and humor 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 said.