I am hurt, shocked but not out: Gauahar Khan on slap attack

Reality TV star Gauahar Khan, who was slapped by an audience member for wearing a short dress while shooting a reality show India's Raw Star, said on Tuesday that she was "hurt and shocked" by the attack but the incident has made her stronger.

The attack happened on Sunday while Gauahar was hosting the finale of India's Raw Star. An audience member slapped her during the break of the show. He said that being a Muslim woman, the actress should not have worn a short dress.

The Bigg Boss star thanked her family and Bollywood for supporting her. "I thank my family, friends, fans, media, TV industry and film industry for all the love and support. I assure you all that I am hurt but not out. I am shocked but more determined. I felt injured but stronger than ever," Gauahar told reporters in Mumbai. The actress hopes the man, identified as Mohammed Akil Mallick (24) and currently in police custody, will get punished for his violent behaviour.

"This loser doesn't represent my beautiful faith which in itself means peace and submission. He apparently attacked me because I am an actress. He wanted to send out his warped message. I am using the same status to appeal to all women to stand against such acts."

Gauahar said despite her shock she did not let the incident spoil the finale of the show and completed her shoot. "I feel that pain of all women who go through any such attacks in the name of moral policing... I know this man does not represent the youth of India because the coward was outnumbered by the young boys who were outraged by his cowardly attack on me," she said.