Should Not Discourage Women: Kangana on Rani’s #MeToo Comments

Rani Mukerji received severe backlash for her statements.

Kangana Ranaut has weighed in on Rani’s comments on #MeToo

(Photo Courtesy: Yogen Shah; IANS)

Actor Rani Mukerji recently found herself at the receiving end of strong social media backlash for her comments on India’s #MeToo movement.

In an interview with film critic Rajeev Masand, the actor said, “I think as a woman, you have to be that powerful within yourself, you have to believe that you're so powerful that if you ever come into a situation like that you have the courage to say 'back off.' I think you have to have the courage to be able to protect yourself.” She also went on to state that women should take responsibility for themselves and that martial arts training should be made compulsory in schools. Many criticised Rani’s comments calling them ignorant and problematic.

When asked for her take on Rani’s statement in an interview with Times Now, Kangana Ranaut said,

People who need support, who need to be empowered, we must empower but agar Rani Laxmi Bai jaise ladkiyan agar humari society humein de sakti hai toh why not, unko discourage nahi karna chahiye. If they are strong women, we should not discourage women. I was 16-years-old when I filed my first FIR against sexual assault so there are people who can stand up for themselves, they shouldn’t be discouraged.  

Kangana Ranaut, Actor

Kangana Ranaut will be seen in the role of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi in upcoming film Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi, which will hit theatres on 25 January.

(With inputs from Times Now)