Kangana Ranaut: We didn't normalise lynching at any point

Defiant Kangana Ranaut sticks to her guns after being criticised for pro-majoritarian and anti-liberal remarks in a discussion with the Isha Foundation leader Sadhguru last week

No stranger to controversies, Kangana Ranaut found herself in the midst of yet another debate, courtesy her discussion with the Isha Foundation leader Sadhguru last week. In a conversation that has gone viral since, the actor was accused by many of justifying lynching and slamming liberals. "I stand by everything we spoke about," Ranaut tells mid-day, defending her stance on the discourse. "Spirituality is the need of the hour. The idea was to have a discussion on relevant issues. People are malnourished in this country, they have no access to education; their basic needs are not met. I think the so-called liberals are indulgent with an entitled world view."

Though a segment of the conversation had Ranaut saying that she was "heartbroken" at the lynchings, she also agreed with Sadhguru when he insinuated that those who debate over the violence "have not seen India" and "are living in cities and endlessly talking about these things". Ask her if it was an attempt to normalise cow vigilantism, and she retorts, "We didn't normalise lynching at any point. If a certain religion worships cows, you can't slaughter cows. I am vegan and I can't see raw meat. I can't be shamed for my choices. If it's a sentimental thing, why instigate people?"

Kangana Ranaut with Sadhguru. Pics/PTI

The actor further adds that one can't hurt people's sentiments under the garb of being a 'liberal'. "In a diverse nation like ours, one has to be considerate of people's emotions. Why is it hard for the so-called liberals to wrap their head around this? Being inconsiderate is not being liberal." Arguing the accusation that she is anti-liberal, Ranaut asserts that she does not share their idea of liberalism. "I am the most liberal person I know, but self-proclaimed liberals can't rattle me by trying to seek attention. Their agenda is to go against the Government, protest against the national anthem, but how are they standing up for the country? Our situation needs to be rectified by a strong set of ideals that can bring us out of the pit."

Another point of criticism was about Ranaut pandering to majoritarian politics. "The earlier Government played on dividing basis majority and minority because the latter sticks together and votes flock in. The truth is majorities run the risk of being wiped out by the minority-friendly governments. Governments can't be partial to either side. Our religions are beautiful, but we must subscribe to nationalism to bind us together. These self-proclaimed liberals are b***ardising nationalist sentiment."

Also read: Kangana Ranaut: Lynching in the name of cow heartbreaking

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