Please ban me, Kangana Ranaut tells "bikau" media
Days after Kangana Ranaut's spat with a journalist resulted in the media fraternity demanding an apology from the 32-year-old actor, Ranaut has refused to apologize. In a video tweeted by her sister and manager Rangoli Chandel, Ranaut said that although she has respect for Indian media, she refuses to apologize to a section of "liberal media" that she equated to "termites".
Section of media in our section functions like termites: Ranaut
In a composed manner, Ranaut addressed the Indian media in the video and said, "The media often boosted and inspired me. I have found extremely good friends and guide in the media." "But a section of media in our section functions like termites who are attacking our country's grace, honor, unity, and integrity and often spreads rumors," she added.
Ranaut maintained the journalist mocked her 'serious initiatives'
Ranaut reiterated her allegations against the journalist, Justin Rao, with whom she had an argument at a launch event for a song from her upcoming film Judgementall Hai Kya? She maintained that he mocked her "serious initiatives," adding people like him attend press conferences for free food. She said, "Please show me one article that you wrote! How can you call yourself a journalist?"
I have zero tolerance against anti-nationalists: Ranaut
Ranaut added, "I refused to answer his (Rao) question as I have zero tolerance against anti-nationalists. These three or four people formed a guild against me, I think it was formed yesterday. It does not even have any recognition."
Please ban me, asserts Ranaut
Further, speaking about the boycott, Ranaut said, "You people go crazy over Rs. 50-60. You guys will destroy me?" She asserted, "If pseudo journalists like you and the movie mafia were calling the shots, I wouldn't be the country's highest-paid actress. I ask you to please ban me, because I don't want food in your homes because of me."
Check out Ranaut's full statement here
Here's what happened between Ranaut and the journalist
For the uninitiated, at the song launch, Ranaut blasted a journalist (Rao) for running a "smear campaign" against her and dissing her previous release Manikarnika. Rao then said that Ranaut cannot "intimidate a journalist" which resulted in widespread criticism of Ranaut from the media fraternity.
Entertainment Journalists' Guild of India announced Ranaut's boycott on Tuesday
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Entertainment Journalists' Guild of India boycotted Ranaut and denied giving her media coverage, however, assured that the boycott would not extend to the film Judgementall Hai Kya? They also demanded a written, public statement, condemning Ranaut's behavior, from the film's producer Ekta Kapoor, her production banner Balaji Films, and the actor herself. Chandel had earlier maintained that Ranaut would not apologize.