Bollywood actress and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut appeared before a Bathinda court on Monday in connection with a defamation case filed against her by Mahinder Kaur, the elderly woman whose image Kangana had shared during the farmers’ protest in 2020, comparing her to a Shaheen Bagh protester.
Kangana expressed regret over the controversy, stating that her comments were misunderstood. Speaking to the media outside the court, she said, “I feel very good to be in Bathinda. I never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments. There has been a misunderstanding. Bebe Mahinder Kaur became a victim of confusion. Still, I apologise to her as I never meant any disrespect.”
Kangana also clarified that she respects the farmers and their contribution to the nation, adding that she never imagined the matter would escalate to this extent.
The Bathinda police had made tight security arrangements around the court complex in view of Kangana’s high-profile appearance.
The case pertains to a 2020 social media post by Kangana during the farmers’ protest, in which she had referred to Bebe Mahinder Kaur as the Shaheen Bagh protester and claimed that such women were “available for ₹100”. The remark sparked outrage among farmers and women’s groups, leading to a defamation suit in the Bathinda court.
‘Kangana should have apologised earlier’
The husband of Bibi Mahinder Kaur, who had filed a defamation case against Bollywood actress and Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut, said that much of the controversy could have been avoided had Kangana apologised earlier.
Speaking to the media, he said, “If Kangana Ranaut had sought forgiveness earlier, this entire issue wouldn’t have escalated so much. It has been four years since the case was filed — sometimes it was taken to Chandigarh, sometimes to Delhi — but finally, Kangana had to appear in Bathinda.”
While he stated that he is satisfied with her recent apology, Bibi Mahinder Kaur’s lawyer clarified that Kangana’s apology will be discussed jointly by the farmers and Bibi Mahinder Kaur before a final decision is taken on whether to accept it or not.
Also read: SC declines relief to Kangana in farmer protest defamation case
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