Kangana Ranaut's personal life has often made headlines and not always for the right reasons. A few months ago, she spoke about her sister's bravery and how she gave a second chance to life after an acid-attack.
Speaking her mind on the recent landmark judgement where the special Mumbai court sentenced 25-year old Ankur Panwar to death on Thursday, for throwing acid at 23-year-old nurse Preeti Rathi, for rejecting his marriage proposal three years ago. Talking about the judgement, Kangana told TOI
"I feel that this judgement is a good sign and an example for everyone who would even think of a heinous act like this. But I still think that this is not the answer, and hanging people is not enough. Our society is responsible for cultivating such a mindset. For men, rejection is a very big deal. Also, boys in our country need to be taught to respect women from the beginning. The learning and upbringing begins at home. We need to uphold real men with right values, and not cowards, as role models for society. Men like my brother-in-law (Ajay Chandel, Rangoli's husband) are real men, and in my eyes, heroes. We shouldn't glorify men who bully or use other forms of mental abuse to push women to extremes like suicide. These bullies have to be called out."
I was in the gym on the treadmill when I saw the news flash on television. I couldn't believe what I was watching. Rangoli was just 23 and in the university. She is a microbiologist and a topper. The man who attacked her had poured almost one litre of acid on her, it was ghastly and shocking. At that point in my career, I was struggling and going through a tough time in Mumbai, but at least I could afford treatment. There are so many women who can't afford to do this and lose hope. Right after this incident I insisted that Rangoli should come to Mumbai to get treated. My family was reluctant because back then, I didn't share a great relationship with them. But I insisted and brought her here. This tragedy didn't make Rangoli and me look good as we were judged for it. Like what happens with rape survivors, there is a lot of stigma attached to survivors of an acid attack. “
Pointing out the hypocrisy of Indian society and their'Beti ko itna padhaoge toh aisa hi hoga' mentality, she said
Forget the physical trauma, you can't imagine the mental scar it can leave on a girl. Some people told my father, 'Beti ko itna padhaoge toh aisa hi hoga.' While all this was happening, there was no time to cry or react. One day after six months, I buried my face in Rangoli's lap and cried. Fortunately, my brother-in-law came along and supported her like a rock. They knew each other since first grade and he always liked her. Rangoli has been happily married for four years now. But I know that not every story turns out this way and the pain and hurt is too deep to ever forget."
