Freedom of expression shouldn’t hurt others: Kangana

National award-winning actor Kangana Ranaut (right) says freedom of expression cannot be such that it hurts the sentiments of others. “It has to be considered that we are a country of so many languages, religions and colours ... To talk about something on a public platform is a very big thing and you should be careful of what you are saying,” says Kangana. The 28-year-old was speaking in context o filmmaker Karan Johar’s comment that India is a “tough country” where speaking about people’s personal life can land people behind the bars.

“One must understand the power of words. Words can be perceived in many ways ... so please value those and come up with the most precise and accurate way to express yourself. So that if you have to go back and evaluate the context of your comment, you should not be in a place where you think ‘oh this is something which doesn’t belong to me.’”

Kangana feels that being a public figure one should be careful with words and said she has received “backlash” for giving opinions.

“Yes, (express yourself) in a very responsible way. No one should hurt anyone’s sentiments. It is not like you are a public figure so you have the chance to say anything. I feel everyone should evaluate things before they speak. With me, I get so much backlash for saying anything or everything but that’s okay,” she says, adding, “I don’t say things because I want to be a darling of everyone, ... I have to understand that if I express myself I should be able to accept compliments and backlash both.”