Ekta Kapoor's production house Balaji Telefims on Wednesday issued an apology after receiving widespread flak by the media fraternity over actress Kangana Ranaut's ugly spat with journalist Justin Rao at a recent promotional press event here for the film JudgeMentall Hai Kya, which is produced by the banner.
"A lot is being reported about the debate that ensued between our film JudgeMentall Hai Kya actor and a journalist, at the film's song launch event on July 7. Unfortunately, the event took an unpleasant turn. While the people involved in it fairly held their own perspectives but because it happened at the event of our film, we, as the producers, would like to apologise and express regret for this untoward incident," read the Balaji statement.
Things turned nasty at the launch of a song when Kangana questioned, and tried intimidating Justin Rao over his negative remarks on her last release, Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi.
Condemning Kangana's behaviour, members of the recently formed Entertainment Journalists' Guild of India (EJGI) on Tuesday collectively decided to boycott Kangana and demanded a public apology from the National Award-winning actress.
The statement by Balaji Telefilms, issued on behalf of Ekta Kapoor, urged the media “to not let this one incident hamper the team effort that has gone behind making the film.”
"We would like to maintain that our intention was not to disrespect or hurt anyone's sentiments," the statement concluded.
However, Kangana Ranaut does not seem to be taking a leaf out of the production house’s book. On Thursday, her sister and manager Rangoli Chandel released a video of Kangana hitting out at journalists, calling a section of them “bikau” (sellouts), "traitors", “anti-national” and “pseudo-liberal”. She also further attacked Justin, without naming him, and accused him of badmouthing her other campaigns as well.
Kangana added that the Entertainment Journalists Guild had no credibility. “If it were up to the movie mafia and you pseudo-journalists, I would not have been India’s top and highest paid actress. I fold my hands and request you to please ban me. Because I don’t want you to make a living because of me. You cannot do me a bigger favour,” she said.
Here’s a vidoe message from Kangana to all the media folks who have banned her, P.S she has got viral fever hence the heavy voice ...(contd) pic.twitter.com/U1vkbgmGyq
— Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) July 11, 2019
(Contd).... pic.twitter.com/nzQoVN8llU
— Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) July 11, 2019
(IANS inputs)