Sonali Kulkarni apologises for recent statements: My intention was not to hurt other women

Actor Sonali Kulkarni was recently in the eye of the storm after her comments about Indian girls and the system of marriage. Known for her work in Marathi, and Hindi cinema, Sonali said certain girls look for well-to-do boyfriends or husbands to fulfil their needs instead of being passionate about their own careers. 

Her statements didn't go down well with netizens who called her out for her patriarchal beliefs. Responding to the criticism, Sonali shared an apology note with the caption, "But you were right! Women who haven't understood the context probably are hurt but on an honest note, whatever you said was right. Also, it wasn't about every woman, it was about a few women who genuinely want it easy."

The note read, "I'm overwhelmed with the feedback I'm receiving. I would like to thank all of you, especially the entire press and media for the extremely mature conduct of connecting with me. Being a woman myself, my intention was not to hurt other women. In fact, I have extensively expressed myself time and again in support of us and what is it being a woman. I'm grateful to all of you for reaching out to me personally to appreciate or to criticise. Hope we will be able to have a more open exchange of thoughts. In my capacity, I am trying to think, support and share warmth not only with women, but with the entire mankind. It will be only strengthening if we women with our vulnerabilities and wisdom shine through as fair and able beings. If we are inclusive and empathetic, we will be able to create a healthier, happier place to be. Having said that, if unknowingly, I may have caused pain, I want to apologise from the bottom of my heart. I do not thrive upon headlines neither do I want to be the centre of sensational situations. I'm a diehard optimist and I strongly believe that life indeed is beautiful. Thanks for your patience and support. I have learned a lot from this incident."

Even after the apology note, the debate surrounding her statements continued to rage on social media with people expressing their individual takes on the issue.