Khushboo sorry for remarks on pre-marital sex

A few days back, reacting to initial protests against remarks she made to the Tamil edition of India Today, she had told a Tamil daily that she was not bothered by people who did not understand her views. But today, apparently taken aback by the hue and cry, she said, ‘‘I have the greatest regard for Tamils, especially women. If my remarks have hurt anybody’s feelings, I tender an apology.’’

Khushboo had reportedly told the magazine that ‘‘society should rid itself of expectations that brides should be virgins.’’ When a section protested, she had even told a Tamil daily: ‘‘What is the culture these people are talking about? How many men and women are there who have not had premarital sex?’’ She had added that she was ‘‘not bothered’’ about those who had not understood her views.

Khushboo’s friends said her remarks ‘‘expressing anguish’’ over girls changing boyfriends were blacked out and it was just her bold views that were blown out of proportion.