US actress Anne Hathaway has been forced to defend her casting as author Jane Austen in an upcoming movie, following criticism from Austen purists. The 24-year-old `Brokeback oountain’ star disagrees with those in literary circles who claim she “doesn’t possess the right sensibilities”, saying, “I know there are a lot of people out there that are horrified that the girl from the Princess Diaries is playing Jane Austen. I don’t blame them, but I love her as much as any of the biggest fans so I don’t want to go in there and mess it up. I’ve been reading her since I was 14 and in reading her, I know who she is. I have a handle on her spirit. And I’m learning to play the piano.” [20 March 2006]