Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut escalates the war of words over student protests, calling veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah a “fox” and accusing the film industry of selective outrage and a persistent “love for Pakistan.”
Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has launched a scathing attack on veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, intensifying a growing Bollywood controversy over celebrity responses to student protests. The dispute centers on the ongoing Jharkhand paper leak protests and the silence of A-list stars.
How the Controversy Began
The war of words ignited when Naseeruddin Shah criticized top Bollywood celebrities for remaining silent during recent student protests (such as the CJP-led protests at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak). Shah used a metaphor to explain their silence, stating, “A dog with a bone in its mouth can’t bark,” implying that those with professional interests at stake hesitate to speak out.
Actor-singer Piyush Mishra recently countered Shah’s analogy after visiting protesting students in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Mishra questioned Shah’s own silence regarding the alleged police brutality faced by Jharkhand students protesting recruitment exam irregularities.
Naseeruddin Shah shared a post on his instagram:
View this post on Instagram
Kangana Ranaut Enters the Fray
Taking to her Instagram Stories, Kangana Ranaut publicly backed Piyush Mishra and turned Shah’s metaphor against him.
Sharing a report of Mishra’s remarks, Ranaut wrote in Hindi: “The truth is, everyone is someone’s dog, but I am proud that I guard and fight for the home (country) whose bread I eat. Nasir Saab eats the bread of this country, but fights for the neighbouring country”.
She didn’t stop there. Emphasizing that being called a dog is a compliment because “loyalty and cuteness are so rare,” the BJP MP added, “I rather be a dog than a lomdi (fox) like Naseeruddin”.
Also Read: When Will This End?: Kangana Ranaut Questions Bollywood’s Love For Pakistan
Calling Out Bollywood’s ‘Hypocrisy’
In a subsequent interview with ANI, Ranaut defended her sharp remarks and accused the Hindi film industry of hypocrisy. She questioned why celebrities who expressed outrage over the Jantar Mantar protests are now silent about the students in Jharkhand, who were recently subjected to water cannons, tear gas, and lathi charges.
#WATCH | Delhi: On calling veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah a ‘lomdi’ for his comment on student protests, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut says, “This isn’t a new issue; the film industry has always held this attitude. You witnessed the attack on Parliament. I have many parliamentarian… pic.twitter.com/fI1bK9bdaA
— ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2026
“Are they not Gen Z?” Ranaut asked, demanding that the industry shed the same “crocodile tears” for the youth in Jharkhand.
Ranaut also questioned Bollywood’s continued focus on Pakistan. Explaining her “lomdi” jab, she stated, “Whenever you look at his [Shah’s] films, interviews, or statements, it is always about Pakistan. When will this love story with Pakistan end? So many years have passed since Partition, so why hasn’t this love story ended yet?”.
About the Author
