Kangana Ranaut criticizes Naseeruddin Shah over protest comments
Outspoken actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has once again taken the internet by storm, launching a fresh attack on the Hindi film industry. Ahead of the release of Sunny Deol’s highly anticipated partition-drama Batwara 1947, Ranaut has questioned Bollywood’s ongoing “love affair” with Pakistan.
Her remarks closely follow the Netflix release of Main Vaapas Aaunga, a film centered around a cross-border love story disrupted by the India-Pakistan partition. The controversy has also reignited her war of words with veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah over industry loyalty and political protests.
Here is a complete breakdown of the ongoing controversy.
The Spark: Jantar Mantar Protests vs. Jharkhand Crisis
Kangana did not hold back when pointing out what she perceives as Bollywood’s selective outrage. Speaking to ANI, she targeted members of the film fraternity who supported the protests at Jantar Mantar, asking them to show the same empathy for domestic crises.
“The people in the film industry who shed crocodile tears over the Jantar Mantar protests ought to shed those same tears for the children in Jharkhand now. Those children are facing a plight too,” she stated.
#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
“When Will Bollywood’s Love Story With Pakistan Finally Conclude?”
Taking aim at the overarching themes of recent Bollywood narratives, Kangana questioned the industry’s continuous fascination with cross-border stories. With partition-centric films like Main Vaapas Aaunga performing well and Batwara 1947 on the horizon, she demanded answers from the industry.
- The Obsession: “Whether it is their films, their statements, or their interviews, when will this love affair with Pakistan end? They seem perpetually obsessed with Pakistan,” she remarked.
- The Big Question: “I want to know: so many years have passed since Partition, yet why doesn’t this love story come to an end? When will Bollywood’s love story with Pakistan finally conclude? They are answerable for this.”
Kangana Takes a Dig at Naseeruddin Shah on Instagram
The controversy also took a personal turn when Kangana took to her Instagram Stories to seemingly take a swipe at veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah.
Writing in Hindi, she contrasted her patriotism with his recent film roles and statements:
“The truth is we are all loyal to someone or the other, but I am proud that I am dedicated to fighting for the country that feeds me. Meanwhile, Naseeruddin Shah earns his livelihood in this country and fights for the neighbouring country.”
Fans and critics quickly linked her remarks to Shah’s character in Main Vaapas Aaunga, where he plays a man hailing from Sargodha, Pakistan, who is forced to leave his home during the Partition.
Also Read: PM Modi’s ‘Thank You Friends’ Reel Hits 303 Million Views Amid CJP Protests
The Backstory: What Did Naseeruddin Shah Say?
Kangana’s aggressive stance appears to be a direct response to Naseeruddin Shah’s earlier comments regarding the Jantar Mantar protests. Shah had previously criticized mainstream Bollywood actors for remaining silent on the issue.
In a candid interview with The Wire, Shah took a sharp dig at industry A-listers:
“They’ll do it when their conscience tells them to. There’s a saying: a dog with a bone in its mouth can’t bark. As soon as the bone drops out of their mouth, or it breaks their teeth, then they will bark.”
What’s Next?
As Batwara 1947 gears up for its release, Kangana Ranaut’s statements have ensured that the debate surrounding Bollywood’s portrayal of Pakistan—and the political stances of its biggest stars—remains firmly in the spotlight. Whether industry heavyweights will respond to her latest provocation remains to be seen.
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