Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who has recently stepped into the political arena as a BJP candidate for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, has made headlines yet again. This time, she has come to the defense of Hema Malini, veteran actress and BJP MP, responding to derogatory comments made by Congress leader Randeep Surjewala.
Kangana’s support for Hema Malini was confirmed during a candid interview with India Today. Kangana vehemently denounced Surjewala’s remarks, accusing opposition members of disrespecting women of all ages. According to Kangana, not even senior women like Hema Malini, who at 75 is an acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer, are spared from such derogatory treatment. She expressed her abhorrence at these comments by questioning the kind of life these politicians want women to have, suggesting it might be better off if they were to “dig their own graves and bury themselves in it.”
The remarks in question appeared to strike a chord with Kangana, who holds the performing arts in high regard. She elaborated on her thoughts by pointing out that the art and dedication of artists like Hema Malini often go unnoticed. Highlighting that artists regularly practice for hours, she referenced the Samaveda, one of the Vedas that extensively covers music and dance, suggesting that malice is evident in those who fail to recognize an artist’s contributions and knowledge.
This isn’t the first time Kangana has confronted Congress leaders over their comments. She earlier chastised Congress’s Supriya Shrinate for what she termed as derogatory remarks against her. Kangana, who has portrayed diverse female roles in her film career spanning two decades, emphasized the necessity to liberate girls from the bonds of prejudice. The spectrum of roles she has undertaken, from her early portrayal of a naive girl in “Queen” to the historical figure in “Manikarnika,” showcase her versatility and commitment to representing women in all their complexity. In her call to action, Kangana stressed the importance of respecting women’s dignity, including those who work as sex workers.
Ranaut’s response to Shrinate emphasizes an overarching message of respecting women, irrespective of the roles they portray in films or the lives they lead in society. By defending Hema Malini, Kangana is further reinforcing her belief in the need for societal change in how women are treated, particularly in the political sphere where the discourse can often become less than civil.
While Kangana Ranaut’s recent comments have sparked conversations about the intersection of politics and the treatment of women in the public eye, the issues she raises are not confined to India. The challenges of sexism and the objectification of women are unfortunate realities that are prevalent in many cultures around the world.
The clash between the realms of entertainment and politics is not new, particularly in India, where celebrities often use their platform to transition into political roles. However, Kangana Ranaut’s bold entrance into politics and her outspoken criticisms of her detractors suggest that she intends to be more than just another celebrity-turned-politician. Her advocacy for the dignity of women in all facets of life is a commitment she carries from her film career into her burgeoning political one.
As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach, Kangana Ranaut’s activities remain under scrutiny, both as a public figure and now as a political candidate. Her defense of Hema Malini serves to highlight a broader critique of political discourse and the treatment of women in India, heralding what could be a determined campaign for greater respect and equality for women across the nation.
