During the promotion of his latest film “Hum Do Humare Baraah,” veteran actor Annu Kapoor sparked a controversy with comments on a viral video featuring actress Kangana Ranaut. In the viral clip, Ranaut was allegedly slapped by a CISF personnel, and Kapoor’s remarks quickly caught fire on social media, eliciting a swift response from the actress-turned-politician.
Annu Kapoor was quoted during the press event saying, “Yeh Kangana ji kaun hain? Please batao na kaun hain? Zaahir hai aap pooch rahe hain toh koi bahut badi heroine hongi? Sundar hain kya?” This comment, which can be translated to, “Who is Kangana ji? Please tell me who she is? Obviously, if you are asking, she must be a very big heroine? Is she beautiful?” was seen as dismissive and condescending by many online.
Later on, Kapoor elaborated on his views about societal perceptions towards successful women. Kangana Ranaut responded fervently through her Instagram Stories, sharing a clip from Kapoor’s press conference. In her post, she posed a poignant question to her followers: “Do you agree with Annu Kapoor ji that we tend to hate a successful woman, hate her more if she is beautiful and hate her even more passionately if she is powerful? Is it true?”
In response to the rising tide of criticism, Annu Kapoor took to Twitter to clarify his stance and address Ranaut’s concerns. “Dear Sister Kangana,” he wrote, “I am extracting some meaning from the answers to the questions posed by the media, so I thought I should clarify some facts.” He continued, “I am responsible for what I speak, and I am not responsible for what others understand. Jai Hind Vande Matram.”
Kapoor then elaborated, emphasizing his respect for women. “Every woman is respectable and worthy to me, so I can never disrespect any woman,” he stated. He also added, “Not knowing the system or laws of any country can lead to mistakes and punishment, but not knowing a particular person, place, or thing is not an error or a crime.”
The apology seems to follow the public spat between Ranaut and Kapoor regarding his comments about societal views on successful women. The controversy ignited when Kapoor, during a press conference for “Hum Do Hamare Baraah,” claimed he was unaware of who Kangana Ranaut was.
The backdrop to this controversy involves an alleged incident at Chandigarh airport on June 6, where Kangana Ranaut was reportedly slapped by a CISF woman constable while preparing to board a flight to Delhi for a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting.
. An FIR has been registered against the constable under IPC sections 321 and 341, although no arrests have been made as of yet.
The incident has opened up a broader dialogue about the treatment of successful women in society. Ranaut, who has been vocal about her experiences in the film industry, did not hold back in questioning whether societal disdain for successful women is real and palpable. Her Instagram Stories, where she shared her thoughts and challenged her followers to consider Kapoor’s remarks, garnered significant attention.
Many of Ranaut’s supporters have rallied behind her, emphasizing the hurdles that successful women often face. Commentators have pointed out that women who rise to power and prominence are frequently scrutinized, their achievements often overshadowed by harsh criticism and double standards.
However, this is not the first time Kapoor has found himself in the eye of a storm. Known for his candidness, the actor has previously made headlines with his forthright opinions. While some admire his honesty, others believe it sometimes borders on insensitivity.
As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen whether Kapoor’s Twitter clarification will quell the controversy. Ranaut’s questions about societal attitudes toward successful women continue to resonate, spurring conversations across social media and in the public sphere.
Indeed, this incident serves as a microcosm of the larger struggles faced by women in fields dominated by male perceptions and prerogatives. It highlights the importance of continual dialogue and examination of societal attitudes toward gender, success, and the intersection of the two.
In conclusion, as both Annu Kapoor and Kangana Ranaut stand firm on their respective platforms, the controversy has unwittingly ignited a necessary conversation about the intrinsic biases that women face as they climb the ladder of success. The dialog does not only deserve attention but meaningful action, ensuring that respect and fairness are accorded to all, irrespective of gender.
