New Delhi: In an explosive turn of events, actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has once again voiced her frustrations with the Bollywood industry, accusing its members of deliberately ignoring her forthcoming film, “Emergency.” Based on the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the film has been heavily promoted by Kangana, yet she claims to have received little to no acknowledgment from her peers within the industry. In a recent interview with Mashable India, Kangana did not hold back, branding Bollywood as ‘zehrila’ (poisonous) for their refusal to acknowledge her work.
During her interview, she expressed her dissatisfaction, stating that envy and toxicity run deep in Bollywood, preventing many from openly supporting or even recognizing her hard work. She conveyed her respect for actors like Anupam Kher and Shreyas Talpade, who have always been supportive and devoid of such envy. “Ye log jo he bilkul zeherile, envious hain. Lekin Anupam Ji, Shreyas ko dekhiye. Unko ap bulaiye vinamrata se wo ayenge! Kabhi bhi ye nahi he ki nahi ayenge. Maine aaj aisi koi bhi film aisi nhi he jiski maine tareef nahi ki jo kabiliye tareef ho. Woj chahe kisi ki bhi ho,” she remarked. (These people are very poisonous and envious. But look at Anupam Ji and Shreyas; call them with humility, and they will come. I’ve never refrained from appreciating a worthwhile film, irrespective of whose film it is).
Kangana also took a veiled jab at the industry’s glorification of gym culture, suggesting that physical fitness routines are being mistaken for professional hard work. She criticized her contemporaries who frequently post their workout routines on social media, implying that looking good does not necessarily equate to being talented or hardworking. “Lekin ye logo ko dekhiye aap. Kaise chhup ke baithe hue he ki Emergency ayi hui he ab hum kuch bolenge nahi. Aise zeher se bhare hue, aise envy se bhare hue… because unko sab easily mila hua hain. Unhone iske liye koi hard work nahi kiya. Unko lagta hain ki hum gym jaate hain hum karte toh hain hard work! Hard work is for your character, how you exercise your integrity, strength, and emotions,” she added. (But look at these people. They’re hiding, not willing to say anything now that ‘Emergency’ is coming. They’re filled with this poison, filled with this envy, because everything has come easily to them.
. They have not worked hard for it. They think going to the gym is hard work! True hard work is for your character, how you exercise your integrity, strength, and emotions)
Throughout her career, Kangana has been vocal about Bollywood’s reluctance to recognize her achievements and contributions. This latest outburst is not the first time she has called out the industry’s gatekeepers for what she perceives as a concerted effort to sideline her. She has frequently argued that Bollywood is a place where gatekeeping hampers the progress of genuinely talented artists, and where sycophancy often overrides merit.
The actress’s recent comments might not come as a surprise to those familiar with her public persona, but they nevertheless highlight ongoing issues within Bollywood. Kangana reiterated, “Maine aaj aisi koi bhi film aisi nhi he jiski maine tareef nahi ki jo kabiliye tareef ho. Woj chahe kisi ki bhi ho.” (Today, there’s not a single film that I haven’t praised if it was praiseworthy, irrespective of whose film it is).
In weighing her words, it appears Kangana is frustrated with a system she believes stifles openness and genuine appreciation, particularly when it comes to her work. Her remarks come at a time when the film industry is grappling with larger questions about inclusivity and fairness. The unequal playing field she describes, wherein gym selfies can be mistaken for the “hard work” of acting, calls into question the industry’s values and what it rewards.
This latest development also brings to light the persistent trope of Bollywood’s inner circle operating as a close-knit network that rarely welcomes outsiders or renegades. Kangana, having often positioned herself as an industry maverick, continues to challenge this status quo with her vociferous critiques. “Lekin ye logo ko dekhiye aap. Kaise chhup ke baithe hue he ki Emergency ayi hui he ab hum kuch bolenge nahi. Aise zeher se bhare hue, aise envy se bhare hue… because unko sab easily mila hua hain. Unhone iske liye koi hard work nahi kiya,” she reiterated in the interview, underscoring her point about unearned privileges within Bollywood (But look at these people. They’re hiding, not willing to say anything now that ‘Emergency’ is coming. They’re filled with this poison, filled with this envy, because everything has come easily to them. They have not worked hard for it).
As the promotional efforts for “Emergency” continue, eyes will undoubtedly be on the film’s reception, and whether or not Kangana’s claims about Bollywood’s silent treatment hold water. For now, the actress remains an unyielding voice challenging what she perceives as Bollywood’s inherent biases and systemic failings.
