Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who has recently made her foray into the world of politics, has again found herself embroiled in controversy. An image that surfaced on social media platforms showing Ranaut partying with a man led to widespread speculation, with some users claiming the individual beside her was notorious gangster Abu Salem. The rumor quickly gained traction, spreading like wildfire across various media channels and social networks.
However, Kangana Ranaut has stepped forward to dispel these rumors once and for all. Sharing the controversial picture on her Instagram, she clarified that the man in the photo is not Abu Salem but a former journalist. “Desperate Congress officials are spreading this picture with the caption that I am partying with gangster Abu Salem. This is utterly disrespectful to journalist Mr. Mark Manuel, who is the ex-entertainment editor of the Times of India. He is not Abu Salem, and this picture is from one of the film promotion event parties,” Kangana stated unequivocally.
The photograph in question appears to have been taken during a film promotion event, an environment quite standard for celebrities and media personnel to mingle. Manuel, who has had a long-standing career in journalism, including a tenure as the entertainment editor for the Times of India, found himself mistakenly identified as Abu Salem due to what Ranaut dubbed politically motivated misinformation.
This incident comes at a significant time for the actress, who has officially entered the political arena. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has included Kangana Ranaut in its fifth list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Kangana will be contesting for a seat from Mandi, her hometown in Himachal Pradesh. This move into politics marks the beginning of a new chapter for Ranaut, who has earned national and international fame due to her work in the Indian film industry.
In her first media appearance following the announcement, Kangana shared her thoughts on the election and her role in it. Addressing the public during a meeting on April 4, she referred to the election as “the election of Prime Minister Modi” and emphasized that a vote for her would ultimately support PM Modi’s leadership.
. “This is the election of Prime Minister Modi. If you vote for Kangana, it will go to PM Modi. There should not be any shortage in our area. I have done some work in the film industry due to which I have got the name in the country and all over the world. I feel that till now I have not done anything that the people should elect me as their representative,” she said, reflecting on her own motivations and the responsibilities she faces.
Apart from her emerging political career, Kangana remains active in the film industry with numerous projects lined up. The ‘Chandramukhi’ actress is set to reunite with actor R Madhavan for a highly anticipated pan-India psychological thriller. The film will be directed by Vijay, who previously collaborated with Kangana on the critically acclaimed biographical drama “Thalaivii.” Fans are looking forward to the onscreen chemistry between Ranaut and Madhavan, who have previously shared the screen in the popular films “Tanu Weds Manu” and “Tanu Weds Manu Returns.”
Since her plunge into politics, Kangana Ranaut has been a consistent presence in the news, whether it’s for her outspoken nature or the controversies that seem to follow her. This latest rumor about her association with Abu Salem appears to be a politically charged attempt to tarnish her image, she claims, orchestrated by opposition parties. However, Kangana’s firm and swift clarification may put the matter to rest.
The Bollywood star-turned-politician’s journey continues to captivate the public eye. While she adapts to her new role, the blend of her entertainment background with her political ambition offers a unique narrative that sets her apart in the political landscape. Her decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party and contest elections adds another layer of interest and scrutiny to her already high-profile career.
For now, Kangana Ranaut remains focused both on her new political endeavors and her ongoing projects in the film industry, as she prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and her film’s release. Whether on the big screen or the political field, Kangana’s journey is one to watch closely.
