As the Indian political sphere heats up with the release of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) 5th list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut finds herself in the limelight, not just for her unexpected political debut but also for a recent clash with Congress leader Supriya Shrinate on social media.
The BJP’s strategic enlistment of 112 candidates, including Kangana, signifies a new chapter in her illustrious journey as she gears up to contest the election from the scenic hometown of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. The announcement stirred a myriad of reactions, prompting Supriya Shrinate to take to Instagram, where she shared an image of Kangana questioning BJP’s choice with a cryptic caption, “Kya Bhav chal raha hai Mandi mein koi batayega” which seemed to undermine Kangana’s potential as a political candidate.
Taking umbrage at the insinuations, Kangana responded with poise and grace, leveraging her X account to address the Congress leader directly. In a poignant reprisal, she highlighted the breadth of roles she has portrayed throughout her two decades in cinema—ranging from a naive girl in ‘Queen’ to multifaceted characters in films like ‘Dhaakad’, ‘Manikarnika’, ‘Chandramukhi’, ‘Rajjo’, and ‘Thalaivii’. Beyond facile accusations, her riposte called for a cultural shift to uplift women free from prejudice, objectification, and the unjust stigma attached to sex workers. Kangana’s dignified defense of not just her candidacy but of women’s dignity resonated with the digital populace, eliciting widespread support and admiration.
Her message was accompanied by a stern rebuke to sexist tendencies, noting a disturbing pattern where the political discourse concerning male candidates often focuses on ideology, whereas female candidates’ sexuality comes under scrutiny. She also condemned the lewd interpretation of Mandi’s name, viewing it as a wrongful sexualization that the Congress party should be ashamed of.
This skirmish of narratives is set against Kangana’s broader political convictions, reflected recently in an interview with TV9 Bharatvarsh. Kangana expressed her profound sense of duty to the nation and the feeling of responsibility imbued by her nationalistic bent, which, as she noted, has even eclipsed her thriving acting career. Her patriotism and desire to contribute to the country’s progress have been critical factors propelling her entrance into politics.
Her transformative journey from Bollywood to the political arena has been punctuated by high-profile controversies and a sleeve-worn patriotism that has both enamored and alienated fans. But her decision to stand as a BJP candidate for Mandi is a telling indication of her desire to influence change beyond the silver screen.
In this age of heightened political sensitivity and the ever-increasing role of social media as a battleground for ideas, Kangana’s swift and firm rejoinder showcases how celebrity-politicians can leverage their public persona and platform to address serious issues like sexism and women’s rights, especially within the context of an election.
Kangana’s entry into politics and the ensuing social media skirmish with Shrinate underscores a larger narrative about the evolving roles of women in public spheres, the intersection of celebrity influence and political ambitions, and the pursuit of dignity for all women, irrespective of profession or societal status.
As India looks ahead to the Lok Sabha elections, Kangana Ranaut’s emergence as a political figure will undoubtedly be a narrative thread worth following, providing a fresh perspective on the interactions of entertainment, social media clout, and political power. Whether her vigor on the silver screen will translate into electoral victory remains a tantalizing question for the electorate of Mandi and the nation at large.
