In a recent promotional interview for her much-anticipated film *Emergency*, notable Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut opened up about her decisions to turn down prominent roles offered by industry heavyweight Akshay Kumar. The revelations come amidst a wave of controversy surrounding her latest project, where she plays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Kangana Ranaut has never shied away from speaking candidly about her career choices, particularly her selective approach to accepting movie roles. Addressing these decisions, she revealed that she declined several offers from Akshay Kumar, including a role in the 2015 film *Singh Is Bliing*, which ultimately went to Amy Jackson. The *Queen* star elaborated on her reasons, stating that the role did not align with her personal values, particularly her stance on women’s integrity and respect in cinema.
“Akshay Kumar called me for *Singh Is Bliing*,” Kangana recounted to NBT. “Then he called me again for a couple of other films. There came a point when he straight-up asked, ‘Do you have a problem with me, Kangana?’ I explained to him, ‘Sir, I really don’t have a problem with you. But you also have a daughter. We want integrity for women.’”
Ranaut, never one to mince words, also underscored the importance of roles that resonate with her beliefs about womanhood and respect. “I believe in portraying women in a dignified manner,” she affirmed, making it clear that she will consistently prioritize roles reflecting empowerment over those she views as demeaning.
The bold actress has been under heavy scrutiny lately, not just because of her film choices but also due to the mounting threats she’s received for her depiction of historical events in *Emergency*. Kangana’s portrayal of the turbulent period of 1975-77, declared as an Emergency across India by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has invoked severe reactions, particularly from the Sikh community.
While appearing at the Mumbai airport, the actress was seen surrounded by tight security. This security detail is a response to the death threats she has received for her film, as well as for her outspoken stance on the farmers’ protests. A viral video Kangana shared herself shows two men threatening her with grave consequences if she proceeds with the release of *Emergency*, claiming it casts the Sikh community in a negative light.
. Punjabi influencer Viky Thomas Singh issued a stark warning in the video, stating, “History cannot be changed. If they portray Sikhs as terrorists in the film, then remember what happened to the person the movie is about. Remember who Satwant Singh and Beant Singh were. Those who point a finger at us, we break that very finger… If we can sacrifice our heads, we can also behead you.” Kangana has consequently sought police assistance regarding these severe threats.
The growing uproar around the film has also led to institutional opposition from Sikh religious authorities. The Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, along with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), has vehemently demanded an immediate ban on *Emergency*. The SGPC claims the movie aims to “character assassinate” the Sikh community, and during a press conference, SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami called for the registration of an FIR against Kangana Ranaut. He emphasized that the community cannot overlook the brutality endured in June 1984 and accused the film of attempting to tarnish the legacy of Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, who has been honored as a Qaumi Shaheed (community’s martyr) by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
“The community will never forget the anti-Sikh brutality of June 1984,” asserted Singh. “Ranaut’s film seeks to assassinate the character of our revered figures.”
Kangana Ranaut continues to navigate these tumultuous waters with her signature resilience and defiance, refusing to back down from her cinematic and personal convictions. As *Emergency* approaches its release, all eyes are on both Ranaut and the larger conversation surrounding historical portrayal and respect within the film industry.
