Actress Kangana Ranaut, known for her outspoken nature and bold choices, has opened up once again about her decision to turn down significant film offers, including those from Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar. While promoting her latest movie, “Emergency,” which revolves around the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Ranaut revealed the story behind her rejection of Kumar’s prestigious film projects, including the popular 2015 film “Singh Is Bliing.”
Ranaut’s revelations came during an interview with NBT, where she candidly discussed the reasons for her choices. She explained that when Akshay Kumar first approached her for “Singh Is Bliing,” she scrutinized the role and found that it did not align with her values, particularly her belief in respect and integrity for women. “Akshay Kumar called me for ‘Singh Is Bliing’. Then he called me again for a couple of films,” she said. “He asked, ‘Do you have a problem with me, Kangana?’ I answered, ‘Sir, I really don’t have a problem with you.’ When he inquired further as to why she was rejecting his offers despite them being good roles, she replied, ‘Please understand, you also have a daughter. We want integrity for women.'”
The role eventually went to Amy Jackson. Ranaut’s decision underscores her long-standing stance on choosing films that resonate with her principles and stand against gender norms that she finds unacceptable.
However, her career is not just defined by the roles she accepts or turns down. Kangana Ranaut has also been embroiled in significant controversies surrounding her current project, “Emergency.” The movie has drawn the ire of certain groups, resulting in death threats against the actress. The threats were primarily due to her portrayal of events and characters that some believe show the Sikh community in a negative light.
Recently, a viral video surfaced showing two men issuing threats to Ranaut, insisting that she halt the release of “Emergency.” The video, shared by Ranaut herself, features a Punjabi influencer, Viky Thomas Singh, who expressed strong disapproval of the film. Singh remarked, “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.” Ranaut has since sought police assistance regarding these threats, raising concerns about her safety and the broader implications for the film industry.
The controversies have escalated as major Sikh organizations have also taken a stand against the movie. The Akhal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, along with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), have demanded an immediate ban on “Emergency.” During a press conference, SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami called for the registration of an FIR against Kangana Ranaut, asserting that the film attempts to “character assassinate” Sikhs. Dhami stated, “The community can never forget the anti-Sikh brutality of June 1984, and Ranaut’s film is trying to character assassinate Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, who has been declared a Qaumi Shaheed (community’s martyr) by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.”
Ranaut, often seen traveling with heavy security, recently arrived at the Mumbai airport amidst the ongoing uproar. Adorned in a white and pink floral saree, her appearance at the airport was captured by photographers, adding another layer to the already intense media coverage.
Further complicating the scenario are Ranaut’s remarks on the farmers’ protest, which have also stirred significant controversy. The actress, who is also a BJP MP, has been vocal about her political views, often putting her at odds with various groups and communities. This combination of cinematic choices and political stances continues to thrust her into the national spotlight, driving public and media interest in her every move.
In conclusion, Kangana Ranaut’s firm stance on the integrity and respectability of the roles she chooses, coupled with her involvement in politically charged projects and statements, ensures that she remains a central figure of discussion and debate within Bollywood and beyond. Her journey exemplifies the intersection of personal values, professional decisions, and the broader socio-political milieu, highlighting the complexities faced by contemporary film professionals.
