New Delhi: Kangana Ranaut, the fiery actress known for her blunt opinions, has once again taken to media to slam Bollywood for its silence over her upcoming film “Emergency.” The film, which is based on the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has been a major project for Ranaut, who has been actively promoting it across various platforms. However, what seems to have irked her is the notable silence from her peers in the Bollywood industry.
In an interview with Mashable India, Ranaut did not hold back from expressing her frustration. She called Bollywood “zehrila,” meaning poisonous, accusing the film industry of harboring envy and jealousy towards her. “These people are completely poisonous, envious. But look at Anupam Ji, look at Shreyas; if you call them respectfully, they will come! They never refuse. I haven’t seen a movie that deserved praise, no matter whose it was, that I didn’t praise,” said Ranaut.
Kangana lavishly praised actors Anupam Kher and Shreyas Talpade for their support and encouragement. She conveyed a stark contrast between these actors and the larger Bollywood industry, whom she believes are intentionally ignoring her work. This is not the first time that Kangana has openly criticized Bollywood. She has had a long-standing feud with the industry over various issues including nepotism, favoritism, and lack of recognition for talented outsiders.
Adding another layer of criticism, Kangana also targeted Bollywood actors and actresses for what she perceives as their superficial understanding of hard work. She argued that going to the gym and maintaining a physical appearance should not be equated with genuine hard work. “But look at these people. How they are hiding, sitting quietly as ‘Emergency’ is about to release, they won’t say anything. Such poisonous, envy-filled people… because they got everything easily. They didn’t work hard for it.
. They think going to the gym is hard work! Hard work is for your character, how you exercise your integrity, strength, and emotions,” she emphasized.
Ranaut’s allegations were unambiguous. She implied that a significant portion of Bollywood operates like a closed community where gatekeepers decide whose careers to elevate and whose to suppress. This has been a repeated narrative in Kangana’s utterances, especially when conversations steer towards the lack of support and acknowledgment for her work. Among the backdrop of these fiery statements, the actress continues with her promotion campaign for “Emergency.”
“Emergency,” which is highly anticipated for its subject matter and for Ranaut’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi, is seen as a critical cinematic work. The narrative dives deep into the controversial Emergency period in Indian history, a time marked by political instability and decisions that have had long-lasting impacts on the country’s political landscape.
In her conversation with Mashable India, Kangana’s language was intense and passionate, reflecting her evident frustration. She reiterated how she has always appreciated works that deserved recognition, irrespective of who produced them. “I have never seen a film that was praiseworthy, irrespective of who made it, that I did not praise,” she said, underlining her argument that Bollywood functions on selective acknowledgment, often ignoring substantial works not created within their close-knit circles.
Her allegations did not stop at envy and lack of support. She took a specific dig at the superficiality prevalent in the industry, pointing fingers specifically at how actors and actresses often equate gym workouts with real hard work. For Kangana, hard work transcends physical maintenance; for her, it involves moral, emotional, and psychological exertion which she feels are largely neglected in Bollywood.
This latest outburst from Kangana is one among many instances where she has openly criticized the Bollywood establishment. Her career, marked by numerous awards and critical acclaim, has also been punctuated with controversies, several of which stem from her candid demeanor and unfiltered approach to addressing what she sees as industry malpractices.
Despite the lack of vocal support from the Bollywood fraternity, Kangana remains indomitable. She is determined to make her mark with “Emergency,” both as a significant political drama and as a testament to her capabilities as an actor and filmmaker. Her criticisms, while harsh, reflect an ongoing conversation about inclusivity, merit, and recognition in a highly competitive and often exclusionary industry.
