Indian actor and BJP Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut has responded strongly to veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah after he questioned the silence of Bollywood celebrities over recent student protests in Jharkhand.
Shah had recently criticised prominent public figures for not speaking publicly about the demonstrations, suggesting that celebrities should express their views when their conscience tells them to do so. His comments sparked discussion online and eventually drew a pointed response from Ranaut.
The veteran actor also used a reference involving a dog holding a bone while commenting on the silence of celebrities, adding another layer to his criticism of those who had chosen not to speak out.
Ranaut responded through her Instagram Stories, sharing a post by actor Piyush Mishra and adding her own remarks about loyalty, patriotism and the responsibilities of public figures.
In her response, Ranaut said that everyone is loyal to someone, but expressed pride in standing by the country she said provides for her. She stressed that she considers defending her country and fighting for it to be a matter of personal loyalty and responsibility.
Ranaut Directly Targets Shah
Ranaut then turned her attention directly toward Naseeruddin Shah, making a pointed allegation about his relationship with India and a neighbouring country.
The actor-turned-politician accused Shah of benefiting from India while allegedly supporting a neighbouring country. Her comments quickly attracted attention on social media, where users debated the increasingly personal nature of the exchange between the two veteran Bollywood personalities.
Ranaut also responded to Shah’s reference to a dog. Rather than taking the comparison entirely negatively, she suggested that being associated with a dog could carry positive qualities because dogs are often viewed as loyal and kind.
She then took another sharp jab at Shah by referring to him as a “lomdi”, meaning fox, in an apparent reference to what she viewed as his conduct and remarks.
The exchange has once again highlighted the longstanding differences between the two actors, particularly regarding politics, patriotism and the role of celebrities in public debates.
Controversy Comes Amid Jharkhand Protests
The latest dispute comes amid demonstrations by job aspirants in Jharkhand, where protesters have been demanding action over issues affecting employment and recruitment.
The protests reportedly escalated after clashes between demonstrators and police near the Jharkhand Assembly. Officials said that several protesters and police personnel were injured during the confrontation.
Ranaut had previously spoken about the situation, criticising reports of authorities using water cannons and tear gas against demonstrators. She also questioned the circumstances surrounding the clashes and raised concerns about the treatment of protesters.
Her earlier comments had already placed her among the Bollywood personalities speaking publicly about the Jharkhand demonstrations, making Shah’s criticism of celebrity silence particularly relevant to the subsequent exchange.
Shah, meanwhile, appeared to be calling for greater accountability from influential personalities who have large audiences and the ability to draw attention to social issues. His remarks reflected a broader debate over whether actors, musicians and other celebrities have a responsibility to comment on political and social developments.
The disagreement between Shah and Ranaut has now added a prominent Bollywood dimension to the discussion surrounding the Jharkhand protests.
Bollywood’s Political Divide
The clash also reflects the wider political divide within the Indian film industry. Ranaut has been one of the most outspoken Bollywood personalities on political and national issues, particularly since entering electoral politics and becoming a BJP MP.
Shah has also previously expressed opinions on social and political matters, often drawing attention for his criticism of issues affecting Indian society.
Their latest exchange demonstrates how comments made by major celebrities can quickly become part of larger political discussions, particularly when they involve questions of patriotism, national loyalty and the responsibilities of public figures.
Social media users have reacted to both sides, with some supporting Shah’s call for celebrities to speak out and others backing Ranaut’s position that public figures have the right to decide which causes they support.
The controversy remains centred on the broader question of whether celebrities should use their platforms to address political and social issues or remain silent unless they personally choose to become involved.
For now, the exchange between Kangana Ranaut and Naseeruddin Shah has added another chapter to their contrasting public positions, with their remarks continuing to generate discussion across social media and among Bollywood audiences.
Also read: Kangana Ranaut returns to Twitter after ban is lifted.
