Cinema VinesKangana Ranaut has once again taken centre stage, this time to defend a shift in her public persona that has drawn sharp criticism from both fans and detractors. In a video posted to her social media accounts, the Bollywood actress explained that she has moved from being a “moderate Hindu” to an “awakened Hindu,” a transformation she claims is driven by a desire to align with the ideology of the BJP and RSS.
The clip, which surfaced after the actress had recently targeted fellow star Sonakshi Sinha in a cryptic Instagram post, sees Ranaut addressing the backlash she has faced over her changing political and religious views. She says, “When it comes to Hindu daughters, I won’t defend myself by saying I didn’t speak out against item songs or the lack of pay parity, or that I didn’t work in big films. I boycotted male stars and fought against nepotism—how can anyone say such things about me?” She goes on to admit that she once held a more moderate stance but now wishes to “become a Sanghi,” a term used to describe a supporter of the BJP.
In the same video, Ranaut also revisits the 2018 Cannes after‑party clip that had gone viral years ago, where she was seen dancing exuberantly. She argues that the double standards she faces—being criticized for partying while simultaneously advocating for a disciplined, “defined” Hindu identity—are unfair. “I used to party, but today I also want to convert and become a defined and awakened Hindu,” she says. She questions why the path to such a conversion is “closed” for her, insisting that her daughters should have the freedom to choose that route.
Ranaut’s remarks come amid a broader debate over celebrity influence on political discourse in India. While some applaud her willingness to voice her convictions, others accuse her of politicising her image for personal gain. The actress’s statement that she “wants to convert” and “embrace the ideology of the BJP and RSS” has sparked renewed calls for accountability and a clearer distinction between personal beliefs and public advocacy.
Despite the controversy, Ranaut remains unapologetic. She declares, “I want to be a Sanghi. I want to embrace the ideology of the BJP and RSS— to be an ‘awakened Hindu.’ I want to convert. Why can’t I do that?” The actress’s bold stance is likely to keep her in the headlines, as she continues to navigate the complex intersection of cinema, politics, and religion in contemporary India.
