Cinema VinesActor and BJP Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut has taken a sharp jab at veteran film star Naseeruddin Shah, calling him a “lomdi” after Shah’s recent remarks on student protests. Shah had previously explained why high‑profile celebrities had not publicly condemned the demonstrations that erupted across India last month, saying that people would speak out only when their conscience compels them. Ranaut, who has long been vocal about her patriotic stance, responded on Instagram Stories, reposting a comment by actor Piyush Mishra that questioned Shah’s silence on the protests in Jharkhand. She added a caption that read: “The truth is that each and every one of us is someone’s pet. I am proud that I protect and defend the same house from where I get my food. But Naseer saab eats from this land and defends the neighbours.” She further wrote, “PS In today’s time it is a compliment to be called a dog because loyalty and cuteness is so rare. I rather be a dog than a lomdi (wolf) like Naseeruddin.”
Ranaut’s comments come amid growing unrest in Jharkhand, where students and job aspirants have staged protests against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. According to police reports, the demonstrations turned violent on Monday, with several agitators and four officers sustaining injuries after water cannons, tear gas and lathi charges were deployed. The BJP MPs have accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of either being “culpable” or “incapable” of confronting the Jharkhand government over the police action. Ranaut demanded answers, stating, “First of all, look at what is happening in Jharkhand. The children are being subjected to atrocities. They have been beaten very brutally. Water cannons and tear gas are being used against them. We are demanding answers on this.”
Earlier this month, Ranaut had shifted her tone regarding Gen Z protests. After initially labeling them “generation gutter,” she told PTI that the younger generation is the strength of the country and a valuable asset, praising their role as ambassadors of culture and identity. She also mentioned that she had had the privilege of listening to the wisdom of Mohan Bhagwat ji, a senior BJP leader, and that the youth’s engagement with the nation’s cultural heritage brings her great happiness. The actress‑MP’s recent outburst against Shah reflects her broader political activism and her willingness to use her platform to defend what she perceives as patriotic duty and to challenge fellow actors who she feels are silent on social issues. The controversy underscores the increasingly politicised nature of celebrity commentary on student and labour protests across India.
