Cinema VinesActress‑turned‑politician Kangana Rana Rana has defended a controversial remark she made about veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, calling him a “lomdi.” In a recent interview with ANI, Rana Rana explained that the comment was a response to a video in which Shah allegedly threatened a “love story with Pakistan,” and that the actor’s public statements, according to her, consistently focus on Pakistan. She added that Shah’s “distasteful video” prompted her to use the term, and she questioned why Shah’s criticisms of the government were not met with similar backlash.
Rana Rana also recounted the protests she faced after the comment. She said that demonstrators had gathered outside her home, with at least 2,500 people present, forcing a large police presence that made it difficult for her to sleep. She contrasted this with the “crocodile tears” she said were shed by the film industry during protests at Jantar Mantar, claiming that the industry’s solidarity is selective and hypocritical.
In a broader critique, Rana Rana highlighted the situation in Jharkhand, where children are reportedly facing oppression. She questioned why the industry would sympathize with protesters in Delhi but not with Gen Z youth in Jharkhand, arguing that all young people deserve the same empathy. She said that the film industry’s “crocodile tears” for Jantar Mantar should be mirrored for the children in Jharkhand.
Rana Rana also reflected on her earlier remark, stating, “The truth is, everyone is someone’s dog; but I take pride in the fact that I guard—and fight for—my country.” She contrasted this with Shah, whom she described as eating the country’s bread but fighting for a neighboring nation. The actress’s comments have sparked debate over political speech, artistic freedom, and the responsibilities of public figures in India’s film industry.
