In the wake of recent tragic deaths of young married women allegedly linked to dowry harassment, actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has issued a strong appeal to women, emphasising the need for financial independence and self-reliance before entering matrimony.
Reports of such cases have surfaced frequently in recent days. One that has drawn significant public attention is the death of 33-year-old Twisha Sharma in Bhopal. In a separate incident, 25-year-old Deepika Nagar was found dead with severe injuries in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, after reportedly falling from the roof of her in-laws’ house.
Kangana Ranaut addressed these distressing events directly in a detailed message shared on her Instagram Stories. She highlighted how many young, educated women find themselves in difficult situations after marriage, sometimes pleading with their families for help, only to face societal abandonment once wedded.
In her advice to young women, the actor-MP stressed, “Your career is more important than anyone else in your life. Think about marriage only after you are independent.” She encouraged them to become their own heroes, stating, “No one is coming to save you. What you do and what you are is more important than who you marry.” Ranaut added, “Build a life that you want; don’t listen to anyone.”
She further noted that Indian society is often criticised for neglecting daughters after their marriage, contrasting this with the importance of personal achievements and self-sufficiency over marital alliances.
Twisha Sharma, originally from Noida, was discovered dead at her husband Samarth Singh’s residence in Bhopal’s Katara Hills area on May 12. Police have filed a case against Singh, a lawyer, and his mother, Giribala Singh, a retired judge, under sections related to dowry harassment and abetment of suicide. Singh’s bail application reportedly claimed that Sharma was battling drug addiction and receiving psychiatric treatment.
Deepika Nagar’s family alleged ongoing dowry-related harassment following her marriage to Ritick Tanwar about 17 months earlier, during which they had spent nearly Rs 1 crore on the wedding. Her death occurred on a Sunday night after she fell from the terrace.
Ranaut’s comments come amid broader discussions on women’s safety and empowerment in marital homes. Her message underscores a call for systemic change in priorities, urging women to focus on building independent lives and careers as the foundation for security and fulfilment.