New Delhi : BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut has once again sparked a nationwide debate after saying she no longer sees herself as a “moderate Hindu” and now wants to be an “awakened Hindu.” The remarks, made in a video shared on social media, have quickly gone viral, drawing strong reactions from both her supporters and critics.
Speaking candidly in the video, Ranaut said people should have the freedom to change their beliefs and ideologies just as they are free to choose or change their religion. Reflecting on her own journey, she said there was a time when she considered herself a moderate Hindu, but over the years her understanding and experiences have led her to embrace what she calls an “awakened Hindu” identity.
“People grow, evolve and change,” Ranaut said, arguing that changing one’s ideological beliefs should not be viewed differently from changing religious beliefs. According to her, India’s Constitution gives every citizen the right to make such personal choices, and no one should be criticised for evolving in their thinking.
However, it was another statement in the same video that intensified the controversy. Ranaut claimed that “people become Leftist after meeting Islamists,” a remark that immediately triggered heated discussions across social media. While many of her supporters defended her right to express her views, others accused her of making a divisive and sweeping generalisation.
The BJP MP also addressed criticism from people who have been sharing old videos and photographs from her early years in Bollywood to question her current political and ideological stand. Responding to them, Ranaut said that a person’s past does not prevent them from changing with time. She added that everyone has the right to learn, grow and adopt new beliefs based on their life experiences.
“I was different then, and I am different today,” was the essence of her message, as she rejected claims that her changing views make her inconsistent. Instead, she described her transformation as a natural process of personal growth.
This is not the first time Ranaut’s statements have dominated headlines. Since entering politics and winning the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 General Election on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket, she has frequently spoken on issues related to religion, nationalism, politics and culture. Her outspoken style has often made her one of the country’s most discussed public figures.
Her latest comments also come shortly after another controversy in which she criticised some young Hindu women who participated in a protest, referring to them as “Generation Gutter.” Those remarks had drawn criticism from opposition leaders and social activists, adding to the series of debates surrounding her recent public statements.
As expected, reactions to her latest remarks have been sharply divided. Supporters believe she is simply expressing her personal beliefs and exercising her constitutional right to freedom of expression. Critics, however, argue that public figures should be more cautious while making statements on sensitive issues involving religion and politics, as such comments can deepen social and ideological divisions.
So far, there has been no official response from the Bharatiya Janata Party regarding Ranaut’s latest remarks.
Whether one agrees with her or not, Kangana Ranaut has once again succeeded in placing herself at the centre of India’s political conversation. Her comments have reignited discussions on identity, ideology, freedom of expression and the role of public figures in shaping political discourse. With the debate continuing across television studios and social media platforms, her latest statement is likely to remain in the spotlight for days to come.
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