The actor-turned-politician and Lok Sabha election contestant for the BJP, Kangana Ranaut, who claimed that she is the one after legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan receiving much love and appreciation from across the country, posed a question: 'If not me, then who else? Khans? Kapoors?' in response to the large trolling of her self-acclamation.
Kangana Ranaut stirred controversy during a recent campaign rally for the BJP in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi Lok Sabha constituency.
Ranaut likened herself to the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, claiming to receive an equal measure of love and respect across various states of India. Her statement, laden with self-assurance, ignited a storm of reactions on social media, ranging from fervent support to scathing criticism.
“Sara desh hairaan hai, ki wo Kangana, chahe Rajasthan chali jau, chahe mai West Bengal chali jau, chahe mai Delhi chali jau, chahe mai Manipur chali jau, aisa lagta hai ki mano itna pyaar aur itna sammaan… Mein daave se keh sakti hu ke Amitabh Bachchan ji ke baad aaj kisiko industry me milta hai to wo mujhe milta hai (The whole country is surprised… whether I go to Rajasthan, West Bengal, Delhi or Manipur, it feels like there is so much love and respect. I can confidently say that after Amitabh Bachchan, if anyone gets such love and respect in the industry, it is me),” she said.
Ranaut's comparison to Bachchan, often regarded as one of Bollywood's most revered icons, drew backlash from detractors who pointed to her recent string of box office failures. Critics were quick to highlight the disparity between Ranaut's claim and her dwindling commercial success, with her last notable hit dating back to 2015. The juxtaposition of Ranaut's assertion against her faltering career trajectory invited ridicule and scepticism from many quarters.
As the controversy unfolded, Ranaut took to Instagram to defend her remarks, emphasizing her contributions not only as an actor but also as a vocal advocate for women's empowerment and a staunch nationalist.
“I have a question for those who have an objection, if not me after Big B, who gets most amount of love and respect from hindi films in Bharat? Khans? Kapoors? Who??? Can I also know please, I would correct myself,” she added.
However, her attempts to contextualize her statement only served to intensify the scrutiny and derision directed at her, with detractors dismissing her justifications as unsubstantiated and self-aggrandizing.
On social media platforms like X, users seized upon Ranaut's assertion as fodder for satire and criticism. Many derided her comparison to Bachchan as a "peak level of self-obsession" and labelled it the "best joke of the year." Others questioned the validity of Ranaut's claim, suggesting that her recent track record did not align with the level of adulation she purportedly receives.