Kangana Ranaut, known for her outspoken nature, has ignited a fresh discussion during her ongoing campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency. At a recent rally, the Bollywood actor turned politician drew parallels between herself and the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, claiming to receive a similar level of admiration and reverence.
Addressing the crowd, Ranaut stated, “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.”
Ranaut's bold comparison quickly gained traction on social media, with a video clip of her speech circulating widely and sparking a range of reactions. While some online users criticized her assertion, pointing to her recent string of unsuccessful films, others took a more humorous approach to her campaign style.
One parody account on X (formerly Twitter) humorously remarked, “Kangana’s last hit film came in 2015 and after that she gave back to back 15 flops. Here she is comparing herself to Amitabh Bachchan 😂😂.” Similarly, another user joked, “Going by her speeches, Kangana Ranaut may be the first actress in the country to get a national award for her role as an election candidate.”
Criticism also came from political opponents, with one verified X account commenting, “This is the next level of self-obsession. After delivering flop after flop, Kangana Ranaut compared herself to Amitabh Bachchan. Nobody has ever insulted Amit Ji like this before.”
Amidst the online discourse, some users highlighted the commercial failure of Ranaut's recent film, 'Dhaakad', sharing headlines detailing its lackluster box office performance.
Ranaut's foray into politics and her campaign in the Mandi constituency have garnered significant attention. The electoral battleground of Mandi, which has witnessed victories for both the BJP and Congress in previous elections, is poised to vote on June 1 during the final phase of the general elections. As Ranaut continues to navigate the political landscape, her statements and actions are sure to remain under scrutiny, shaping the discourse surrounding her campaign.