Bollywood obsessed with Pakistan: Kangana defends calling Naseeruddin Shah 'lomdi'

Kangana Ranaut, the BJP MP and actress, has defended her controversial remark referring to veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah as “lomdi” (meaning fox), while accusing Bollywood of being “obsessed” with Pakistan. The comments emerged amid a public feud with Shah, who had criticized Bollywood celebrities for their silence on student protests in Delhi. Ranaut’s remarks were part of a broader critique of the film industry’s perceived priorities and responses to social unrest. The dispute intensified following Shah’s statement questioning the lack of action from Bollywood figures on the student demonstrations. He remarked, “They’ll do it when their conscience tells them to. There’s a saying: a dog with a bone in its mouth can’t bark.” In response, Ranaut accused the film industry of hypocrisy, pointing to recent protests in Jharkhand where job aspirants protested alleged irregularities in recruitment exams. Clashes occurred near the state assembly, prompting a heavy police presence. Ranaut highlighted these incidents, claiming that despite the scale of the unrest, the industry remained focused on issues she deemed less urgent. Speaking to ANI, Ranaut stated, “This isn’t a new issue; the film industry has always held this attitude. You witnessed the attack on Parliament. I have many parliamentarian friends whose cars were climbed upon and whose windows were smashed. Everyone knows this; it is no secret.” She recounted protests outside her home, noting that nearly three thousand people gathered, requiring extensive police deployment. “Yet, when that situation prevailed, they were shedding crocodile tears,” she said, suggesting that the industry’s emotional responses were selective. Ranaut further criticized Bollywood’s persistent focus on Pakistan, calling it a “love affair” that has persisted since the partition of India. “Whether it is their films, their statements, or their interviews, when will this love affair with Pakistan end?” she asked. “They seem perpetually obsessed with Pakistan,” she added, emphasizing that the industry was answerable for its stance. She questioned why the relationship with Pakistan had not ended despite decades passing since independence. Her comments were amplified when she supported actor Piyush Mishra’s criticism of Shah. Ranaut reposted a report on Mishra’s remarks, which included a note in Hindi asserting that everyone is someone’s dog in one way or another. She argued that while others might benefit from the nation, she chose to defend it. “I’d rather be a dog than a lomdi like Nasiruddin,” she wrote, using the term to imply that Shah lacked loyalty. The Jharkhand protests became a focal point of Ranaut’s argument. Officials confirmed that law enforcement used water cannons, tear gas, and lathi charges during the clashes, resulting in injuries among both protesters and police. Ranaut had previously raised concerns in Parliament about the treatment of students during these protests, drawing attention to the broader implications of such actions. Ranaut’s remarks also reflect a shift in her stance toward Gen Z-led movements. Earlier, she had dismissed the generation as “gutter,” but more recently, she acknowledged their potential as a national strength. This evolution underscores the complexity of public discourse around youth activism and societal change. As tensions continue to unfold, the debate over media influence, political engagement, and social responsibility remains open.