"Remind her politely, but strongly"
Kangana Ranaut’s recent comments regarding India’s freedom from British colonial rule has caused a mass uproar.
The controversial Bollywood actress made the statement on November 11, 2021, during a television interview.
She said that India had gotten its freedom in 2014, which was when current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi came to power.
Ranaut added that the independence achieved in 1947 after a decades-long struggle by freedom fighters was a handout.
Indians were appalled by what the Queen star said and were quick to react.
In a series of tweets, MP Anand Sharma said the comments were “shocking and outrageous.”
Shocking and outrageous. Ms Kangana Ranaut’s statement heaping insult on the courageous freedom fighters led by Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru and Sardar Patel but also belittling the sacrifices of revolutionaries like Sardar Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekar Azad and several others.
— Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC) November 11, 2021
Maharastra Minister Nawab Malik said:
“Looks like Kangana Ranaut took a heavy dose of Malana Cream before making such a statement.”
Musician Vishal Dadlani took to Instagram to share an image of himself wearing a Bhagat Singh t-shirt.
He added a caption, calling out Ranaut without naming her:
“Remind her politely, but strongly, so she never again dares to forget.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWNaceSoPZc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Members of the public also shared their thoughts online.
It's true! Kangana Ranaut got freedom in 2014. The freedom to talk bullshit non-stop.
— PuNsTeR™ (@Pun_Starr) November 10, 2021
Another person tweeted:
“Kangana Ranaut abused millions of freedom fighters and their sacrifices today. She is a traitor.”
Many called for the actress to be stripped of her recent Padma Shri award which is the fourth highest civilian award in India.
Awarded by the country’s government on Indian Republic Day every year, Ranaut was honoured for her contribution to art.
In a series of posts on her Instagram Story, the movie star defended herself and added:
“Which war took place in 1947 I am not aware, if someone can bring to my awareness I will give back my Padma Shri and apologise also, please help me with this.”
Television channel Times Now, who aired the interview, distanced themselves from the controversy in a statement.
They said: “Kangana Ranaut may think India got Independence in 2014 but this cannot be endorsed by any true Indian.
“This is an insult to millions of freedom fighters who gave up their lives so that present generations can live a life of self-respect and dignity as free citizens of a democracy.”
A number of complaints have also been lodged against the Panga (2020) star following her statement.
India’s Aam Aadmi Party submitted an application to Mumbai Police for “seditious and inflammatory” comments.
The Bihar-Jharkhand unit of the All India Sikh Students’ Federation (AISSF) also served Ranaut with a legal notice.
They additionally called for a public apology to India from Kangana Ranaut in light of her latest controversy.
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