Kangana Ranaut Discusses 'Awakened Hindu' Identity and Relationships Amid Social Media Speculation
Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has shared a video discussing her transition from a "moderate Hindu" to an "awakened Hindu," alongside her observations on how relationships influence the political and religious ideologies of Hindu women. The video has intensified online speculation regarding her recent cryptic social media posts, which internet users have widely linked to actor Sonakshi Sinha.
In the video, the 40-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament addressed the criticism she has faced over her shifting beliefs. Ranaut questioned why she should be judged for changing her views, stating that she now wishes to embrace a defined identity aligned with the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
"Jab Hindu betiyon ki baat aati hai, main apne aap ko defend nahi karungi ki maine item songs ke khilaaf, pay parity ke khilaaf ya kabhi badi-badi filmon mein kaam nahi kiya hai. Heroes ke khilaaf bahishkar kiya, nepotism ke khilaaf ladai, mujhe aisa kaise keh sakte hain?" Ranaut said. "Haan, main ek moderate Hindu thi. Aaj agar maine khud ko defend kar liya toh na jaane kitni betiyaan jo ye leap nahi le paayengi. Mujhe taane kaste hain, ‘Tum kab se Sanghi ban gayi?’ Mujhe Sanghi banna hai. Mujhe BJP, RSS ki ideology, ‘awakened Hindu’, mujhe woh banna hai. Mujhe convert hona hai."
Observations on Relationships and Ideology
Ranaut also spoke about her observations of Hindu women within the film industry, noting that many young people initially hold neutral political and religious views. However, she claimed that their perspectives often become more defined and hardline after entering relationships or friendships with Islamists.
"There are many Hindu girls whom we have known and been in close contact with in the industry. We have observed and understood them closely," Ranaut said. "But what we often see is that although they are Hindu, they don’t really have a defined ideology when it comes to politics or religion. This is usually the case with young people; they tend to be very neutral."
She continued, "But as soon as they enter a relationship, whether it is marriage or friendship, with Islamists, their thinking becomes defined. They become more hardline or leftist, which I believe is not a problem because the Constitution gives you that freedom. You are free to adopt whichever religion or ideology you choose."
Towards the end of the video, Ranaut addressed an old viral video of her from a 2018 Cannes after-party where she was seen having fun. The Queen actor clarified that while she used to participate in such activities in the past, she now chooses to embrace a more defined and awakened Hindu identity.
Cryptic Social Media Comments
The video follows a series of cryptic social media posts by Ranaut that many online observers believe were directed at actor Sonakshi Sinha. Prior to releasing the video, Ranaut shared an Instagram Story targeting an unnamed actress, criticizing her attire and public stance.
"I have noticed an actress who dresses and speaks like a pocket maar these days," Ranaut wrote, without naming anyone. She further criticized the actress for wearing half pants and a backward cap ("ulta cap") and speaking like a "jebkatra" (pickpocket) while supporting what she described as "gutterchap" behavior of protesters.
Ranaut also clarified an online interaction where she appeared to "like" a post mocking a "moti (fat) woman" for staying silent on the Jharkhand paper leak row despite being vocal about the NEET paper leak protests. Denying that she engages in body shaming, Ranaut focused her criticism on the unnamed actress's style and public stance.
"I always feel how you dress in a relationship is a direct reflection of how you feel, dear fellow actress if your man is making you feel like a jebkatra I am sorry," Ranaut wrote. "You used to dress and speak so elegantly what happened to you? Opinions are yours but you can do better with that styling of yours if you need some help, I am always there for you."
Internet Reactions and Protest Context
Social media users on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) quickly linked Ranaut's comments to Sinha. One user wrote, "Kangana Ranaut slammed Sonakshi Sinha on her Instagram story. She called Sonakshi Sinha 'gutter-class' and a pickpocket indirectly." Another user shared Ranaut's post alongside Sinha's picture, while a third user suggested Ranaut liked a cryptic post pointing out an alleged double standard regarding Sinha's silence on the issues of Jharkhand students.
Sinha has been vocal on social media in support of activist Sonam Wangchuk and the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests. On July 21, the Rowdy Rathore actor shared photographs from the 'Chalo Sansad' march and reflected on the violence that occurred during the demonstration in central Delhi.
The march, which took place on the opening day of the Monsoon Session, saw clashes break out as protesters attempted to march toward Parliament. Police used tear gas, lathi charges, and anti-riot vehicles to disperse crowds at several locations, including Jantar Mantar, Shastri Bhawan, Rail Bhawan, and Connaught Place.
Ranaut had previously described some of the protesters as "Generation Gutter." However, in a subsequent Instagram Story, she appeared to strike a different note, sharing a conversation with two Gen Z girls at a gym and concluding with Friendship Day wishes for her "Gen-Z friends," while reiterating her view that "freedom needs accountability."
