Kangana Ranaut Defends 'Lomdi' Remark on Naseeruddin Shah, Questions Bollywood's Pakistan Stance

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has defended her controversial "lomdi" (fox) remark directed at veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, intensifying the ongoing public exchange between the two. Ranaut also accused sections of Bollywood of being "obsessed" with Pakistan and alleged selective outrage over recent student protests.

The controversy began after Naseeruddin Shah questioned the silence of several Bollywood celebrities regarding student demonstrations in Delhi. Responding to his remarks, Kangana said the criticism exposed what she described as hypocrisy within the film industry.

Kangana links remarks to Jharkhand student protests

Speaking on the issue, Kangana Ranaut referred to the ongoing protests by job aspirants in Jharkhand over alleged recruitment examination irregularities. She argued that voices from the entertainment industry that spoke out on other protests should also address the police action against students in Jharkhand.

She questioned why, according to her, similar concern had not been shown for the protesting youth in the state and said the film industry should maintain a consistent stand on such issues.

Questions Bollywood's "love affair" with Pakistan

During her response, Kangana also criticised what she described as Bollywood's continued focus on Pakistan through films, interviews and public statements.

She questioned why, decades after Partition, discussions surrounding Pakistan continue to feature prominently in sections of the film industry and said Bollywood should answer for what she called its continued fascination with the neighbouring country.

Defends controversial 'lomdi' comment

Kangana stood by her earlier social media post in which she referred to Naseeruddin Shah as a "lomdi." She reiterated that she would rather be compared to a loyal dog than a fox, saying loyalty remains a rare quality.

Her remarks followed criticism by Shah over celebrity silence on public issues and came after Kangana publicly supported actor Piyush Mishra's criticism of the veteran actor.

Political and social issues remain central to Kangana's comments

The BJP MP has repeatedly raised concerns over the treatment of protesting job aspirants in Jharkhand and has also spoken about the issue in Parliament.

The protests gained attention after clashes between demonstrators and police, during which water cannons, tear gas and lathi-charge were reportedly used as the situation turned tense.

Kangana maintained that discussions around student protests should not be selective and urged public figures to speak consistently on issues affecting young people across the country.