Veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha has recently criticized Kangana Ranaut's remarks regarding India's independence, suggesting that political parties often "use" celebrities without properly training them. Sinha's comments come in the wake of Ranaut's earlier statement that India's independence in 1947 was "bheekh" (alms) and that the country attained "real freedom" in 2014.
Sinha, who has been involved in politics since the early 2000s, pointed out that political parties frequently bring in celebrities to boost their electoral prospects but fail to equip them with the necessary political and historical knowledge. Addressing Ranaut's remarks directly, Sinha stated that these parties should at least inform celebrities that India did not gain independence in 2014. He implied that celebrities are exploited for their fame and popularity without ensuring they understand basic historical facts.
Sinha also referenced the experiences of other actors in politics, such as Dharmendra and Sunny Deol, suggesting they left politics due to disillusionment with the system. He noted that Hema Malini, despite her long-standing involvement with the BJP since 2004, has not received the recognition and position she deserves. He said that political parties are to blame for not briefing the celebrities correctly. Sinha added that when celebrities are brought in, they are only used to win elections.
Notably, this isn't the first time Sinha has commented on Ranaut. In 2020, he praised Ranaut as a self-made woman, lauding her achievements in the film industry. He also defended her against what he perceived as unfair targeting by the Bollywood lobby, attributing it to jealousy and an inferiority complex. Sinha had even referred to Ranaut as the "Dharmendra of women," highlighting her resilience and success in the face of adversity.
However, Sinha has also, at other times, indirectly criticized Ranaut's controversial statements. In the past, Sinha has expressed disagreement with Ranaut's views on India's independence, emphasizing the sacrifices of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Patel, and Bhagat Singh. He suggested that Ranaut should focus on her film career and refrain from making political statements that could be misconstrued or disrespectful to historical figures.
Sinha's recent remarks reflect a broader discussion about the role of celebrities in politics and the importance of informed participation. While acknowledging the appeal and influence of celebrities, Sinha's statement underscores the need for political parties to provide adequate training and guidance to ensure they can contribute meaningfully to the political discourse.
