Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has criticised veteran actor Sharmila Tagore over her recent remarks on Vande Mataram, saying the debate should not be viewed through a Hindu-Muslim lens.

The controversy began after Tagore said that some portions of the national song could be difficult for people belonging to monotheistic faiths because certain lines refer to Hindu deities. Responding to the comments on Instagram, Ranaut argued that poetry and artistic expressions often use metaphors and should not always be interpreted literally.

The BJP MP shared a video of Tagore's interview and said she was surprised by what she described as a narrow interpretation of art and poetry. She also referred to examples of metaphorical language used by spiritual and cultural figures to make broader points.

Kangana Calls For Broader View

Ranaut said artistic language frequently relies on imagination, symbolism and comparisons to communicate ideas that go beyond their literal meaning.

She cited Swami Vivekananda's references to young people having "iron" bodies and "steel" bones as an example of metaphorical expression. According to Ranaut, such language was intended to convey strength and awakening rather than describe something literally.

She then urged people to move beyond religious divisions in the debate over Vande Mataram.

"Please come out of the Hindu-Muslim mindset," Ranaut wrote, while emphasising that people should accept each other's beliefs and differences.

What Sharmila Tagore Said

Tagore had discussed Vande Mataram during an interview with IANS, explaining why she believed the first two stanzas could be more widely acceptable.

She pointed out that many followers of monotheistic religions believe in one God, while later portions of the song contain references to multiple deities. She said this could make those portions difficult for some people to identify with.

Tagore suggested that the first two stanzas could be used when the objective is to bring people from different religious backgrounds together.

Her comments came amid an ongoing political debate over the singing and historical treatment of Vande Mataram.

No Response From Tagore Yet

Tagore has not publicly responded to Ranaut's latest remarks so far.

The exchange comes at a time when Vande Mataram has become a major political issue, with the BJP and Congress taking different positions over the song's complete version and the historical decision to use selected portions at Congress programmes.

The debate has also involved questions about the song's history, religious references and its place in India's national life.

Vande Mataram Debate Intensifies

Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, played an important role during India's freedom movement. Rabindranath Tagore sang the song at a session of the Indian National Congress in 1896, further strengthening its association with the national movement.

The song was later given the status of India's national song, while Jana Gana Mana was adopted as the national anthem.

The present controversy has brought the song's historical and cultural significance back into the political spotlight, with leaders debating whether its complete version should be used at official and public events.

Kangana's Recent Controversies

Ranaut's latest comments come shortly after she faced criticism over remarks concerning young people involved in protests linked to the "Cockroach Janata Party" in Delhi.

She had described the protesters using the phrase "Generation Gutter", later clarifying that her comments were directed at a particular group and were not aimed at India's entire younger generation.

Her comments also drew criticism from yoga guru Baba Ramdev, with the two subsequently exchanging remarks on social media.

Ranaut has continued to remain active on political and social issues alongside her film career. She is also scheduled to appear in upcoming projects including Tanu Weds Manu 3 and Sita: The Incarnation.

Speaking during an interview with journalist Barkha Dutt on The Mojo Story, Das said public disagreements should be resolved through dialogue rather than prolonged hostility. He argued that India’s culture of discussion and debate has weakened in recent years and stressed that conversations remain the best way to bridge ideological differences.

Das also revealed that he had previously appealed to Ranaut through an Instagram Story, urging her to remain calm and engage in discussion instead of escalating the exchange.

Recalling the public attention generated by their online confrontation, Das shared a lighter moment involving one of his friends. According to him, several friends questioned why Ranaut had continued targeting him on social media. One of them jokingly remarked that he looked “a little like a young Hrithik Roshan.” Das laughed off the comparison and admitted he was surprised by the comment.

When asked whether he would be willing to meet Kangana Ranaut for coffee, Das replied that he had no objection. He said he does not view political opponents as personal enemies and insisted that differences in opinion should not translate into personal hostility.

The latest remarks come against the backdrop of an ongoing war of words between Das and Ranaut over recent student protests and political developments. Their exchange intensified after Das criticised Ranaut's comments on the protests, suggesting that even members of her own party did not take her remarks seriously and that others need not do so either.

Ranaut responded sharply to the criticism through a series of social media posts, targeting Das personally while continuing to defend her position on the protests. She also posted multiple statements expressing strong views on public demonstrations, political accountability and youth culture, triggering widespread debate online.

The disagreement emerged after the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following which Ranaut repeatedly commented on student protests through her social media accounts. In one post, she criticised violent demonstrations and warned that damaging public property would invite public backlash. She argued that those who express harsh criticism in public should also be prepared to face criticism themselves.

In subsequent posts, the BJP MP also expressed concern over what she described as changing attitudes among sections of urban youth, particularly regarding independence, responsibility and social values. Her remarks drew mixed reactions across social media, with supporters backing her views while critics accused her of making sweeping generalisations.

Das, however, maintained during the interview that disagreements should remain within the boundaries of public debate. He reiterated that criticism is part of democratic discourse and expressed hope that conversations, rather than personal attacks, would dominate political engagement.

The exchange between the two has attracted significant attention on social media, where supporters of both figures have continued debating their statements. While neither side has indicated any plans for a direct meeting, Das's willingness to engage in conversation has added a fresh dimension to the ongoing political and social media sparring.

BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut has sparked fresh controversy after criticising what she described as the mindset of some women from the younger generation. In a series of posts on Instagram Stories, Ranaut referred to them as "gutter chhaap", alleging that they associate freedom with drug use, alcohol consumption and multiple sexual relationships.

The actor claimed that some young women aspire to emulate financially independent and career-oriented women without earning that independence through responsibility and self-reliance.

'Freedom Must Be Earned'

In her social media post, Ranaut said that genuine independence comes with accountability and the ability to make one's own decisions without depending on family support.

She argued that independent women earn their freedom through hard work and accept responsibility for the consequences of their choices.

According to Ranaut, living independently without accountability creates what she described as "a distorted entity."

Remarks on the 'Gutter Generation'

Describing a section of the younger generation as the "Gutter Generation," Ranaut alleged that some young people contribute little to society while continuing to rely financially on their parents.

She further claimed that drug use, alcohol consumption and casual relationships are being wrongly portrayed as symbols of freedom by some members of Gen Z.

The actor's remarks have triggered reactions on social media, with supporters backing her views while critics accused her of making sweeping generalisations about an entire generation.

Comments on Student Protests

Ranaut also reiterated her criticism of recent student protests across the country.

Earlier this week, she questioned the conduct and language used by some protesters, saying videos from the demonstrations had left her "sick."

Referring to the recent Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led agitation at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over examination reforms, Ranaut said public issues should be debated inside Parliament rather than through protests on the streets.

She also criticised the language allegedly used during the demonstrations, describing the style of protest as inappropriate.

Debate Continues Online

The latest comments have once again placed Ranaut at the centre of political and social debate, with her remarks generating widespread discussion across social media platforms.

While some users supported her views on accountability and personal responsibility, others argued that her comments unfairly stereotyped an entire generation of young women.

As of now, there has been no response from any organisations representing the student protesters regarding Ranaut's latest remarks.

In a series of Instagram Stories, Ranaut argued that many young women attempt to imitate the lifestyle of independent, career-oriented women without accepting the responsibilities that accompany personal freedom. According to her, genuine independence is built on accountability, self-reliance and the willingness to bear the consequences of one's choices.

The actor wrote that truly independent women often make unconventional decisions, express unpopular opinions and pursue careers outside traditional expectations, but also accept complete responsibility for those decisions instead of depending on their families.

Ranaut went on to criticise what she described as a growing influence of Western cultural values among some young Indian women. She claimed that a section of them equates freedom with substance abuse, alcohol consumption and having multiple sexual relationships rather than financial independence or personal responsibility.

In one of the most widely discussed parts of her post, she referred to this group as the “gutter generation,” alleging that they contribute little to society and are neither academically accomplished nor capable of fulfilling family responsibilities. She further claimed that many continue to rely on their parents financially while portraying themselves as independent individuals.

According to Ranaut, freedom must be earned through hard work and self-sufficiency rather than simply claimed through personal lifestyle choices. She argued that independence without accountability reflects a distorted understanding of personal liberty.

The comments quickly attracted mixed reactions across social media platforms. While some users supported her emphasis on self-reliance and responsibility, others criticised the language used in the post, calling it offensive, judgmental and unnecessarily directed at an entire generation of women.

The controversy follows another recent statement by Ranaut in which she criticised student protests held at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Reacting to videos circulating online, the actor questioned the upbringing of members of Generation Z, describing their behaviour and language during demonstrations as disturbing.

Ranaut had also argued that demands for the removal or continuation of individuals in public office should be debated within Parliament rather than through street protests. She maintained that legislative institutions remain the appropriate forum for resolving political disagreements.

Her latest comments have once again reignited discussions about public discourse, gender roles and freedom of expression. Supporters have defended her right to express personal opinions, while critics have argued that public figures should avoid sweeping generalisations that target specific groups.

Kangana Ranaut has frequently made headlines for her outspoken views on politics, culture and social issues. As both a Member of Parliament and a prominent film actor, her public statements often generate significant attention and polarised reactions.

Film body's 'ban' order rolls back a week after actor reportedly approaches court over Don 3 dispute

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) on Tuesday withdrew its non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh, stepping back from a standoff that had drawn significant attention across the Hindi film industry. The rollback came roughly a week after Ranveer reportedly served a legal notice to the federation and moved court over the matter.

Industry Bodies Pushed for Resolution

FWICE president BN Tiwari confirmed the withdrawal, saying the decision came after the federation received requests from prominent industry organisations, including the Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) and the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA). The federation said it would respond to Ranveer's legal notice through appropriate legal channels.

FWICE chief advisor Ashoke Pandit also used the occasion to clarify the federation's actual powers. He urged media outlets to stop using the word "ban," pointing out that FWICE can only advise its members not to work with a particular individual — it has no authority to prevent anyone from working professionally.

How the Dispute Began

The directive, originally issued on May 25, 2026, stemmed from Ranveer Singh's reported exit from Don 3, a high-profile project being produced by Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment. According to sources familiar with the matter, Ranveer stepped away from the film just three weeks before full-scale shooting was set to begin — at a point when pre-production work was nearly complete.

The producers subsequently demanded ₹45 crore in compensation for losses arising from the sudden exit. FWICE, citing the disruption caused to workers and production staff, had then asked all its members to refrain from associating with any of the actor's projects.

Legal Notice Filed Before Withdrawal

Ranveer's team sent a legal notice to the FWICE on June 2, a day before the withdrawal was announced, according to an NDTV report. The specific demands outlined in the notice have not been made public yet. His team also reportedly approached the court over the matter, which appeared to accelerate the federation's decision to reverse course.

Kangana Weighs In

The controversy drew a reaction from actress Kangana Ranaut, who addressed the issue at the trailer launch of her upcoming film Bharat Bhagya Vidhata on Tuesday. Asked about the episode, she drew parallels with her own experience of being on the receiving end of similar industry pressure.

"Everyone has banned me. I would just like to say that when your status grows, your enemies also grow," she said. Referring to Ranveer without naming him directly, she added that facing opposition is often a sign of progress. "So much has happened with me, but look, today I am doing good work. My career is also going well. So these things don't make any difference."

Bharat Bhagya Vidhata is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 12, 2026.

What Comes Next

With the directive now withdrawn, the immediate professional threat to Ranveer Singh's projects has been lifted. However, the legal proceedings — both the notice sent by his team and FWICE's stated intention to respond through courts — suggest the underlying dispute over Don 3 is far from settled.

The Don 3 compensation claim of ₹45 crore remains unresolved, and industry watchers will be tracking whether the matter heads toward arbitration or a negotiated settlement between the actor and Excel Entertainment.

The ongoing debate over the depiction of women and the use of suggestive lyrics in mainstream Indian cinema has erupted once again, this time with actor-politician Kangana Ranaut delivering a blistering critique of the latest track featuring dancer Nora Fatehi. The song, Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke from the upcoming Kannada film KD: The Devil, has not only drawn the ire of prominent celebrities but has also landed its makers in legal hot water, with complaints filed for obscenity.

As the controversy snowballs, it reignites a perennial question for the Hindi film industry: where is the line between creative expression and the promotion of vulgarity?

Kangana's Sharp Rebuke: "Strict Rein Needed"

Never one to mince words, Kangana Ranaut didn't hold back when asked about the song. Speaking to the news agency ANI, she framed the issue as a broader symptom of an industry gone awry. “Bollywood has crossed all limits with vulgarity, tactics, and attention-seeking,” she asserted.

Ranaut claimed the entire country is “condemning and reprimanding” the film industry, which she believes operates without shame. Her solution was unequivocal: “There needs to be even more strictness about the display of such vulgarity and obscenity...I think some strict rein will have to be put on Bollywood.” Her comments place her at the forefront of a growing chorus demanding greater accountability and censorship of content deemed inappropriate.

Industry Voices and Legal Action

Ranaut is not alone in her criticism. On Monday, acclaimed singer Armaan Malik expressed his disbelief on X (formerly Twitter). He stated that the lyrics forced him to replay the clip just to confirm what he had heard, lamenting that commercial songwriting has reached a “new low.” His reaction underscores a concern within the creative community itself about the direction of popular music.

The backlash has escalated beyond social media. An advocate has officially approached the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), seeking an immediate ban on the song. The complaint, reported by ANI, alleges the song contains “highly vulgar, sexually suggestive, and obscene expressions” that are harmful to minors. It further contends that the picturisation and dance sequences are “provocative” and disturb public decency.

Adding to the legal pressure, a separate criminal complaint has been filed with the Delhi Police Cyber Cell. The song, which was released on YouTube in five languages—Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada—has seen its Hindi version removed from the platform as of Wednesday. The complaint specifically names lyricist Raqeeb Alam, director Prem, composer Arjun Janya, and singer Mangli as key contributors.

The Anatomy of a Controversy

Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke has become a flashpoint due to its lyrical content. Reports describe the opening verse as a graphic double entendre explicitly detailing sexual acts. For a mainstream item number featuring a prominent dancer like Nora Fatehi, the explicitness has proven too much for a significant section of the audience and industry peers.

This incident is the latest in a long line of controversies surrounding item songs in Bollywood. However, the speed with which legal complaints have been filed and the involvement of major artists like Armaan Malik suggest a potential shift in tolerance levels. The core allegations include:

• Obscenity: The lyrics and visuals are sexually suggestive.

• Harm to Minors: The easy accessibility of the song on platforms like YouTube poses a risk to young viewers.

• Public Decency: The content is alleged to violate norms of public morality.

Expert Perspective: A Recurring Reckoning

“The cycle is familiar: a provocative song releases, it garners millions of views, then the backlash begins,” observes Senior Content Producer and film critic Santanu Das. “What’s different this time is the convergence of criticism from both a polarizing political figure like Kangana Ranaut and a respected mainstream artist like Armaan Malik. This puts the spotlight not just on Nora Fatehi as a performer, but on the entire ecosystem—the writers, composers, and producers who green-light such content. The question isn't just about one song anymore; it's about the industry's default setting to use female bodies and double entendre as a primary marketing tool.”

What Happens Next?

The removal of the Hindi version from YouTube signals that the controversy is having an immediate impact. The pending complaints with the CBFC and the Cyber Cell could lead to several outcomes:

• Censorship: The song could be banned or ordered to be modified with cuts.

• Legal Precedent: The case could set a new benchmark for what constitutes obscenity in digital and film music.

• Industry Self-Regulation: It may prompt production houses and music labels to exercise greater caution with future releases.

For now, Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke stands at the center of a firestorm, forcing a uncomfortable conversation about what audiences are being served and where the ultimate responsibility lies—with the creators, the censors, or the viewers themselves.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Bollywood dynamics, a major olive branch has just been extended. In a move that has surprised many industry insiders and fans alike, actress Taapsee Pannu has officially addressed her long-standing public "war of words" with Kangana Ranaut.

Speaking during a recent appearance on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, the Thappad star clarified that while the media often painted a picture of a bitter rivalry, the conflict was never mutual. "There was never a fight from my side," Taapsee stated, adding that she remains open to a reconciliation with the actress-turned-politician.

"She is My Senior": Taapsee Dismisses the Rivalry

The friction between the two powerhouse performers dates back several years, characterized by sharp social media exchanges and personal jibes. However, Taapsee is now looking to change the narrative. She emphasized her professional respect for Kangana, noting that seniority in the industry matters.

"Technically, she is my senior. Why shouldn’t I go and say hi-hello to her? I cannot guarantee what her response will be, but I can guarantee my own behavior," Taapsee shared.

The actress further explained that a "clash" requires two people to actively participate in a fight, a role she claims she never fulfilled. This shift in tone suggests a more mature, analytical approach to the industry's often-toxic PR games.

Who Benefited from the Taapsee-Kangana Rift?

One of the most intriguing takeaways from the interview was Taapsee’s suggestion that the Taapsee Pannu and Kangana Ranaut rift may have been fueled by external interests. When asked if their public dispute benefited "nepokids" or industry insiders, the actress offered a candid perspective:

• External Gain: Taapsee believes third parties likely benefited from the tension to keep "outsiders" divided.

• Media Narrative: She suggested that "someone or the other" must have gained from ensuring the two strong-willed actresses didn't unite.

• The Power of Unity: "If we come together, they know that something very tremendous will happen," she remarked, hinting at the collective power self-made actors hold.

A Look Back: The "Sasti Copy" and "B-Grade" Drama

The feud reached its peak when Kangana’s sister, Rangoli Chandel, famously labeled Taapsee Pannu a "sasti copy" (cheap copy) of Kangana. This was followed by Kangana calling Taapsee and Swara Bhasker "B-grade actresses" during the height of the 2020 nepotism debate.

While Taapsee had previously responded with witty retorts—notably saying that being a copy of a good actress isn't necessarily a bad thing—she now views those episodes as distractions. She noted that while she was also replaced by star kids in films, she refused to "exploit personal vendettas" or mock the industry that provided her identity.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Outsiders?

Taapsee’s latest comments come at a time when the actress is promoting her courtroom drama Assi. By choosing to take the high road, she is not just closing a personal chapter but also challenging the culture of "divide and rule" within Bollywood. Whether Kangana Ranaut—currently balancing her film career with her duties as a Member of Parliament—will respond to this gesture remains to be seen.

For now, Taapsee Pannu has made her stance clear: the door is open for peace, and the "feud" is officially a thing of the past.