MANDI (Munish Sood)
Bollywood actress and BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency, Kangana Ranaut, has criticised Indian politicians and feminists for their “pin drop silence” on the disruptions surrounding her film ‘Emergency’ in the UK.
Taking to social media, Kangana Ranaut praised a British MP who spoke out in her defence while lamenting the lack of support from Indian leaders.
“British MP raises his voice for my fundamental right of free speech… meanwhile, pin drop silence from Indian politicians and feminists #Emergency,” Kangana Ranaut posted on her X handle.
Interestingly, no leader from even Kangana Ranaut’s party BJP has so far spoken in her support even as her film continues to face protests in Sikh-dominated parts across the world, including in Punjab and the UK.
Conservative MP demands action from UK govt
Conservative Party Member of Parliament in the UK Bob Blackman, an MP for Harrow East, has called on the British Home Secretary to address the recent incident where masked individuals, reportedly linked to pro-Khalistani groups, disrupted the screening of Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Emergency’ in north-west London.
“I raised the horrific intimidation of my constituents and many others as pro-Khalistan thugs disrupted screenings of the new ‘Emergency’ film in cinemas. Some cinemas have even pulled the film in fear of more disruption. We must stand up to anyone trying to silence free speech,” Bob Blackman posted on his X handle along with his video condemning the attacks.
‘Emergency’ screening disrupted across multiple cities
The controversy erupted as pro-Khalistan activists have been disrupting the screening of ‘Emergency’ in multiple UK cities, including London, Birmingham and Manchester.
The film, which chronicles the tumultuous period of the 1975-1977 Emergency under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has faced backlash from Sikh organisations in Punjab and abroad.
Groups such as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have accused the film of distorting historical facts and misrepresenting the Sikh community. Protests have erupted across Punjab, leading to cancellations of screenings in several theatres.
Kangana defended her film, stating that opposition in Punjab is being driven by “a small group” with vested interests. “My films were once the most-watched in Punjab, but now I can’t even release my film there,” she said. She urged audiences to watch the film and judge for themselves rather than being swayed by misinformation.
