Munish Sood
MANDI: Renowned Bollywood actress and BJP Member of Parliament from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, Kangana Ranaut, has once again sparked a public debate, but this time not with a political statement or cinematic announcement.
In a Facebook story shared on Saturday (May 31, 2025), the actor-turned-politician reflected on the joy of aging, the contrasting attitudes of Bollywood and politics toward older women and her journey of embracing her grey hair.
“My pilgrim soul never feared aging,” Kangana wrote. “But when my film crew saw grey hair, they panicked, used mascaras and colour sprays. Happy to be in a place (probably hinting at career in politics) where my aging face or body doesn’t take anything away from me.”
She went on to pose a thought-provoking question to her followers: “Do you guys think politics is kinder to older women than movies? I definitely think so.”
Hashtags like #joyofaging, #nofilter, and #delhivibes accompanied the post, emphasising authenticity and self-acceptance.
Is Bollywood’s rejection gain of politics?
The post has led many to wonder: Is Kangana Ranaut subtly signalling her exit from the glam world that made her a household name? Her words — “aging is such a joy” and “happy to be in a place where my aging face or body doesn’t take anything away from me” — seem to draw a clear contrast between the cosmetic pressure of the entertainment industry and the comparative acceptance she feels in political life, says an analyst.
Kangana’s fans are speculating whether this marks a turning point in her career, a graceful acceptance of aging in a society where film stars often fight it. Others see it as a critique of the film industry’s obsession with youth and beauty, and an affirmation of the dignity that politics can offer women beyond their prime acting years.
Question for society
“The actress has always been known for her unfiltered voice — often controversial, always headline-worthy. But this time, the conversation she has initiated goes deeper: How do we treat women as they age? And which professions allow women to evolve with grace?” says a Mandi resident.
Whether this is a farewell note to Bollywood or just an introspective moment from a public figure, one thing is certain — Kangana has opened up an important dialogue about image, aging and identity in the public eye, says one of her fans.
