Munish Sood
MANDI: An old interview clip of Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, who is the first-time BJP MP from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, has gone viral on social media, triggering a wave of public backlash and reigniting the national debate on whether celebrity candidates are suited for serious political roles.
In the interview, which is now circulating widely across various platforms, Kangana Ranaut openly admits that “she is not enjoying her role as a Member of Parliament”. She further claims that before being given the ticket, “the BJP had assured her that the job would only require 60 to 70 days of work in a year, allowing her to continue her professional pursuits during the rest of the period”.
“Now, I understand that this is a very demanding job,” she says in the clip. “I was told I would need to work for only a couple of months. But in reality, it’s far more intense.”
The statement has drawn sharp criticism, particularly because it comes at a time when Himachal Pradesh is battling widespread devastation due to natural calamities. Many residents feel that their elected representative should be focused on ground-level relief efforts rather than making public complaints about the pressures of political office.
The timing of the viral video has angered many locals, who believe their region has been neglected during its hour of need.
Sunil Thakur, a resident of Bamsan, commented: “At a time when the entire state is struggling with disaster, people are waiting for relief and support. Kangana’s remarks are not only shocking but make us question her priorities. Is this really the time to speak to the media, or should she be on the ground helping her people?”
Politics an expensive hobby for honest people, says actor
In the same interview, Kangana Ranaut also describes politics as an unaffordable space for those trying to remain honest. She reveals that a large portion of her parliamentary salary is spent on cooks, drivers and travel expenses incurred while visiting different areas of her sprawling hill constituency.
“If I have to travel to any part of my constituency with even a few staff members, the cost runs into lakhs,” she explains. “Every location is 300 to 400 km apart. It’s a financially draining responsibility.”
Expectations of a ministerial role
Kangana Ranaut also shared her belief that she was expecting to be appointed as a Union Minister, given her stature and the nature of her electoral victory.
“I’m a film producer, director and a Padma Shri awardee. I won from a very difficult seat. I thought my contribution would be acknowledged and I would be made a minister,” she says in the clip. “Many first-time MPs have been given Cabinet roles. I genuinely expected the same.”
The comment has led to further criticism, with many pointing out that leadership is about service, not entitlement.
Party workers speak out: ‘Star candidates damaging party’s image’
Within the BJP’s local cadre, resentment is growing over what some see as the party’s increasing dependence on celebrity candidates — often at the expense of committed grassroots workers.
Prince Minhans, a long-time supporter of the party, wrote: “By promoting such stars, the BJP is slowly destroying the morale of its own workers. The day is not far when it will face the same situation as the Congress. Jai Shri Ram.”
This sentiment reflects a larger concern among party insiders who feel overshadowed by parachute candidates with little local or political experience.
Citizens demand accountability, not excuses
Social media reactions have also targeted Kangana Ranaut’s tone in the interview, which some users saw as evasive or dismissive of her responsibilities.
Gyan Barwal posted: “You are not a child. If someone is elected by the people, they become the leader and representative of that constituency. It is their duty to fulfill the promises made during the election campaign.”
Previous remarks also under scrutiny
This is not the first time Kangana Ranaut’s comments as an MP have raised eyebrows. During earlier visits to disaster-affected areas in Banjar, she told the public not to bring issues meant for the Chief Minister to her, stating that she does not have a cabinet or administrative authority.
Her repeated emphasis on her limited powers and structural constraints has led many to question whether she was fully aware of the responsibilities that come with public office before entering politics.
