Kangana Ranaut strongly reacted to recent reports on the Hema Committee’s findings about severe discrimination and sexual exploitation faced by women in Malayalam cinema. In a recent interview with India Today, Kangana expressed frustration that her long-standing warnings on these issues had gone ignored. She also voiced disappointment with women in the industry for promoting item songs and not taking responsibility for their work.
What Kangana said
When asked about the rape culture in the Kerala film industry and if it applies to all film industries, Kangana Ranaut responded, “I have nothing more to say about the industry; it’s a hopeless place. I’ve risked everything—my career and my choices. I’m facing two legal cases and started the MeToo movement, which didn’t gain traction. I also initiated parallel feminist cinema, only to be attacked by the very women who benefit from my advocacy for pay parity. I chose not to work in Khan, Kapoor, or Kumar films. When my film *Emergency* succeeds, these same people go into hiding. Ten years ago, in my episode of *Satyamev Jayate* with Aamir Khan, I was already calling out the problematic screenplays where girls say ‘No, no, no!’ while boys say ‘Yes, yes, yes!’ I’ve been confronting rape culture and item numbers for years.”
‘Maine sab ko dushman bana liya apna’
She continued, “Maine sab ko dushman bana liya apna (I have made everyone my enemy). The same sexist cinema that promotes violence against women is thriving more than ever. I’ve been talking about these issues for so long, but where has it led? It feels like a hopeless situation. My efforts might have brought some personal changes—I’m in a safer and more secure place now—but I’m deeply disappointed in women who promote and perform in item numbers and refuse to take responsibility for the sexualization of young women. I’m also frustrated with those who don’t support other women’s work and question my struggles. They don’t see that I’m not fighting just for myself; I’ve sacrificed opportunities, money, and brands. My fight has cost me dearly, and I’m very disappointed in them.”
Kangana will be seen next in Emergency, where she will play former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The film has been directed as well as written by her. It also stars Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik. It releases in theatres on September 6.
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