Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has defended her decision to call veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah a “lomdi” (fox), accusing him of hypocrisy over his comments on student protests and questioning what she described as his “love for Pakistan”. Ranaut recently criticised Shah after he commented on student protests, prompting her to refer to the veteran actor as a “lomdi”. She has now expanded on her remarks in a conversation with ANI, saying the film industry has displayed what she considers a selective approach towards student-led protests and political demonstrations.

The BJP MP specifically referred to the protests at Jantar Mantar and claimed that the demonstrations had created security concerns for several parliamentarians. According to Ranaut, some of her fellow MPs had protesters climb onto their vehicles and break windows, while she alleged that around 2,500 people had gathered outside her residence. She said the situation required a heavy police presence and kept her family awake at night.

Ranaut argued that the reaction from sections of the film industry to those protests was different from its response to the ongoing student agitation in Jharkhand. She questioned why young protesters in Jharkhand should not receive the same attention and sympathy, saying they too belong to the younger generation. She accused the industry of shedding “crocodile tears” during the Jantar Mantar protests while remaining comparatively silent over the situation involving students in Jharkhand.

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“Is someone only considered Gen Z if they act against the country or abuse the Prime Minister?” Ranaut asked, arguing that the portrayal of youth protests should not depend on whether demonstrators are critical of the government. She said the film industry's approach had made its members appear “anti-youth” and insisted that what she described as hypocrisy would not be acceptable.

Ranaut's latest remarks come amid a broader public dispute over how prominent members of the film industry respond to political and social movements. Her criticism of Shah has also added another layer to their long-standing differences over political issues and public statements. Shah, one of India's most respected veteran actors, has frequently spoken publicly on social and political matters, while Ranaut has emerged as a prominent supporter of the BJP alongside her acting career.

In defending her “lomdi” remark, Ranaut also targeted Shah over what she described as his “love for Pakistan”. Her comment reflects the continuing political dimension of the dispute, although the available remarks do not establish any new statement by Shah on the Jharkhand protests beyond the comments that prompted Ranaut's criticism.

Ranaut maintained that the same standards should apply when students face unrest or alleged oppression, regardless of the political context surrounding their protests. By drawing a comparison between the Jantar Mantar demonstrations and the Jharkhand student agitation, she argued that young protesters should not receive selective support based on their political position.

Her comments are likely to keep the disagreement with Shah in the public spotlight, particularly as debates over student protests, political expression and the role of celebrities in public affairs continue. Ranaut's latest defence makes clear that she stands by her criticism of Shah and her broader allegation that sections of the film industry have adopted inconsistent positions on protests involving young people.

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