Kangana Ranaut: “If she can get a ticket, why won’t I?”
Kangana Ranaut’s 2020 feud with actor-turned-politician Urmila Matondkar resurfaces as she announces plans to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha election on a BJP ticket, garnering attention once again.
The political landscape was rife with controversy in 2020 as Kangana Ranaut, the acclaimed Bollywood actress, embarked on a feud with actor-turned-politician Urmila Matondkar. This clash of personalities took on a new dimension as Kangana announced her candidacy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.
The saga began with Kangana Ranaut’s scathing remarks against Urmila Matondkar during an interview with Times Now. In her statement, Kangana did not mince words, referring to Urmila as ‘a soft porn star.’ The comment came amidst a larger discussion about her perceived struggles and alleged attempts to gain favor from the BJP for a political ticket.
In September 2020, Kangana Ranaut’s words reverberated in the media: “Urmila is a soft porn star.
Urmila Matondkar, known for her illustrious acting career before her foray into politics, had made her political debut as a Congress candidate in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, contesting from the Mumbai North constituency. However, her association with Congress was short-lived, and in 2020, she made the decision to join the Shiv Sena.
Responding to Kangana’s scathing comments, Urmila criticized the actress for disrespecting veteran actor Jaya Bachchan. Jaya Bachchan had raised objections in Parliament regarding the perceived tarnishing of the film industry’s image. Urmila, in her statement, highlighted Kangana’s comments as an example of the disrespect being shown towards senior figures in the industry.
The clash between Kangana Ranaut and Urmila Matondkar became a symbol of the charged political environment, where personal attacks and controversies often overshadowed policy discussions. Kangana’s decision to enter the political arena only intensified the scrutiny on her statements and actions.
The timing of Kangana’s controversial remarks coincided with her announcement of candidacy for the Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket. Her remarks against Urmila Matondkar, a fellow actor who had transitioned into politics, added fuel to an already fiery political landscape.
As Kangana Ranaut continued to make headlines for her outspoken views and unabashed criticisms, the clash with Urmila Matondkar stood out as a particularly contentious episode. It underscored the intersection of Bollywood glamour with the rough-and-tumble world of Indian politics, where words spoken in anger and passion can reverberate for years to come.
With Kangana Ranaut’s entry into electoral politics, the saga between the two personalities took on new significance. Their clash became emblematic of the larger battles being fought within the political arena, where personalities clashed and reputations were put on the line.
As the Lok Sabha elections approached, all eyes were on Kangana Ranaut and her bid for political office. The controversy with Urmila Matondkar served as a reminder of the complexities and conflicts inherent in the worlds of entertainment and politics, highlighting the challenges faced by those who straddle both domains.
Urmila Matondkar’s response to Kangana Ranaut’s derogatory remarks in 2020 resonated deeply with many in the industry. In an interview with NDTV, Urmila questioned the cultural ethos of attacking respected figures like Jaya Bachchan. She highlighted Jaya Bachchan’s longstanding presence in the film industry, emphasizing the need for respect and decorum in public discourse.
Following Kangana’s controversial statement, Bollywood personalities rallied around Urmila Matondkar, expressing solidarity and admiration for her work. Actor Swara Bhasker took to Twitter in 2020 to applaud Urmila’s remarkable performances in a range of films, including “Masoom,” “Rangeela,” “Satya,” and more. Swara’s tweet underscored Urmila’s versatility as an actress, acknowledging her contributions to Indian cinema.
His tweet reflected the sentiment of many in the industry who stood in support of Urmila Matondkar, condemning Kangana Ranaut’s remarks and praising Urmila’s talent and contribution to cinema.
The swift and vocal support from fellow actors and filmmakers highlighted the solidarity within Bollywood, particularly in times when one of their own faced disparaging comments. It also served as a reminder of the respect and admiration Urmila Matondkar commands within the film fraternity for her illustrious career and remarkable performances across various genres.