Kangana Ranaut Alleges Oscars Of Picking ‘Anit-India’ Films That Depict Country As ‘Sh*thole’
Actress Kangana Ranaut has voiced strong criticism against The Academy Awards, accusing them of favoring films that portray India negatively. Her remarks came after Laapataa Ladies failed to make it to the Oscars shortlist. Speaking to Times Now, Kangana said, “Usually, the agenda they push for India is very different. Jo Oscar pick karta hai is anti-India.” The actress argued that films chosen by The Academy often depict India as a “sh*thole,” which she believes reflects a deliberate narrative bias.
Expressing disappointment over what she perceives as selective bias, the Queen actress criticized the themes celebrated by international award bodies. Referring to a recent Indian film that garnered global recognition, Kangana commented on its portrayal of religious intolerance in India. “I heard the director say that in India, you don’t have the freedom to love because of religious intolerance,” she said, implying that such narratives are intentionally promoted in the West.
Kangana also took aim at past Oscar winners like Slumdog Millionaire, stating that films showcasing poverty or societal struggles are often prioritized over those highlighting India’s progress. “For the Oscars, it has to be a film that makes the country look bad. Slumdog Millionaire, etc. It always has to be a film that makes the country look like a sh*thole,” she asserted.
Kangana on Emergency and Award Culture
Shifting focus to her own work, Kangana discussed her upcoming film Emergency, set to release on January 17, 2025. The movie, which marks her directorial debut, features her as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Kangana emphasized that her film will not cater to anti-India narratives. “The West is ready to see how India stands today. I have never cared about these awards. I don’t care about Indian awards or Western awards,” she declared.
The 38-year-old actress added that Emergency aims to showcase a pivotal moment in India’s history without compromising its integrity. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, and the late Satish Kaushik.
Kangana’s remarks have reignited the debate about how Indian cinema is represented on the global stage and whether award bodies prioritize certain narratives over others.
