Randeep Hooda isn’t one to mince words — especially when it comes to setting the record straight. The actor, currently earning praise for his turn as the menacing Ranatunga in Jaat, recently addressed an old tweet that stirred up internet drama back in 2019 — one where he subtly (or not so subtly) referred to Kangana Ranaut as an “occasional actor.”
In a new interview with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, Randeep revisited the tweet that had many raising eyebrows at the time. He had defended Alia Bhatt from Kangana’s critique of Gully Boy, where she called Alia’s performance “mediocre.” Randeep had tweeted in response: “I’m so glad you are not letting the opinions of very occasional actors and chronic victims affect you.” While he never named names, the internet played detective — and all roads led to Kangana.
Five years later, he’s confirmed what everyone suspected. “Because she was really targeting Alia,” Randeep admitted. “I had no enmity with Kangana then or now, but I have a special attachment to the young Alia from Highway. Whether she feels the same, I don’t know — but I have that attachment to Dheera.”
Randeep, who co-starred with Kangana in films like Ungli and Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, clarified that while they’re on cordial terms, they aren’t particularly close. Still, he felt compelled to speak up when he saw what he called unnecessary negativity.
“I don’t like it when someone puts others down to blow their own trumpet,” he said. “It’s not something I do, and it’s not something I admire. Kangana is a very good actor — these things don’t suit her.”
He also added that even when he’s faced unfair treatment, he’s chosen silence and dignity over drama. “Mere saath bhi unfairness hui hai, par aadmi usko pee jaata hai,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jaat, directed by Gopichand Malineni, has been performing steadily at the box office. Starring Sunny Deol, Regina Cassandra, and Randeep himself, the action-packed drama has already grossed over ₹50 crore globally.