Kangana Ranaut, known for her fearless views and bold statements, has once again stirred the pot. This time, she has openly criticized the Bollywood industry for its age bias against women, while praising Indian politics for being more welcoming and respectful toward older women. Her latest remarks have sparked a fresh debate on how women are treated in different career paths, especially as they grow older.
In a recent interview, Kangana spoke about the joy of aging and how she has come to appreciate the process. But what caught everyone’s attention was her sharp comparison between films and politics. The actress-turned-politician said, “Politics is much kinder to older women than the film industry. In cinema, once women reach a certain age, roles dry up. But in politics, women are respected for their experience and wisdom.”
Kangana, who is contesting the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, has never shied away from speaking the truth — no matter how uncomfortable it may be. And this time, she has hit a nerve that many veteran actresses have been quietly dealing with for years.
Her statement resonates with the experiences of countless female actors in Bollywood who have seen their careers slow down or vanish as they age. While male actors continue to get lead roles well into their 50s and 60s, women often find themselves sidelined once they cross 40. This double standard has long been criticized but rarely addressed by celebrities themselves.
Kangana’s transition from films to politics has been closely watched, and with these latest comments, she has once again reminded fans and critics that she won’t stay silent about injustice — no matter what the platform.
She said, “In Bollywood, the obsession with youth is toxic. There’s so much pressure to look young, behave young, and stay relevant. But in politics, age brings authority and respect. Here, people actually want leaders who have lived, learned, and experienced life.”
The ‘Queen’ actress is known for choosing roles that break stereotypes, but she admitted that finding strong roles for women in their 40s is still a challenge. “You either play the mother of a hero who is just five years younger than you, or you disappear from the screen altogether,” she said.
Her words have opened the door to conversations that are both important and overdue. Is Bollywood really ageist? Is there a place for actresses beyond their 30s? Kangana believes that Indian cinema still has a long way to go when it comes to equality for women — not just in pay but also in opportunities.
Interestingly, her entry into politics has given her a new platform to speak on social issues, and she is using it well. Kangana pointed out how women like Sushma Swaraj, Indira Gandhi, and Mamata Banerjee earned respect and admiration even as they aged, something that rarely happens in the film industry.
“In politics, your voice matters more than your looks. Your age adds to your credibility. I find that extremely empowering,” she added.
Social media was quick to react to her statements. While many praised her for highlighting an important issue, others accused her of using politics to attack the film industry — yet again. But love her or hate her, you cannot ignore her.
In an industry where youth and beauty are worshipped, Kangana’s bold take stands out. She’s not just calling out the bias, but also setting an example by shifting to a field where age is seen as an asset, not a flaw.
Kangana’s fans have flooded Twitter and Instagram with messages of support. Hashtags like #KanganaOnAgeism, #BollywoodBias, and #PoliticsForWomen have been trending. Some users even shared similar experiences from their own industries, proving that ageism is a much broader issue.
This isn’t the first time Kangana has spoken about discrimination in Bollywood. She has often criticized nepotism, favoritism, and gender inequality in the industry. But this time, her focus is on a topic that impacts every woman eventually: the fear of becoming invisible with age.
Her statement has also started a conversation among other female actors. While most have stayed silent publicly, insiders say that many agree with her views. A well-known casting director even commented anonymously, saying, “It’s true. Roles for older men are everywhere — doctors, politicians, businessmen. But older women? Hardly any unless they’re a hero’s mom or someone’s grandmother.”
Kangana’s journey is proof that reinvention is possible. From playing glamorous roles in films to standing on political stages and challenging societal norms, she continues to break barriers.
Her decision to join politics, especially from a rural constituency like Mandi, shows that she is serious about using her voice for a bigger cause. Whether it’s ageism, gender discrimination, or patriotic values, Kangana never holds back.
She concluded her interview by saying, “I’m proud of ageing. Every line on my face, every wrinkle, is a story. And I’m glad I’ve found a place where that story is heard, not hidden.”
As India watches Kangana’s political journey unfold, her words are already making an impact. She is not just raising her voice — she’s becoming the voice for many others who felt unseen, unheard, and underestimated.
In the end, whether you agree with her politics or not, there’s no denying that Kangana Ranaut has once again started a necessary conversation. And maybe, just maybe, the film industry will listen this time.
