Actor-turned-politician and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has stirred a fresh political and social media storm after launching a fierce attack on veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah. Responding to Shah’s earlier provocative remarks about Bollywood celebrities remaining silent on ongoing student protests, Kangana publicly labeled him a "lomdi" (fox) and questioned his loyalty to the nation.
The Origin: Naseeruddin Shah’s "Dog With a Bone" Metaphor
The conflict traces back to remarks made by Naseeruddin Shah regarding the silence of A-list Bollywood celebrities during student demonstrations across the country. Criticizing the film industry's silence on social and political issues, Shah had used a metaphor stating:
"They’ll do it when their conscience tells them to. There’s a saying: a dog with a bone in its mouth can’t bark. As soon as the bone drops out of their mouth, or it breaks their teeth, then they will bark."
Shah’s comment drew sharp responses from several political and film figures who viewed the analogy as an insult to public figures exercising personal restraint.
Piyush Mishra Intervenes and Challenges Shah
Actor-singer Piyush Mishra recently reignited the debate while attending a demonstration in Ranchi, Jharkhand, supporting job aspirants protesting over recruitment exam irregularities. Mishra directly challenged Naseeruddin Shah’s analogy, asking why those who criticized Bollywood silence on national protests were absent when local students in Jharkhand were facing police action.
Mishra questioned Shah’s selective vocalism and pointed out the inconsistency in demanding film industry involvement in political protests.
Kangana Ranaut Reacts: "Khaate Toh Iss Desh Ka Hain"
Supporting Piyush Mishra’s stance, Kangana Ranaut posted a sharp response on her social media handles. Re-sharing news reports of Mishra’s statements, the Mandi MP defended her loyalty to India while delivering a direct hit at Naseeruddin Shah:
"Sach toh yeh hai har koi kisi na kisi ka kutta hai, lekin mujhe iss baat ka garv hai ki main jis ghar (desh) ki roti khati hoon uski rakhwali karti hoon / uske liye ladti hoon. Naseer Saab khaate toh iss desh ka hain lekin ladte padosi desh ke liye hain."
(Translation: "The truth is that everyone is someone's dog, but I am proud that I guard and fight for the home whose bread I eat. Naseer Saab eats the bread of this country, but fights for the neighboring country.")
Addressing the animal metaphor directly, Ranaut added:
"In today's time it's a compliment for humans to be called a dog because loyalty and cuteness is so rare. I'd rather be a dog than a lomdi (fox) like Naseeruddin."
Broader Context and Escalating Political Row
Kangana Ranaut’s latest comments come amidst a broader national conversation surrounding student-led demonstrations. Previously, Ranaut faced backlash for her criticism of Gen Z protestors at Jantar Mantar and Delhi, though she later highlighted student issues in Jharkhand, criticizing local administration responses to job aspirants.
The exchange between Shah, Mishra, and Ranaut underscores the ongoing divide within Bollywood over political involvement and public advocacy.
