In a sharp rebuke to Bollywood actress and BJP MP from Mandi Kangana Ranaut, former Union Minister Som Prakash on Wednesday urged her to refrain from making provocative comments about Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the Sikh community. Ranaut’s recent statement, branding Bhindranwale — a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement — as a “terrorist”, has ignited a firestorm of criticism and unrest in Punjab.
Prakash, a senior BJP leader, took to social media to express his disapproval of Ranaut’s remarks. In his post on X, he urged, “Kangana Ranaut must restrain from making unnecessary comments against Sant Jarnail Singh and the Sikh community. Such remarks hurt the feelings of the Sikh community. She must remain disciplined. No one should be allowed to disturb peace in Punjab.”
The controversy erupted following Ranaut’s interview discussing her forthcoming film, Emergency. During the interview, she claimed that 99 percent of Punjabis do not view Bhindranwale as a saint, asserting, “He was a terrorist. If he is considered a terrorist, then my film should be allowed to be released.” Her comments have been perceived as inflammatory and have exacerbated tension in the region.
Prakash, responding to the fallout, emphasized that Ranaut’s statements were inappropriate and contrary to the values of peace and harmony. He added, “What Kangana is doing is not right, and the party has already distanced itself from her statement.”
The reaction to Ranaut’s statements has been swift and severe. Former IAS officer Jagmohan Singh Raju, who recently contested Punjab Assembly elections as a BJP candidate, has also urged Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to ensure that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) rigorously reviews Emergency. Raju’s concern is that the film may contain content offensive to Sikh sentiments.
The film’s trailer has already sparked protests from the Sikh community, accusing Ranaut of distorting historical facts. Demonstrations have taken place outside gurudwaras in Mumbai, where protesters have demanded a complete ban on the film and called for punitive action against Ranaut. Jaspal Singh Suri, a prominent protest leader, warned of potential violence if the film is released, stating, “This is an act of defiance, and it will be met with severe consequences.”
Ranaut, known for her outspoken views, defended her film and criticized past governments for labeling Khalistani separatists as terrorists. She claimed that her film, which portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is historically accurate and has been vetted by historians. She expressed frustration over the backlash, arguing that her critics are attempting to censor her work.
