Kangana Ranaut slams Naseeruddin Shah as 'lomdi' over student protest remark

Actress hits back at veteran actor's 'dog' remark

The war of words between Kangana Ranaut and Naseeruddin Shah escalated on Tuesday, with the actress calling the veteran performer a 'lomdi' (fox) for his recent comment on student protests. In a sharp retort, Ranaut said, "Khaate toh iss desh ka hain" — implying that despite enjoying the fruits of India, Shah's loyalties lie elsewhere.

The clash began after Shah, in a public interaction, reportedly referred to certain protesters as "dogs with a bone" — a phrase that drew immediate criticism from right-wing commentators. Piyush Mishra, the noted musician and actor, had earlier slammed Shah for the remark, calling it condescending.

Ranaut's counterattack

Ranaut, known for her outspoken political views, did not hold back. She accused Shah of hypocrisy, stating that while he benefits from India's resources and freedoms, his sympathies appear to be with a neighbouring country. "Woh iss desh ke hai lekin ladte padosi desh ke liye hai," she said, suggesting that Shah's comments align more with adversarial interests than with India's.

The actress's use of 'lomdi' — a term often used in Hindi to denote cunning — was a deliberate jab at Shah's intellectual posturing. She framed the veteran actor as someone who hides behind artistic liberalism while undermining the nation's interests.

Context of the student protest debate

The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing student demonstrations in several universities, with protesters demanding action on issues ranging from fee hikes to campus safety. Shah's original comment, made during a discussion on these protests, likened the students' persistence to that of a dog holding a bone — a metaphor many read as dismissive of their cause.

Mishra's reaction, which first drew attention to Shah's words, called the analogy "shameful" and questioned the veteran actor's empathy. Ranaut's subsequent attack has now turned the spat into a broader ideological battle, with supporters of both sides weighing in on social media.

Industry reactions and political undertones

Bollywood has been divided over the issue, with some actors defending Shah's right to free expression and others aligning with Ranaut's nationalist stance. The exchange has also reignited debates about patriotism and dissent in the film industry, a theme that has repeatedly surfaced in recent years.

Neither Shah nor his representatives have responded to Ranaut's latest remarks as of now. The veteran actor, known for his candid views, has previously courted controversy with comments on religion and politics, but this is the first time he has been directly labelled a traitor by a fellow actor.

What lies ahead

As the spat continues to trend online, it remains to be seen whether Shah will issue a rebuttal or let the matter rest. With the student protests still simmering, this celebrity clash is likely to keep the spotlight on the underlying issues — and on the fragile fault lines within Bollywood's political discourse.