Kangana Ranaut, the actor and BJP Member of Parliament from Himachal Pradesh, has received death threats from Sikh extremist groups ahead of the release of her upcoming film Emergency. In the film, Kangana Ranaut portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, a role that has sparked controversy following the release of the film’s trailer.
The threats emerged after a video surfaced on social media in which Vicky Thomas Singh, a Christian who converted to Nihang Sikhism, made veiled threats related to the film’s portrayal of Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. In the video, Singh referenced the assassination of Indira Gandhi, suggesting violent retribution if the film negatively depicts Bhindranwale. “If in the movie he is portrayed as a terrorist, remember what happened to the person whose movie you are doing? Who were Satwant Singh and Beant Singh? We will offer our head to Santji, and those who can offer their heads can also chop them off,” Singh said.
In response, Kangana Ranaut has sought assistance from the police, urging them to address the threats. She shared the video on X and tagged the police forces from Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab, requesting their intervention.
Several Sikh organizations have voiced their opposition to the film, set for release on September 6, claiming it misrepresents the Sikh community. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has condemned the portrayal of Bhindranwale as a terrorist, asserting that it unfairly maligns the entire Sikh community.
In addition to these threats, Kangana Ranaut has stirred further controversy with her comments on the farmers’ protest. In a video posted on X, she compared the unrest during the farmers’ protest against the three contentious farm laws to the violence in Bangladesh, claiming that “bodies were seen hanging and rapes were taking place.” She alleged that foreign powers were involved in inciting the protest and criticized those who perpetuate the unrest.
The remarks have drawn condemnation from farmer leaders and organizations. Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) Ambavata leader Dilbagh Singh Hooda has demanded an apology from Kangana Ranaut, labeling her statements as “condemnable.” Sayunkt Kisan Morcha (non-political) leader Abhimanyu Kohar has called on the BJP to disassociate itself from Kangana Ranaut’s comments, threatening to raise the issue at an upcoming farmers’ rally. Another leader, Tejveer Singh of BKU Shahid Bhagat Singh, dismissed her remarks as provocative and aimed at gaining publicity.
The BJP has distanced itself from Kangana Ranaut’s statements, emphasizing that her views do not represent the party’s stance. In a statement, the BJP expressed its disagreement with Kangana Ranaut’s comments and urged her to refrain from making such statements in the future.
Kangana Ranaut has defended her portrayal of Indira Gandhi, praising the former Prime Minister for her decisive actions against separatist forces. Kangana Ranaut stated that Indira Gandhi’s measures were crucial in maintaining national unity, even at the cost of her own life.
