As Generation Gutter Row Escalates, Revisiting Kangana Ranauts Biggest Controversies Over The Years

Here's a look at the latest controversy and some of the biggest moments that kept Kangana Ranaut in the news long before this.

From 'Generation Gutter' To A War Of Words With Saurav Das

Kangana's latest controversy began after she reacted to videos from protests over the alleged NEET-UG irregularities. In a series of Instagram Stories, she criticised the language used by some protesters before referring to a section of Gen Z as "Generation Gutter." She alleged that a section of today's youth lacked values and discipline, while making sweeping remarks about their education and lifestyle.

The comments quickly drew criticism, including from Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das, who defended Gen Z and said young people had contributed more to the country than Kangana acknowledged. He also questioned her political credibility.

Kangana responded by calling Das "useless," questioning why he still described himself as a student and saying she had already won two National Awards at his age. Das later replied with a light-hearted remark, joking that perhaps Kangana was upset because his friends say he resembles Hrithik Roshan. The exchange soon went viral, with actor Sonu Sood also criticising Kangana's remarks about Gen Z.

Calling Karan Johar The 'Flagbearer Of Nepotism'

Long before nepotism became one of Bollywood's biggest talking points, Kangana ignited the debate on national television.

During her appearance on Koffee With Karan in 2017, she famously called filmmaker Karan Johar the "flagbearer of nepotism." The remark quickly went viral and sparked an industry-wide conversation about insider privilege, opportunities for outsiders and the functioning of the Hindi film industry. Even today, the phrase continues to be referenced whenever the nepotism debate resurfaces.

The Mumbai-PoK Remark And BMC Office Demolition

In 2020, amid the aftermath of Sushant Singh Rajput's death, Kangana became increasingly vocal about Bollywood and Maharashtra politics.

Her comparison of Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) triggered widespread political debate. Days later, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished parts of her Mumbai office, citing unauthorised alterations. Kangana alleged that the demolition was politically motivated. In a significant development, the Bombay High Court later ruled that the demolition had been carried out with malice and awarded her compensation. The episode remains one of the defining controversies of her public life.

Farmers' Protest Remarks That Sparked Political Debate

Kangana's comments on the farmers' protests repeatedly drew public attention. She made several statements during the 2020-21 protests that were criticised by opposition leaders and sections of the public. The issue resurfaced after she entered politics when, in 2024, she remarked that the protests could have led to unrest had the government not acted firmly. The BJP later distanced itself from her remarks, stating that they reflected her personal views and not the party's official stand.

Around the same time, Kangana was slapped by a CISF constable at Chandigarh Airport. The constable reportedly linked the act to Kangana's earlier comments on the farmers' movement. The incident led to the constable's suspension and sparked a nationwide debate on security, free speech and political discourse.

'India Got Real Freedom In 2014' Remark

In 2021, Kangana sparked nationwide debate after claiming that India received its "real freedom" in 2014 while describing Independence in 1947 as "bheekh" (alms) during a public event.

Explaining her stance, she argued that 1947 marked a transfer of power rather than true independence and questioned whether there had been a war that led to freedom that year. She later defended her remarks on social media, saying she was referring to historical events such as the 1857 uprising, which she believed represented India's first collective fight for freedom.

Her comments drew criticism from political leaders, historians and social media users, many of whom accused her of undermining the sacrifices of India's freedom fighters. Kangana, however, stood by her statement, making it one of the most debated moments of her public life.

A Public Figure Who Continues To Make Headlines

Whether through her films, political statements or social media posts, Kangana Ranaut has consistently remained in the public eye. Many of her comments have sparked nationwide conversations, with some finding support and others attracting widespread criticism. The latest Gen Z controversy is the newest addition to a long list of headline-making moments that have kept the actor-politician at the centre of public discussion over the years.