Kangana Ranaut Calls Ongoing Protest Against The Release Of ‘Emergency’ ‘Complete Harassment Of Art And Artist’

January 17, 2025: Actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has strongly responded to the ongoing protests against the release of her film ‘Emergency’, calling it a “complete harassment of art and the artist.” The protests, spearheaded by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), have been focused on halting the screening of the film in several cities in Punjab. SGPC, the apex body overseeing gurudwaras in the region, is demanding an immediate ban on the film.

Kangana, who is also a Member of Parliament from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, labeled the protests as a propaganda campaign aimed at tarnishing her image and damaging the film’s success. She took to social media to respond to a tweet from MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, who called for the film’s ban, defending her stance and expressing respect for Sikh religion. She stated, “This is complete harassment of art and the artist… this is a complete lie and propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film #Emergency.”

The protests have escalated with some political figures, including MLA Kapurthala from Bholath constituency, supporting the SGPC’s demand to ban the film. He criticized Kangana as a “known critic of farmers & Sikhs” and claimed the film portrays Sikhs in a negative light, potentially defaming Punjab and its people. He called for the state government to act swiftly to ban the film.

In response to these protests, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Amritsar, Baljinder Singh Aulakh, confirmed that security had been increased at local cinema halls in the city. He mentioned that, despite the SGPC’s requests, the cinema hall had no showings of ‘Emergency’ scheduled for the time being.

‘Emergency’ delves into the controversial Emergency period imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1975 to 1977, and it features Kangana in the lead role. The film also stars Anupam Kher and Shreyas Talpade. Despite the protests, Kangana has remained firm in her defense, asserting that the film is a portrayal of an important historical event and not intended to offend any community.