Kangana Ranaut, a Bollywood actor and BJP Member of Parliament, said she has evolved from a "moderate Hindu" to an "awakened Hindu" [1].
The statement marks a public embrace of right-wing ideological alignment by a high-profile figure who bridges the gap between India's entertainment industry and its governing political structure.
Ranaut shared her reflections in a video posted on social media on Monday [1, 3]. In the footage, she discussed her ideological evolution and said she wants to become a "Sanghi" [2]. The term typically refers to members or supporters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent organization of the BJP [2].
During the video, Ranaut addressed her transition in beliefs and commented on the political leanings of others. She said that people become "leftist" after meeting Islamists [2]. This remark was part of a broader defense of her current views and a response to critics who have targeted her in recent videos [1, 2].
Ranaut's shift reflects a deeper commitment to the values associated with the BJP and RSS [2]. By labeling herself as "awakened," she suggests a conscious departure from her previous moderate stance toward a more assertive interpretation of her faith and political identity [1, 2].
The actress and politician has frequently used her social media platforms to engage with supporters and respond to trolls [1]. Her latest comments further solidify her role as a prominent voice for the nationalist wing of Indian politics, linking personal spiritual evolution with political loyalty [1, 2].
“I was a moderate Hindu”
Ranaut's public transition from a 'moderate' to an 'awakened' Hindu mirrors a broader trend within the BJP's strategy to integrate cultural and religious identity into political governance. By explicitly seeking to be a 'Sanghi,' she aligns herself with the RSS's goal of creating a culturally unified Hindu identity, signaling that her role in Parliament is as much about ideological advocacy as it is about legislation.
