Kangana Ranaut, an actress and BJP Member of Parliament, released a video to clarify her previous remarks describing Gen Z as a "gutter generation" [1, 2].
The controversy highlights the growing tension between traditional Indian values and the behavioral shifts of younger generations during public protests. Ranaut's comments, initially linked to a row over NEET protests, sparked widespread backlash across social media and news outlets [2].
In the video, Ranaut said she refuses to normalize gutter-level behavior [1]. She said her comments were not an attack on all young people, but rather a critique of obscene conduct. Ranaut said she stands with the young people who respect their families and values [1].
Ranaut also addressed the reaction from the press. She said the media is selectively targeting her and misrepresenting her comments [2]. By framing her words as a defense of social standards, she sought to pivot the conversation from the insult to a discussion on morality.
The lawmaker said her objective was to oppose the normalization of what she termed as "gutter-level" behavior among the youth [1]. She said her stance is rooted in the preservation of cultural respect, and family-centric values [1].
“"I refuse to normalise gutter-level behaviour"”
This incident reflects a broader cultural clash in India, where political figures often use traditionalist rhetoric to critique modern youth movements. By framing the backlash as a media conspiracy, Ranaut is utilizing a common political strategy to consolidate her base while positioning herself as a guardian of societal values against perceived moral decay.
