Shatrughan Sinha Hits Back at Kangana Ranaut for ‘Independence’ Remark

Veteran actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha has reignited the debate over celebrity participation in politics, taking an unmistakable swipe.

At Kangana Ranaut while reflecting on why film icon Dharmendra walked away from public life after a single Lok Sabha term.

In a recent interview, Sinha argued that political parties routinely field film stars for their star power but fail to prepare them for the demands of governance — a gap that, he suggested, often results in missteps, controversies and early exits.

‘Celebrities Are Used to Win, Not Trained to Serve’

Sinha said Dharmendra’s departure after serving as BJP MP from Bikaner (2004–2009) was partly due to inadequate guidance from party leadership. “Those who recruited him and used him to contest elections are also responsible,” he said. “Celebrities are brought in during elections, but once it’s over, there’s no follow-up, no training, no support.”

‘At Least Teach Them When India Got Independence’

Without naming her directly, Sinha also took aim at Kangana Ranaut, referencing her earlier claim that India gained “real freedom” only in 2014 and that the 1947 independence was “bheekh.”

“When you induct people, teach them something. At least tell them when the country actually got independence,” he said — a remark that drew applause from the audience and revived the controversy surrounding Kangana’s comment.

Sinha Recalls Mentorship From Senior Leaders

Contrasting today’s scenario with his own political initiation, Sinha said he was trained by senior BJP leaders including L.K. Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Madan Lal Khurana and Kailashpati Mishra.

“At least in my time, we were taught how to work,” he said, adding that such systematic mentorship is largely missing for celebrity politicians today.

Dharmendra, Sunny Deol and the One-Term Pattern

Sinha also pointed to a recurring trend of actors leaving politics after one term, citing the examples of Dharmendra and Sunny Deol, both of whom he said were left “deeply disappointed” by the system.

‘Hema Malini Still Hasn’t Got Her Due’

Sinha expressed concern that despite two decades in politics, Hema Malini has not received the responsibility or recognition she deserves.
“Hema ji is senior and capable. She hasn’t been given her due,” he said.

‘Dharmendra Deserved Better Support’

Concluding his remarks, Sinha said Dharmendra had won his seat with a thumping majority, and the least the party could have done was regularly engage with him.

“They should have sat with him once a week,” he said. “I’ve wanted to say this for a long time.”

While framed around Dharmendra’s political journey, Sinha’s comments have again drawn focus to Kangana Ranaut’s political preparedness — and to the larger question of whether celebrities are being empowered for long-term public service or merely used for electoral gains.