One of the biggest controversy-generators in 2020 was Kangana Ranaut.
The A-list star, who’s never really bothered about being politically correct and has never hesitated when it comes to speaking her mind, embroiled herself into one controversy after another, particularly after the demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
The ‘Panga’ star was the first A-lister to come out and rally behind the fans of the deceased actor, as they vowed to fight against the alleged evils of showbiz, namely – nepotism, bullying, groupism and hate-campaigns through media connections.
The actress then got herself into quite a war of words with the Mumbai police – who were primarily involved in the investigations pertaining to SSR’s death and landed herself into a major pot of controversy, after comparing Mumbai with ‘POK’ due to her stance against the ruling government and how they handled this whole situation.
It wasn’t long after her heated exchange with Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Twitter, that she found herself on the verge of threats of all kinds by party-supporters. The actress, who was in quarantine with her family in Manali, Himachal Pradesh at that time, challenged her naysayers to stop her from entering Mumbai, regardless of the intimidating comments.
Sanjay Raut Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai, after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir? https://t.co/5V1VQLSxh1
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 3, 2020
Soon after that she was slammed by a notice from Bombay Municipal Corporation in relation to her office in Mumbai, following which she found herself rushing back from Manali, with central-government provided Y-Plus security amidst all the threats, to defend her dream office and keep it from being torn down.
Unfortunately, a significant portion of her 50-crore workplace was bulldozed by BMC officials before she could do anything about it – which was called-out by many critics as a form of anarchy by the ruling Maharashtraian government, and an act of revenge by the authorities for her politically charged comments on social media.
The BMC obviously denied all allegations, stating that the demolition was due to an illegal construction and was not driven by any other agenda. The actress took this up with the Bombay High Court.
As heart-breaking the incident was for Ranaut, she emerged from it as a ‘heroine’ of sorts and a poster-child for a movement against the alleged evils of showbiz.
Later in November, she managed to find some relief, as the Bombay High Court blasted the BMC for their stance against the actress and their act of taking down her property in such urgency, so as to give rise to speculations pertaining to a hidden agenda of some sort.
“The State cannot take mala fide action against a citizen however distasteful her views are.” – the court stated.
A Division Bench of Justices S.J. Kathawalla and R.I. Chagla further stated – “We have come to a clear conclusion that the notice (demolition) and the action of demolition following it, are actuated by malafides, involve a clear malice in law, causing a substantial injury to the Petitioner (Ms Ranaut), we would be perfectly justified, to order compensation against responsible authorities.”
The court also had a firm opinion on how Sanjay Raut – who went head-to-head with Ranaut, handled the situation:
“Shri Raut without being bothered that the rule of law should always prevail, was determined to teach a lesson to the Petitioner. Such conduct certainly does not befit a leader like Shri Raut who is also a Parliamentarian.”
Kangana’s eventual victory in the matter was not just proven by the court’s ruling in her favour and awarding her with compensation for all the damages, but also with the countless names who rallied behind her and supported her in her cause.
Single woman/lone warrior fighting against Bullywood suicide gang, drug mafia, fascist government, tukde gang all at once, I may have chosen a difficult life but it’s an honour to awaken my nation to all the threats we face against our unity and integrity. https://t.co/7MIuDLrrBb
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) December 3, 2020
Although she still stays controversies’ favourite child, bouncing from topic to topic, the actress remained the most talked-about and covered name in showbiz in 2020, right after Sushant Singh Rajput.
Would be interesting to see what she has in store for 2021.