MUMBAI — Actor and newly elected BJP MP from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, has entered the ongoing debate surrounding live-in relationships, stating that the arrangement is “not woman-friendly.” Her comments, made in a new interview with the digital platform Hauterrfly, come in the wake of a recent controversy sparked by spiritual leader Aniruddhacharya.
Last month, Disha Patani’s sister, Khushboo Patani, had publicly criticized Aniruddhacharya after he made disparaging remarks about women in live-in relationships. The spiritual leader implied that women who are unmarried at 25 or older are often promiscuous. Khushboo, a former Indian Army officer, slammed the comments, leading to a wider social media discussion.
Kangana’s Stance
During her interview, Kangana Ranaut defended the institution of marriage and expressed her reservations about live-in relationships. “Marriages are very important in our society, and it is the promise that the man makes to stay loyal to his wife,” she said. She went on to caution women about the risks involved, saying, “From what I have seen, these are not women-friendly things. Kal ko aap pregnant hote hain in a live-in… aap ka abortion kaun karayega?” (If you get pregnant tomorrow in a live-in… who will get you an abortion?)
Ranaut also addressed the criticism faced by spiritual leaders like Aniruddhacharya, stating, “You are abusing the spiritual leaders and cancelling them. But as a big sister, I am telling you that it is not a woman-friendly thing.”
When the host pointed out that live-in relationships are legally recognized, Ranaut responded by referencing a survey. She claimed that while men have different criteria for a girlfriend and a wife, women have the same list for both. “Men can compartmentalize, and women cannot,” she argued, suggesting that a man in a live-in relationship is unlikely to change.
The Initial Controversy
The debate was ignited when a video of Aniruddhacharya went viral, in which he stated, “He says girls who are above the age of 25 and stay in live-in relationships, woh 4 jagah mooh maar ke aati hai” (they go from one person to another). Khushboo Patani had responded forcefully, saying, “If only he were around me, I would have made him understand the meaning of the words he has used against women.” Following the backlash, Aniruddhacharya apologized but maintained that his comments were aimed at “some women, not all.”
Kangana Ranaut’s comments have further fueled the discussion, with her perspective on live-in relationships sparking varied reactions on social media.