Is It Fair To Diss Kangana's Acting Just Because We Don't Agree With Her Politics?

Kangana Ranaut acting being criticised because of her political views? Actor Kangana Ranaut turns 34 today. Another reason for her to celebrate on March 23, apart from winning a National Award just the previous evening, is the launch of Thalaivi's trailer. Directed by Vijay, Thalaivi is a biopic based in the life of J Jayalalithaa. For her role, Ranaut underwent a body transformation.

When the National Film Awards were announced, there was a lot of commentary on Ranaut's win, associating it with her political stand. Some even criticised her acting skills in order to prove their point. But are Ranaut's performances in Manikarnika and Panga really unworthy of a National Award? Should we stop applauding Ranaut's acting skills if we do not agree with her brand or politics? Should we even separate art from the artist in these politically charged times, where there is no other option but to take a side?

As far as National Awards are concerned, India's most sought after awards always tend to stoke controversy. Even the Oscars aren't safe from "who should have won instead". Yes, there are many performances that could have been picked for the National Award, and ten people will give you ten different names if asked who should have won, if not Ranaut. However, Ranaut's win doesn't stick out like a sore thumb, because we all know that she has skills.

Kangana Ranaut Acting : To criticise someone for their views and to criticise someone's work for their personal views are two separate things.

We have seen this happen with many writers and celebrities in recent times, who get "cancelled" for their opinion. But here's the deal, if you oppose a person's views, then don't promote them or buy their work. What right does anyone have to falsely criticise someone, for their skills, because we do not agree with their views?

In fact, isn't this the exact behaviour that we have time and again called out among trolls? Trolls who leave one star reviews for books whose authors they cannot see eye to eye, shortly after the work's release. Trolls who post false Rotten Tomato ratings without watching a film, just to get back at an artist of filmmaker. How is this behaviour different from criticising Kangana Ranaut for her good performances, for the sake of political vendetta?

Of we have to draw the line, we have to draw it at how we consume art. Don't like it, don't watch. Be vocal about artists you appreciate, rather than dissing those who you disapprove of. Why give away publicity of any sorts for free?

There are innumerable good actors and artists whose work doesn't get the spotlight it deserves because for us pulling others down is a bigger priority than pushing others up. This sums up how society functions in modern times. Are we so beyond help that we cannot even consider spreading love to counter animosity, or better, simply ignore those who we do not agree with?

Picture Credit: IANS

The views expressed are the author's own.