Snehashish roy
Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has backed Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel’s recent remarks that mothers should learn how to cook and become “expert mothers” before pursuing professional careers, triggering fresh debate on social media over gender roles, parenting and women’s responsibilities. Kangana shared her views on X after Patel’s speech drew widespread attention and criticism online.
Sharing a video of the Governor’s address, Kangana recalled her own childhood and said nurturing came naturally to her. She wrote that while her brother spent his time playing football and cricket, she enjoyed building doll houses, stitching clothes for her dolls and pretending to cook food on toy stoves. According to the actor, those activities were never forced upon her but were things she genuinely enjoyed while growing up.
Kangana went on to argue that women do not need to be taught nurturing because, in her view, it is an inherent quality. In her post, she said, “God has bestowed on us the duty of nurturing humanity; it is our true nature.” She added that women are regarded as “Devi, Shakti, Annapurna and Mata” and described feeding, caring and nurturing as joyful experiences rather than obligations.
The actor’s comments came after Anandiben Patel, while addressing a gathering in Kanpur, said women should know how to cook for their families and become “expert mothers” irrespective of whether they aspire to become teachers, IAS officers or pursue other professions. The Governor also said mothers should prepare their daughters to face challenges independently after marriage and equip them with life skills that would help them navigate different situations.
Patel’s remarks immediately sparked widespread discussion on social media. While some users agreed that cooking is an important life skill that everyone should learn regardless of gender, others criticised the comments for reinforcing traditional gender roles and placing a disproportionate burden on women. Several users argued that household responsibilities should be shared equally by all family members instead of being viewed primarily as a woman’s responsibility.
Kangana’s endorsement further intensified the debate. Her comments received mixed reactions online, with supporters praising her for recognising caregiving as an important role, while critics accused her of promoting patriarchal ideas by describing nurturing as an innate responsibility of women. Some social media users also argued that men should be encouraged to participate equally in cooking, parenting and household work.
The actor has frequently expressed her views on social and political issues through social media. As a Member of Parliament from Mandi and an outspoken public figure, Kangana often comments on topics extending beyond cinema, with many of her posts generating widespread public discussion.
The latest controversy comes days after Kangana reacted to another high-profile national issue on social media. Her support for Anandiben Patel’s remarks has once again placed her at the centre of an online conversation, with users debating the balance between traditional family values, individual choice and gender equality.
Neither Kangana nor Anandiben Patel has issued any further clarification following the reactions to their remarks. However, the discussion continues across social media platforms, where opinions remain sharply divided over whether nurturing and cooking should be viewed as gender-specific responsibilities or universal life skills.