Actor-politician and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has struck a noticeably conciliatory tone towards Generation Z, just days after her controversial “Generation Gutter” remarks sparked widespread backlash. In a fresh statement, Kangana described Gen Z as the “strength of our country” while praising RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent interaction with young people, a marked shift from her earlier criticism of a section of youth involved in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests.
Sharing her thoughts on social media, Kangana applauded Mohan Bhagwat’s outreach to Generation Z and Generation Alpha, calling it an important initiative to engage with India’s younger population. She said the country’s youth possess immense potential and are increasingly emerging as ambassadors of Indian culture and values. According to the actor, today’s young generation is aware of its responsibilities and has an important role to play in shaping India’s future.
Her latest remarks stand in sharp contrast to the statements she made last week, when she criticised videos from the CJP-led protests over alleged NEET-UG irregularities. At the time, Kangana described some protesters as the “Generation Gutter”, accusing them of using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother. She also criticised what she called the behaviour of certain young women participating in the demonstrations, triggering outrage from opposition leaders, activists and social media users.
Following the backlash, Kangana gradually began softening her stance. On Friendship Day, she shared an Instagram Story wishing Gen Z and recounted a conversation with two young women she had met at a gym. According to Kangana, the discussion revolved around freedom and accountability, with the actor saying she encouraged them to exercise their freedoms responsibly. She concluded the post by wishing her “Gen Z friends” a Happy Friendship Day, signalling the first indication of a change in tone.
Her latest praise for Gen Z has fuelled fresh debate online. While supporters argued that Kangana had always criticised only a section of protesters and not the entire generation, critics accused her of making a complete U-turn after facing sustained criticism over her earlier comments. Many users pointed out the stark contrast between calling young people “Generation Gutter” one week and the “strength of our country” the next.
The controversy had previously escalated into a public feud with CJP leaders, particularly spokesperson Saurav Das, who accused Kangana of insulting an entire generation. The exchange soon turned personal, with both sides trading sharp remarks across social media and in public appearances. The row also drew reactions from several celebrities, including Sonu Sood, Shobhaa De and Bhumi Pednekar, further amplifying the debate over the actor’s comments.
Despite the change in messaging, Kangana has maintained that her original criticism was directed only at individuals who allegedly used abusive language during the protests, not at all members of Gen Z. Her latest endorsement of young Indians appears to reinforce that distinction, even as social media continues to debate whether it represents a clarification or a reversal of her earlier position.
The episode marks another chapter in Kangana Ranaut’s eventful run of political controversies, where her social media posts and public statements have repeatedly generated nationwide debate. Whether viewed as a genuine clarification or a strategic change in tone, her latest remarks have once again placed the BJP MP at the centre of conversations about politics, youth and public discourse.