Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has criticised what she describes as the disproportionate scrutiny faced by women in public life, particularly when their personal relationships become the subject of public discussion. She argued that successful women, actors and those in positions of authority are often subjected to attacks on their character as a means of undermining them.
Speaking to reporters in Kullu after chairing a District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee meeting, Kangana said the practice was not unique to India and extended to women across different fields. According to her, questioning a woman’s character has become a way of attempting to discredit her achievements and position.
While discussing the issue, Kangana alluded to the recent controversy involving actor Trisha Krishnan and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay. “However, when it comes to abuses and character lynching, it is always the woman who is targeted,” she said, pointing out that matters involving two people often end up placing the woman under greater scrutiny.
Trisha had found herself at the centre of online speculation after attending Tamil Nadu’s Independence Day celebrations at Fort St George in Chennai on August 15. She was seated alongside Vijay’s parents, SA Chandrasekhar and Shobha Chandrasekhar, at the event. Her appearance became a talking point amid continuing rumours about her equation with Vijay.
The speculation intensified following reports concerning Vijay’s personal life, including claims that his wife Sangeetha Sornalingam had approached the Chengalpattu Family Court seeking a divorce. Reports later stated that Sangeetha withdrew the petition, following which the court closed the matter.
Kangana stressed that such situations demonstrate how women can become targets of “character lynching” even when a relationship or personal matter involves both parties. She said society needs to examine why the burden of such scrutiny continues to fall disproportionately on women.
Trisha and Vijay have not publicly confirmed the relationship rumours surrounding them. Similarly, neither Vijay nor Sangeetha has publicly commented on the speculation regarding their marriage.
