29 September,2026 03:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rajeev Masand and Kangana Ranaut. Pic via X, Instagra
Former film critic Rajeev Masand, in his recent interview, has criticised Kangana Ranaut. He added that he misses the actor she once was. He went on to call the actor 'a joke' and shared that he feels her public persona has overpowered her acting career, especially after she entered politics.
Notably, Kangana became a Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after she won the Lok Sabha election from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, in 2024. Recently, Rajeev Masand appeared on the Cyrus Says podcast, wherein he said, "I miss Kangana the actor. She's just a joke now."
The film critic also further questioned Kangana's repeated claims about influential people in Bollywood denying her opportunities. Rajeev also said the industry recognises success, even if an actor has faced difficulties early in their career.
He said, "I don't know. That's just a great story to keep repeating again and again. But I don't think so. Let's just face it, Bollywood respects success. A lot of people have had it hard in the beginning, but once you're successful..."
Talking of Kangana's acting career, he praised her performance in Vikas Bahl's 2014 film Queen, despite criticising her. He also called her work in the coming-of-age drama "amazing" adding that he looked forward to seeing her reunite with Vikas for Queen 2.
Masand also added Kangana was at her best when she chose films because of their stories instead of making projects that revolved around her public image. He shared, "Every time she made a film because it was a great film to make, she was great in it. But since then, it's been a little about the Kangana show."
He even called her a fine actor, adding that he missed her performances in which she completely disappeared into her characters. "You could see no trace of the actor. She was the character," Rajeev added.
During the conversation, the film critic also agreed that if she stepped away from politics, she could help her rediscover that side of herself. He further went on to place Kangana among the finest female actors in Hindi cinema, comparing her acting to the likes of Alia Bhatt's.
Masand also opened up about outspoken celebrities during the conversation. He noted how these celebrities continue to attract attention through their unfiltered opinions. Naming Kangana, television personality Rakhi Sawant and Sunita Ahuja, he said that they remain vocal and entertaining public figures.
He described these celebs as people who are "vociferous, outspoken, and fun", adding that they were "keeping the old flag flying".
For the unversed, Kangana and Masand have had a strained relationship for several years. Their differences became public when the actress criticised the former film critic for not inviting her to his annual actresses' roundtable.
