While some have expressed satisfaction with the recent incident involving Kangana Ranaut getting slapped, it raises significant ethical questions about the justification of violence as a form of payback.
CISF Constable Kulwinder Kaur slapped Kangana Ranaut the day after she was elected as a BJP MP. This was in response to Ranaut's controversial remarks during the 2020 farmers' protests, where she misidentified a Punjab farmer and suggested she could be hired for 100 rupees.
Segments of society have been celebrating such an act of violence. This celebration not only condones the behaviour, but also eternalizes a culture where physical assault is seen as an acceptable response to disagreement. These actions have far-reaching implications, influencing public behaviour and potentially leading to more incidents of violence.
Resorting to violence to as a form of protest or to resolve a disagreement is completely nonsensical and destructive. Celebrating such acts could set a dangerous example. People might face physical assault simply because others disagree with their statements -- and that cannot pass as acceptable.
Although Kangana Ranaut's comments were considered insensitive, her right to free speech is protected in a democracy. Disputes should be settled legally, not through physical violence, which goes against democratic principles. Legal complaints are a better way to address controversial statements. This incident emphasizes the need for civility and legal procedures in public discussions.
Morally and legally, physical assault, like slapping, is never justifiable. Violence only leads to more violence and suggests that conflicts can't be solved through conversation, thereby damaging the principles of a civil society governed by law.
Kangana's cyberbullying: Crossing the line of free speech
Though the incident is quite unfortunate, she herself is the biggest bully. She often makes headlines for her disrespectful remarks and bullying.
She is often celebrated for her fearless approach in Bollywood but has frequently been embroiled in controversies that paint a different picture -- one of cyberbullying and aggressive behaviour towards her colleagues and journalists.
Her outspoken nature often goes beyond personal attacks, notably seen in her exchanges on social media platforms, where she has not shied away from naming and shaming fellow celebrities and media personnel.
In several instances, Kangana has taken to Twitter to criticize other actors in the industry, accusing them of nepotism or lack of talent. Her feud with journalist Justin Rao during a press event for her film "Judgementall Hai Kya" is a glaring example. The altercation, where she accused Rao of running a "smear campaign" against her, escalated quickly and was widely viewed as an attempt to intimidate the press.
Kangana's aggressive behaviour has led to discussions about the boundary between freedom of speech and bullying. There are concerns about the influence of celebrity actions on public behaviour. Celebrities have even been physically assaulted by the public for reasons that cannot be justified.
Resorting to violence to as a form of protest or to resolve a disagreement is completely nonsensical and destructive
CISF Constable Kulwinder Kaur should be punished
CISF Constable Kulwinder Kaur's decision to slap Kangana Ranaut is completely unacceptable and violates the professionalism expected from someone in uniform. Allowing personal biases and politics to influence her actions while on duty is disgraceful.
This incident damages the reputation of security services and questions the integrity required for such roles. If she cannot maintain professionalism, she should not be in that uniform. She needs to face serious disciplinary actions for her misconduct. There is no place for such behaviour in any disciplined service.
Will Smith paid for his slap
Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars over a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Kangana Ranaut endorsed Will's actions, and her old post is now resurfacing on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit. It seems like Kangana has become entangled in her own belief system.
Under no circumstances is physical violence acceptable. For this destructive act, despite winning the Best Actor Oscar, Will Smith faced a 10-year ban from the Oscars for the slap. This violent behaviour overshadowed his achievement and tainted his long career with controversy.
The incident not only sparked widespread controversy about public conduct but also later impacted Smith's career and public image.
Despite his apologies, the entertainment industry's strong rebuke through the ban reflects the long-lasting professional and personal consequences of his actions. This episode serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining professionalism in high-stakes environments.
Shabana Azmi speak out
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi succinctly condemned the incident in her tweet, emphasizing that resorting to violence is unacceptable no matter the provocation. She stressed that disagreements should be addressed through conversation and legal means rather than taking the law into one's hands. Azmi’s stance reminds us of the principles of nonviolence that form the cornerstone of a democratic society.
Kaniz Fatema is a Sub-Editor, Dhaka Tribune.
