Kangana Ranaut Advocates for Influencer's Release Amid Controversy

Kangana Ranaut has come to the defense of social media influencer Sharmishta Panoli, who is facing legal action for her comments regarding Pakistan. In a recent Instagram post, Kangana emphasized the need for compassion and understanding, urging authorities to release Sharmishta following her apology. The controversy stems from Sharmishta's criticism of Bollywood's silence on significant national issues, including a recent terror attack. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of expression and the political climate in India. Read on to discover more about this unfolding story and its implications.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 31, 2025, 22:44 IST

Kangana Ranaut Speaks Out for Sharmishta Panoli

Mumbai: Kangana Ranaut, a prominent actress and Member of Parliament, has recently voiced her support for social media influencer Sharmishta Panoli, who is facing legal issues following her remarks about Pakistan.

Sharmishta was reportedly charged by Kolkata police after making controversial statements. In a post on her Instagram Stories, Kangana shared a photo of Sharmishta and expressed her belief that the influencer should not be subjected to harassment by West Bengal authorities.

Kangana stated, “While I acknowledge that Sharmishta's words were harsh, many young people express themselves similarly today. She has apologized for her comments, and that should suffice. There’s no reason to continue bullying her; she deserves to be released immediately.”

Previously, Sharmishta had posted a video criticizing Bollywood stars for their silence regarding the Pahalgam terror attack and India's counter-terrorism operation, known as Operation Sindoor.

According to reports, the FIR against her includes charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which address promoting enmity and inciting public mischief.

Operation Sindoor was launched by India in response to a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 civilians lost their lives due to an attack allegedly backed by Pakistan.

This operation involved strikes on nine terror sites within Pakistan, marking a significant escalation compared to previous responses to attacks in Uri and Pulwama, which targeted locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

India's approach during Operation Sindoor was characterized by precision and restraint, aiming to dismantle military infrastructure while minimizing escalation. The operation successfully neutralized threats from Pakistan's military capabilities, which are largely supported by China.