‘You wouldn't find people like me on dating apps; You'll only find losers there’: Kangana Ranaut

Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has landed in a controversy after her take on dating apps and live-in relationships, calling it corrosive to Indian culture.

Speaking on Hauterrfly’s YouTube channel, Kangana said she has never wanted to be on dating apps, calling them the true gutter of our society.

"Everybody has a need, be it financial, physical, or anything else... Every woman and man has needs, but how do we address them? That is the question. Do we do it elegantly, or do we do it more crudely, like har raat nikal jaana (leaving home every night) in search of someone? That is what dating is now, and it's a horrible situation," she added.

Dating apps for those requiring “validation”?

“I have never wanted to be on dating apps. That is the true 'gutter' of our society. Everybody has a need, be it financial, physical, or anything else.”

She elaborated, saying, “Every woman and man has needs, but how do we address them? That is the question. Do we do it in an elegant manner, or do we do it more crudely, like har raat nikal jaana (leaving home every night) in search of someone? That is what dating is now, and it's a horrible situation… For me it's a neech (lower) thing to do. I can't even think of coming in contact with such people.”

When the interviewer responded, “I don't judge; if someone wants to do it, they can,” Kangana responded, “Why are you saying this? Because you are afraid of someone trolling you for having that opinion. Would you wish the same for your younger brother or sister? I don't think any regular person who doesn't have any issues would like to go on a dating app. People who desire validation and lack confidence go to such places. You find good people in the offices you work with, or the colleges you study at, or in the partners that your parents find for you for an arranged marriage.”

She further stated, “You wouldn't find people like me on dating apps. You'll only find losers there, the people who haven't achieved anything in their life... If you haven't been able to meet anyone in office, through your parents and relatives, and you've ended up on a dating app, imagine what sort of character you are.”

Live-in relationships

The BJP MP said that while live-in relationships are legal, they are not supportive of women, stressing that marriage should remain unchanged. She argued that such arrangements leave women vulnerable, adding that “How did marriages come into existence? The public has seen that men can be hunters who can impregnate any woman and walk away…”

She said that some traditions should remain unchanged: “Marriages are very important in our society, and it is the promise that the man makes to stay loyal to his wife. These days you hear about new ideas such as live-in relationships. Throughout my life, I have been in relationships, and I have seen other people who indulge in such things, but I can assure you that these are not women-friendly things.”

The BJP MP further warned that women are left vulnerable in such arrangements: “Who’s going to help you get an abortion? If you get pregnant tomorrow during a live-in relationship, who is going to take care of you?”