Mandi MP and Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut found herself at the centre of controversy on Thursday after a remark about her restaurant business went viral amid her visit to flood-affected areas in Himachal Pradesh.

Speaking to reporters during her tour of disaster-hit regions in Kullu and Manali, Kangana said,

“Yesterday, my restaurant made only Rs 50 in sales and I pay Rs 15 lakh in salaries. Please understand my pain too.”

The comment, intended to express empathy and the economic impact of natural disasters, triggered a wave of criticism and trolling on social media, with users accusing the MP of making the crisis about herself at a time when locals are reeling from devastating losses.

One user mockingly asked, “What did you sell for Rs 50?”, while another wrote, “playing the victim when questioned. As an MP, you are paid to serve the people & your business failures are your own concern, not the public’s.”

Others accused her of being out of touch. “Actress MP worried about her business while people suffering for their livelihood and basic facilities,” one user noted. Another commented, “Her hotel is not her livelihood.. she gets salary from govt and through brand endorsements.. how is her pain equal to people who lost lives and livelihood??”

In a sarcastic tone, a user quipped, “Janta ko Neta ka dard samajhna padega (The public must understand the politician’s pain).”

Protest during visit to affected areas

The backlash on social media was just one aspect of the criticism Kangana faced. During her visit to Patlikuhal in Kullu, she was met with black flags and slogans of “Go back, Kangana! You are late!” by protestors upset over what they saw as a delayed response.

Despite the demonstrations, the actor-turned-politician proceeded to visit Solang and Palchan villages in the Manali subdivision, two of the worst-hit areas in the recent cloudbursts and heavy rains that triggered flash floods and landslides across the region.

She interacted with affected residents and was briefed on the extent of infrastructural and property damage by BJP leader and former Manali MLA Govind Singh Thakur. Officials informed her that over 15 homes were in immediate danger, with families already relocated to safer locations. They raised alarm that the Beas River was actively eroding the mountain beneath Solang village, putting the entire settlement at risk.