BJP MP and Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut has said that politics is an expensive hobby, not a full-time profession, especially for honest leaders. In an interview with Times Now, she explained that the salary of a Member of Parliament (MP) is not enough to cover the costs involved in public service.
Kangana, who represents the Mandi constituency in Himachal Pradesh, said that traveling across her large constituency and maintaining a proper team costs a lot of money.
“If I have to visit my area with personal assistants, two or three cars, the expenses run into lakhs,” she said. “It’s a very expensive hobby. You need to have another job.”
She explained that many MPs, including those who served before her, continue with side professions like running businesses or practicing law. She mentioned veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar as an example.
Kangana emphasized that if someone is an honest politician, they cannot rely solely on the MP salary unless they’re involved in “other activities”—hinting at corruption with a laugh, but quickly added that she wasn’t judging anyone.
“I’m not here to make a judgment,” she said.
Kangana on Trump
Kangana also spoke about US President Donald Trump, a leader she had supported in the past. In May 2025, she criticized Trump for his comments against India, especially after he said Apple shouldn’t manufacture in India unless for Indian use. Kangana had then questioned if Trump was jealous of PM Modi’s global influence.
She now says her opinion on Trump has changed.
“I used to support Trump, but now I feel he’s messed up in many ways—even in his own country,” she said.
Kangana also defended Operation Sindoor, India’s rescue mission, after some claimed that Trump had a bigger role. She believes India’s efforts were significant and should not be dismissed.
In summary, Kangana Ranaut is raising questions about the financial demands of honest political life, while also sharing strong views on international politics.
