Vijay-Trisha row: Kangana speaks out on the scrutiny women face in public life
Actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has criticised what she sees as a disproportionate tendency to target women when their personal lives become subjects of public debate.
Speaking to reporters in Kullu after a District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee meeting, Kangana said women in positions of influence are frequently subjected to attacks on their character when others attempt to undermine their professional achievements.
She argued that the issue extends beyond the film industry and affects women working across different professions.
During her remarks, Kangana referred to the recent speculation surrounding actor Trisha Krishnan and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay. She said that when controversies involve two people, women often end up facing a greater share of the criticism.
Trisha had attracted considerable online attention after attending Tamil Nadu’s Independence Day celebrations at Fort St George in Chennai on August 15. She was seated with Vijay’s parents, SA Chandrasekhar and Shobha Chandrasekhar, during the event.
Her appearance led to renewed discussion on social media about her relationship with Vijay. The speculation was further fuelled by reports concerning Vijay’s personal life, including claims about a divorce petition involving his wife Sangeetha Sornalingam. Subsequent reports said the petition was withdrawn and the case was closed.
Neither Trisha nor Vijay has publicly confirmed the relationship rumours. Vijay and Sangeetha have likewise not publicly addressed the speculation surrounding their marriage.
Kangana used the controversy to highlight what she described as “character lynching” of women, arguing that public discussion often places an unfair burden on women even when personal matters involve multiple people.