Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Kangana Ranaut Backs Isha Koppikar’s ‘Andhbhakt’ Patriotism Remark
Isha Koppikar made a video about being called an “andhbhakt,” which means a blind devotee.
She said she would accept the label if it meant loving India and wanting it to improve.
She explained that her devotion was to the country, not to a political party.
She also said people can question the government and still love their country.
For her, patriotism means doing useful things to help the country.
Kangana Ranaut shared the video and said she agreed with its message.
Kangana mentioned protesting violence and helping her family as examples of her own beliefs.
Some people criticized the comments or connected them to politics.
Isha Koppikar called herself a proud “andhbhakt,” saying her devotion was to India rather than any political party.
Koppikar said people can question the government and disagree with its policies while still loving their country.
She described patriotism as contributing to the country and helping make it better, not merely declaring national pride.
Kangana Ranaut reshared Koppikar’s video and cited protests against violence and support for her family as examples of her values.
The remarks drew criticism and political interpretations online, while Ranaut said she identified with Koppikar’s message of loving the country and its people.
- Who
- Actors Isha Koppikar and Kangana Ranaut, who is also described in the reports as a BJP MP and politician.
- What
- Ranaut supported Koppikar’s explanation of the “andhbhakt” label and her views on patriotism.
- When
- Koppikar and Ranaut posted their comments on social media on or around August 18; the reports do not specify the year.
- Where
- On social media, including Instagram; one report linked Koppikar’s original remarks to protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
- Why
- Koppikar wanted to distinguish love of India from support for a particular political party, and Ranaut said she related to that position.
Patriotism Beyond Party Politics
Criticism and Political Interpretation
Meaning of “andhbhakt”
Patriotism Beyond Party Politics
Koppikar and Ranaut presented the label as compatible with loving India, supporting its progress and serving the nation rather than supporting a political party.
Criticism and Political Interpretation
Critics and some social-media users treated Koppikar’s remarks as a political or nationalist stance and responded with criticism and unfollows.
Patriotism and government criticism
Patriotism Beyond Party Politics
Koppikar said citizens can disagree with government policies and still love their country, arguing that patriotism should include constructive contributions.
Criticism and Political Interpretation
The controversy reflected broader disagreement over how claims of patriotism are understood during politically charged protests and debates.
- Meaning of “andhbhakt”
- The term means “blind devotee” or “blind follower.” Koppikar said she was proud to accept it if it referred to loving India and wanting its progress.
- Koppikar’s political distinction
- She said her devotion was to India, not to any political party, and that she could question the government or disagree with its policies.
- Koppikar’s view of patriotism
- She said patriotism involves contributing to the country and doing something to make it better.
- Ranaut’s response
- Ranaut reshared Koppikar’s video on Instagram Stories and wrote, “Wow!! Well explained,” while saying she loved her country and people.
- Ranaut’s cited examples
- Ranaut referred to protesting a teacher’s violence against children, 26/11 violence and Nirbhaya brutality, and supporting her family.
- Online reaction
- Reports said Koppikar faced criticism, trolling and some Instagram unfollows after taking a nationalist position.
- Related controversy
- One report said Ranaut had previously called some young protesters “Generation Gutter,” while later saying she was referring only to select people, not the entire generation.
Sources
Kangana Ranaut backs Isha Koppikar’s ‘andhbhakt’ label, says she identifies as a ‘bhakt’
Kangana Ranaut Backs Isha Koppikar's 'Andhbhakt' Remark: Love My Country, People, My Life...
Kangana Ranaut backs Isha Koppikar over ‘Andhbhakt’ remark: ‘Wow well explained for me'
