February 23, 2025: In a bold and vocal statement, Kangana Ranaut took to social media to share her thoughts on the traditional Indian marriage system following the movie Mrs. release, urging people to stop generalizing the concept of Indian joint families. The actress, known for her outspoken views, didn’t hesitate to address ongoing debates sparked by the release of Mrs., a film that explores the struggles of housewives in arranged marriages.
While Kangana refrained from directly referencing the film Mrs., which delves into patriarchal oppression and domestic drudgery, her comments touched a nerve in the ongoing discourse surrounding arranged marriages and the role of women in family dynamics.
The movie, starring Sanya Malhotra as Richa—an ambitious dancer trapped in a patriarchal household—has received widespread acclaim for shedding light on the silent struggles of housewives, forcing many to examine how societal norms impact women. But Kangana’s perspective shifted the conversation toward the broader cultural implications of marriage in India, especially within joint families.
In her Instagram Stories, Kangana shared an insightful note based on her personal experiences growing up. She spoke of how she witnessed the commanding role women played in managing the household. “Growing up, I never saw a woman who didn’t command her house,” she wrote. “She ordered everyone when to eat, when to sleep, and when to go out. She knew every penny her husband spent, and he obliged. The only conflicts were his boys’ outings and frequent drinking evenings with friends.”
Kangana further elaborated on how her mother’s role extended beyond just managing finances. “Whenever Papa wanted to eat out with us, she scolded us all because cooking for us was her joy. This way, she could control many things, including hygiene and the nutrition of the food. Elderly folks worked as nannies to her kids and emotional support systems,” she continued.
The actress emphasized the selfless role of marriage in Indian culture, stating that it was primarily meant to serve the needs of the weak—particularly the elderly and infants—rather than being a means to seek attention or approval. Kangana cited ancient scriptures and the shastras to underline how previous generations fulfilled their duties to their elders without question, highlighting the deep-rooted sense of responsibility embedded in traditional marriages.
Kangana Ranaut on Indian Marriages: ‘Do Your Duty, Life Is Too Short for Validation
“Marriage should not be about seeking validation or attention,” she asserted. “It has always had a purpose, and that purpose is Dharma. Dharma means duty—do your duty and move on. Life is too short and fast. If you try to get too much validation or footage, you’ll end up alone with your therapist.”
Kangana also took a jab at Bollywood, accusing the film industry of distorting traditional views of marriage. She expressed frustration with how Bollywood’s romanticized depictions of love and marriage have clouded people’s understanding of the institution, particularly in the context of Indian culture.
The film Mrs., which is a remake of the 2021 Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen, centers around the life of Richa, a woman who, despite her aspirations, finds herself submerged in the oppressive demands of domestic labor in her patriarchal marriage. As Richa begins to resist the household’s patriarchal structure, the film unfolds a powerful narrative of women’s autonomy and resistance.
Directed by Arati Kadav, Mrs. stars Sanya Malhotra alongside Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljit Singh, offering an intimate portrayal of the challenges faced by women in such family setups. The film’s success has ignited conversation, but Kangana’s perspective provides a unique counterpoint to the ongoing debate about marriage, duty, and gender roles in modern Indian society.