Kangana Ranaut’s Controversial Remarks on Muslims: Facts, Stereotypes & the Responsibility of National Television

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The recent televised conversation on National Television involving Sudhir Chaudhary and actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut about Muslims religious life shows that hindutva and BJP MLA continue to the decade old task of spreading misinformation about the Muslims in India. 

As reported by all our media channels that Kangana made false claim about Muslims marrying their own sisters and cousins —this reflect a deeply misleading portrayal of Islamic marriage practices and risk reinforcing harmful stereotypes about an entire religious community. She as actress politician is very close to Modi and Amit Shah is continuously following the IT cell Playbook for pleasing the MODI.  

Islam has a clear and well-defined concept of mahram and non-mahram relationships. A Muslim cannot marry those whom Islamic law categorically prohibits, including one's mother, daughter, sister, paternal or maternal aunt, niece and certain other close relatives. Cousins, however, are generally considered non-mahram and are legally marriageable in Islamic law. This does not mean that Muslims are required or compelled to marry their cousins; it simply means that such a marriage is permissible.

Therefore, describing cousin marriage as Muslims “marrying their sisters” is fundamentally misleading. A cousin is not a brother or sister in Islamic law. Conflating the two creates a false impression about Muslim families and contributes to the dehumanisation of an already targeted minority community.

It is also important to recognise that cousin marriage is not exclusively a Muslim practice. Various communities around the world, including some Hindu communities and particularly certain South Indian traditions, have historically practised forms of cousin marriage. Hindu marriage customs themselves vary considerably across regions, communities and traditions. This is not an argument against Hinduism; rather, it demonstrates why such sensitive social practices should not be selectively weaponised to portray one religious community as inherently backward or immoral.

The real question, therefore, is: why should a national television platform permit such Hindutva thugs to be discussed through misinformation, ridicule or dehumanising stereotypes?

Freedom of expression and political debate are important in a democracy. But freedom of expression should not become a licence to circulate demonstrably false claims about an entire religious community. National media carries a particular responsibility to distinguish between legitimate criticism and misinformation that can fuel communal prejudice.

There is also a disturbing double standard in the public discourse surrounding morality and women. If public figures wish to make moral arguments about clothing, modesty or religious traditions, those arguments should be applied consistently rather than selectively to one community. Personal artistic choices, film roles and public statements should not be weaponised against anyone—but neither should religious communities be publicly shamed through inaccurate claims.

The appropriate response is not violence, abuse or threats against anyone. If individuals or organisations believe that statements made during a televised programme constitute misinformation, incitement, defamation or an offence under applicable Indian law, they should pursue the matter through lawful and constitutional channels. Muslim organisations, civil-society groups and concerned citizens can submit complaints to the appropriate authorities and seek an impartial investigation.

The purpose should not be to silence criticism of Islam or any other religion. The purpose should be to demand accuracy, accountability and equal standards in public discourse.

India is a country of immense religious and cultural diversity. Muslims should not be reduced to caricatures, stereotypes or sensational television narratives. Nor should Hinduism be attacked in response. The answer to communal misinformation is not counter-misinformation—it is facts, responsible journalism, constitutional rights and equal treatment for every community.

If a national platform has allowed an entire religious community to be portrayed through a false or dehumanising claim, an explanation, correction and, where appropriate, an apology should be demanded through legitimate democratic and legal mechanisms.

No community should be dehumanised for television ratings, political narratives or communal polarisation.


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