Kangana Ranaut's recent outburst against the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony is a stark reminder of her deep-seated homophobia and drag phobia. Her comments not only reveal her ignorance about drag culture but also her blatant disregard for self-expression and artistic freedom.
What Kangana fails to acknowledge is that drag has its roots in ancient Indian traditions. The Natyashastra, a 2,000-year-old Indian text, describes the art of acting and performance, including the use of costumes, makeup, and cross-dressing. In fact, the Natyashastra mentions the concept of "Strivesham," where male actors would dress up as women to play female roles. This ancient Indian tradition of cross-dressing and gender-bending has been a part of our cultural heritage for centuries.
Ironically, it was India that introduced the concept of Strivesham to the West. During the British colonial era, Indian theater and performance traditions were introduced to Europe, influencing the development of Western theater and drag culture.
Moreover, Kangana's comments about the "naked man painted blue as Jesus" demonstrate her lack of understanding about artistic expression and symbolism. Art has always pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms, and the Paris Olympics ceremony was no exception.
Kangana's accusations of "leftists hijacking" the Olympics are also baseless and divisive. The ceremony was a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and artistic expression, values that are essential to any progressive society.
In conclusion, Kangana Ranaut's comments are a stark reminder of her homophobia, drag phobia, and disregard for self-expression. Her attempts to dictate what is acceptable in art and culture are dangerous and regressive. We must stand against such bigotry and celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and artistic freedom. By embracing our rich cultural heritage and traditions like Natyashastra and Strivesham, we can promote a more inclusive and accepting society.
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