'Politics is expensive': Kangana Ranaut discloses financial realities of being a politician, says 'Honest MPs need a side job'

Time of India

14 hours ago

Kangana Ranaut
, known for her fearless persona and impactful roles in Indian cinema, has carved a name for herself not just in films but also in national conversations around socio-political matters. In a significant shift from entertainment to governance, she contested the
2024 Lok Sabha elections
from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, as a candidate of the
Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP). Emerging victorious, she now serves as a
Member of Parliament
(MP) from the region. However, her recent reflections on
political life
reveal a candid, and rather critical, perspective on the economic realities of being an MP.
Describing Politics as a Costly Endeavour
Speaking to
Times Now
, Kangana opened up about how her current role as a parliamentarian has affected her financial life. According to her, engaging in politics with integrity comes at a steep cost. She described the career path not as a profession but rather as an expensive undertaking that requires a stable source of income elsewhere. In her view, individuals who participate honestly in politics often need another occupation to support themselves, as the role of an MP alone is not sufficient to meet personal and logistical expenses.
"Politics is an expensive hobby," she concluded.
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The Reality of Her Parliamentary Salary
Kangana elaborated on the financial constraints she faces despite holding a high-profile position. She pointed out that while the standard salary of an Indian MP is reportedly between Rs 1 and Rs 1.5 lakh, much of it is consumed by essential daily costs. Expenses such as employing a cook and a driver, along with the heavy travel demands of her constituency—which spans several hundred kilometers—drastically reduce her take-home income. According to her, after all necessary expenditures, she is left with only around Rs 50,000-Rs 60,000 from her official salary.
"The expenses are in lakhs because every place is at least 300-400 km away. You must understand that it is a very expensive hobby. You need a side job. A lot of MPs have businesses, and they are working as lawyers," she said.
Balancing Two Worlds: Entertainment and Public Service
She also maintained emphatically that politics was not a profession and that honest MPs needed a side job.
Drawing parallels with past personalities who have navigated both creative and political landscapes, Kangana mentioned figures like Javed Akhtar. Akhtar, who served as a Rajya Sabha member from 2010 to 2016, continued his work in the entertainment industry while holding political office. Inspired by such examples, Kangana stated her intention to remain professionally active in cinema and related fields while fulfilling her responsibilities as a parliamentarian. She highlighted how many MPs manage dual careers, often running businesses or working as lawyers, to maintain financial balance.
Expectations of a Ministerial Role
While Kangana succeeded in winning a politically challenging constituency, she was not assigned any ministerial portfolio in the new government. When asked if she had expected a ministry, Kangana admitted that she believed she deserved one. She pointed to her significant contributions to the party's campaign and her professional background in writing, directing, and filmmaking. Additionally, she noted her recognition as a Padma Shri awardee, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, as a factor that might have supported her case for a cabinet role. In her view, the absence of a portfolio was unexpected, especially given the duration and intensity of her campaign and the difficulty of her win.
A Continuing Presence in the Film Industry
In parallel with her political commitments, Kangana remains active in the entertainment world. Her latest project, Emergency, saw her take on multiple roles as director, producer, and lead actor. In the film, she portrayed the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, further demonstrating her versatility and dedication to her craft. The film has been a significant undertaking and represents her continued engagement with cinema even while she steps into the political limelight.
Navigating Dual Roles
Kangana Ranaut's journey from Bollywood icon to Member of Parliament underscores her multifaceted identity. As she balances legislative duties with cinematic pursuits, her reflections highlight the financial and personal complexities of public service. Her candid remarks provide a rare glimpse into the practical challenges politicians face—particularly those who attempt to serve with honesty and without external financial backing.