It was meant to be a moment of solidarity, but for Bollywood star and politician Kangana Ranaut, her visit to Himachal Pradesh’s flood-ravaged areas on Thursday turned into a stormy encounter. As she toured Manali, locals met her with a wave of anger, chanting “Kangana, go back!” and “You are too late!” The scene highlighted the raw frustration of people grappling with recent devastation.
The actress, who also serves as a BJP Member of Parliament from Mandi, found herself facing a chorus of discontent in Patlikuhal, a specific area in Manali within Kullu district. Eyewitnesses reported seeing protesters waving black flags as her convoy passed. A video quickly spread online, capturing the shouts of “Kangana Ranaut, go back, you are late!” This viral footage even showed small skirmishes breaking out between her supporters and the vocal demonstrators.
Breaking News: मनाली में लगे कंगना रनोत go back, go back के नारे…
कंगना रनोत you are late के भी नारे लगे….#KanganaRanaut #manali pic.twitter.com/i77Xwr51bE— Navjot S. Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalNavjot5) September 18, 2025
The roots of this public anger run deep. Just weeks ago, on August 25 and 26, Kullu and Manali faced extreme rainfall. This led to destructive landslides and sudden floods across many locations. The raging Beas River alone tore away a multi-story hotel and four shops, leaving a trail of destruction. Essential routes like the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway and parts of the Manali-Leh Highway were washed out by the rising waters. Even Manali’s Right Bank Road, a key link for Kullu city, the bus stand, and Bindu Dhank, suffered severe damage.
During her tour, Kangana visited numerous affected spots in the Manali sub-division, including Solang and Palchan. She spoke with families impacted by the disaster and took stock of the ground situation. Local BJP leader and former MLA Govind Singh Thakur, along with residents, updated her on the damage to infrastructure and other losses. Reports detailed a damaged home in Ramshal, floodwaters entering houses in the 14 Mile area near Manali, and a fish farm in Patlikuhal ruined by overflowing waterways.
Kangana later shared images from her visit on Instagram. Her post conveyed a message of hope and commitment. She wrote, “Today, I visited flood-affected villages and towns in the Manali assembly constituency of Mandi Lok Sabha to assess the damage caused by the disaster. I met affected families in areas like Solang Nala, Palchan, Bahang, Samhan, Manali village, 17 Mile, Bindu Dhank, 15 Mile, Patlikuhal, Neri. In this time of crisis, the central government stands fully with the people. Together, we will advance reconstruction and relief efforts with full strength.”
However, it was a more personal revelation during her visit that added another layer to the day’s events. While speaking with flood victims, Kangana mentioned the financial difficulties her own restaurant faced. She shared, “Yesterday, my restaurant’s sales were only 50 rupees, and I pay 15 lakh rupees in salary. Please understand my pain too. I am also a Himachali and a resident here.” This comment, meant to connect with locals through shared hardship, likely landed differently amidst the widespread devastation.