THIS is with reference to the write-up ‘Kangana as Indira?’ (Feb 7). Kangana Ranaut’s planned production may very well show Indira in a positive light, as the former Indian prime minister was a darling of the Hindu nationalist movement as she was the one who injected majoritarianism into the fabric of the Indian republic for spectacular electoral gains.

BJP heavyweight Atal Bihari Vajpayee had lavished praise on her following the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent country. Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray had hailed her as “one of the best prime ministers”.

Given Kangana’s recent antics, she is perfectly suited for the role. Indira’s politics and Kangana’s opinions are remarkably congruent.

Saad Saud

Lahore

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2021