In 2025, where everyone is out there with their opinions, it¡¯s no surprise that public figures land in hot water when they speak on sensitive topics. But when celebrities, especially those who represent India on various platforms, voice their views on feminism, equality, or gender roles, things tend to spiral out of control real fast. Recently, actress Bhagyashree became the latest target of netizens after sharing her two cents on feminism. And let¡¯s just say, the internet was not impressed!
Bhagyashree¡¯s feminism comment that set the internet ablaze
In a recent interview with Hauterrfly, Bhagyashree shared her perspective on feminism, stating that it¡¯s about equal rights, not rebellion. She also added that dressing or drinking a certain way doesn¡¯t make someone a feminist and even defended traditional gender roles. The internet, of course, went into a meltdown. Many Reddit users accused her husband, Himalaya, of controlling her choices and influencing her exit from Bollywood. While Bhagyashree is currently facing the heat for her views, she¡¯s not the first Bollywood actress to ruffle feathers with her take on feminism. Let¡¯s take a look at other leading ladies who found themselves in similar trouble!
Nora Fatehi stirred massive outrage when she spoke about feminism on a podcast with YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia in April last year. She argued that feminism had "completely ruined society" and that women are natural nurturers. Her statements sparked widespread criticism, with many pointing out that her own career thrived because of feminism. A snippet from the interview went viral, with netizens schooling her on what feminism actually means and how it has given women the freedom to make choices.
Veteran actress Neena Gupta also caused quite a stir with her take on feminism. In an interview, she dismissed the idea that men and women are equal, stating that men cannot give birth. She emphasized the importance of financial independence instead and encouraged women to focus on self-worth rather than competing with men. Her comment that "women need men" was met with mixed reactions¡ªwhile some agreed, others called her views outdated and patriarchal.
During the promotions of Veere Di Wedding in 2018, Kareena Kapoor made a statement that still haunts her. When asked if she considers herself a feminist, she responded, "I believe in equality, but I wouldn¡¯t call myself a feminist. I am a woman, and above all, I am a human being." While her co-star Sonam Kapoor cheered her on at the time, the internet was not having it. The video resurfaced in 2023, and once again, netizens called her out for failing to understand the true essence of feminism.
Sonam Kapoor, a self-proclaimed feminist, faced backlash after changing her name to Sonam K Ahuja following her marriage to Anand Ahuja in 2018. Many accused her of hypocrisy, questioning why a feminist would take her husband¡¯s surname. Defending her choice, she stated that feminism is about having the freedom to choose. She also pointed out that no one noticed her husband adding ¡®S¡¯ to his name in a similar fashion. While her argument made sense to some, critics weren¡¯t convinced.
Kangana Ranaut has never been one to mince words, and in December 2024, she waded into yet another controversy. Addressing the tragic case of a Bengaluru techie who died by suicide due to alleged harassment by his wife¡¯s family, she condemned "fake feminism" and called out women who misuse laws to extort money from men. However, she also admitted that in most marriages, men are usually at fault. The comment led to intense debates, with some supporting her and others calling her out for derailing the larger conversation around gender-based violence.
The Bhagyashree controversy is just the latest in a long line of feminist debates that have rocked Bollywood. Every time a celebrity shares their views on feminism, the internet turns into a battlefield. Some believe feminism should focus on equal opportunities, while others interpret it differently. But one thing is certain¡ªwhenever a public figure says something remotely controversial about gender roles, the netizens are always ready to set the internet on fire!