Kangana Ranaut Slams Dating Apps, Calls Them “Society’s Gutter”; Highlights Importance of Marriage Over Live-in Relationships

By Vikas Verma, The Learn Talk

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, known as much for her hard-hitting opinions as for her powerful screen presence, is once again at the center of conversation. In a recent interview with the YouTube channel “Hauterfly,” Kangana unleashed a passionate critique of dating apps and modern relationship norms, sparking heated discussions on social platforms.

The National Award-winning actor, unapologetic in her convictions, called dating apps “the gutter of our society” and labeled those seeking partners through such platforms as “low.” These remarks, extreme as they may sound, reflect Kangana’s deeper concerns about changing relationship values, the commodification of intimacy, and what she perceives as the diminishing sanctity of traditional marriage.

From Dating Apps to Society’s Moral Compass

During her interaction, Kangana made it clear that she has never felt the urge to use dating apps, stating, “This is the real gutter-level thinking of our society.” According to the Queen actress, every individual has needs—whether for money, emotional connection, or companionship—but how these needs are met is crucial. “The question is, do we fulfill these needs decently, or do we resort to the kind of behavior that’s indecent, like going out every night in search of someone?” Kangana lamented, referencing how dating apps, in her view, enable casual encounters and superficial relationships.

Kangana did not mince words in describing the state of modern dating: “This is what dating has become today, and these are terrible times,” she stated.

Denouncing Live-in Relationships, Defending Marriage

Kangana’s criticism extended beyond dating apps, as she launched a scathing attack on live-in relationships. She argued that while societal conversations have embraced new forms of companionship, marriage remains crucial—especially for women.

“In our society, marriages are very important because it is a vow a man makes to be faithful to his wife. Now people are coming up with new things, like live-in relationships. I’ve seen such relationships both personally and around me, and I am convinced these never work out in favor of women,” Kangana asserted.

Questioning the safety net in live-in arrangements, she asked, “If you become pregnant while living in, who will help you get an abortion? Who will look after you? Men are hunters—they can impregnate a woman and simply run away.” She suggested that the absence of commitment in live-ins leaves women particularly vulnerable and unsupported.

The Social Media Storm

Predictably, Kangana’s controversial stance ignited a social media blaze. Supporters praised her for “speaking uncomfortable truths” and “standing up for traditional values.” Critics accused her of judging modern relationships harshly and reinforcing stereotypes, especially her categorical statements about men’s nature and women’s vulnerability in the absence of marriage.

Prominent feminists, relationship experts, and netizens weighed in, debating whether Kangana was safeguarding women’s interests or pushing a regressive worldview. Some pointed out that marriage often fails to guarantee loyalty or security, while others argued that dating apps and live-ins are expressions of evolving individual freedom.

Beyond Relationships: Kangana on Her Artistic “Rebirth”

Beyond her bold statements on relationships, Kangana used the platform to reflect on her professional journey and transformation after playing Rani Laxmibai in her film “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi.” She described the role as a kind of “rebirth.”

“Portraying Rani of Jhansi gave me a new birth. Firstly, I learned so much about the struggle for independence and about our country. Secondly, it was like a rebirth in terms of my public image too—the film industry had destroyed my image, but Manikarnika redeemed me,” Kangana confessed.

She took pride in how her work inspired younger generations, recalling, “Even today, I get videos from school functions where kids perform as Queen of Jhansi. Recently, a video was shared with me in which 85 kids dressed as Rani Laxmibai! It feels so good to see this impact.”

Kangana passionately encouraged filmmakers to spotlight more female warriors and icons from Indian history, saying, “We should make more films on such brave women.”

Voice for National Pride: Light & Sound Show

Kangana further invited parents to take their children to Delhi’s Prime Minister’s Museum to witness a grand light and sound show. “They tell stories of various women warriors for which I’ve given the voiceover, with the script by Prasoon Joshi. Amitabh Bachchan has narrated the male heroes’ stories. It’s such a magnificent show! Take your kids there—you’ll truly enjoy it,” she urged.

Kangana’s Take: Tradition vs. Modernity

Kangana Ranaut’s comments represent more than just personal viewpoints; they symbolize the clash between tradition and modernity that plays out in the fabric of Indian society.

Marriage: A Safety Net or Outdated Institution?

For Kangana, the institution of marriage is not just about tradition—it’s about protection and responsibility. She argues that marriage provides a social and legal framework that benefits women significantly, and that the growing popularity of short-term relationships, enabled by technology, leaves many vulnerable.

Her critics counter that the answer to abuse, infidelity, and abandonment in relationships lies not in rigid institutions, but in better laws, awareness, and mutual respect. Modern relationships, they say, are less about structure and more about choice.

Dating Apps: Opportunity or Abyss?

Kangana’s assessment of dating apps as a “gutter” was perhaps her most polarizing statement. Young people cite the democratization of love and companionship that apps have enabled, increasing interaction across regions, castes, and backgrounds. However, instances of harassment, ghosting, and emotional burnout are also on the rise, giving some credence to Kangana’s concerns, though perhaps not to the extent of her condemnation.

Kangana’s Controversial Legacy

This is not the first time Kangana Ranaut has sparked debate on issues of love, society or gender dynamics. She has previously spoken out against nepotism, double standards in Bollywood, and has even courted legal trouble for some of her more controversial positions.

Supporters view her as Bollywood’s “Queen”—bold, brave, and unafraid to challenge orthodoxy, even at the cost of personal backlash. Critics, however, accuse her of thriving on outrage, using her platform for headline-grabbing soundbites, and at times, misrepresenting changing social norms.

The Road Ahead: Debate and Introspection

Regardless of where one stands, Kangana’s comments have once again put uncomfortable questions at the center of public discourse: Are technology-enabled relationships worsening societal values, or is India simply finding new ways to express ancient human needs? Is marriage still the gold standard, or should society empower other safe and respectful forms of partnership? And most importantly—are there enough legal, social, and emotional protections for those who choose relationships outside convention?

As the interview continues to trend, it is clear that Kangana Ranaut’s voice—whether inspiring or infuriating—will echo in India’s cultural conversation for a long time to come.