‘The Richer You Are, The More Regressive’: Kangana Ranaut Says ‘Beta Chahiye’ Exists In Bollywood, ‘Sabko Farq Padhta Hai’

Many said that Kangana was telling the harsh truth. (Photo Credit: Instagram)

Kangana Ranaut has sparked a fresh debate on gender bias in India after claiming that even the most “modern-looking” business and Bollywood families still secretly prefer having a son. She made the comment during a conversation with Hauterrfly.

And, it has triggered widespread discussion online, with many users agreeing that the bias remains deeply rooted.

During the interview, Kangana said that the preference for a male child cuts across regions, classes and industries, including Bollywood.

Kangana Ranaut: “Everyone Cares, Even If They Pretend They Don’t”

“Every Asian household you can connect with. Ek toh aapki ek daughter hoti hai, and uske baad mein ek aur daughter hoti hai… Ho sakta hai ki jo zyada educated hai, dikhana chahe ki unhe farq nahi padhta. But let me tell you, sabko farq padhta hai, including actors, actresses, big families,” she said.

The host agreed, adding that people who claim to be progressive rarely reveal their true thoughts. Kangana further clarified that the discrimination may not appear after the first daughter, but often surfaces when a second girl is born. “I know people who say it doesn’t matter, but it still does,” she remarked.

Internet Says Kangana Isn’t Wrong

Following the clip’s circulation online, several social media users said Kangana’s statement reflects a harsh reality, that societal conditioning runs deeper than the glossy image of modern India.

One commenter shared a personal anecdote: “The richer the people, the more regressive they are. I know a wealthy couple who look very modern but travelled to Bangkok and Dubai to ensure their third child is a boy. They were unhappy having two daughters.”

Another wrote, “Mostly sab upar upar woke hote hai, andar se years of conditioning reverse karna aasan nahi hota.”

A third user pointed out that wealth does not necessarily equate to progressive thinking: “Well-off families tend to be conservative, and conservative families prefer boys. It’s a sad reality.”

A Debate Bollywood Has Rarely Addressed

Gender bias and son preference are issues historically tied to Indian society, but Kangana’s comments bring the conversation directly into Bollywood, an industry that often brands itself as liberal and progressive.

While some have criticised Kangana in the past for her opinions, many agree she has highlighted an uncomfortable truth that remains prevalent behind closed doors, even among the elite.