Urmila Matondkar vs Kangana Ranaut: Bollywood reacts to actress' spat

Kangana Ranaut’s labelling of her colleague, actress and Congress politician Urmila Matondkar, as a ‘soft porn actress’ with questionable acting skills has been slammed by other actors in the industry. Stars including Swara Bhasker, Pooja Bhatt, designer Farah Khan Ali and director Anubhav Sinha came out in support of Matondkar.

Ever since Sushant Singh Rajput’s death on June 14, Bollywood has been divided about Ranaut’s explosive rants including her sordid statements suggesting that Hindi films stars are involved in drugs and are part of a toxic working culture.

Ranaut’s sister and publicist Rangoli Chandel took to her Instagram to question why Matondkar and her loyalists are being offended. “Someone who is proud to be sex symbol taking constant digs at much younger girl whose hard earned house was demolished now feeling hurt to be called a soft porn star this is the same mafia who hails Sunny leone, why being a porn star is derogatory now suddenly? @urmilamatondkarofficial.” But not all agree with Chandel’s standpoint. Here’s a look at a few reactions emerging from the Kangana Vs Urmila war of words:

Swara Bhasker: The ‘Veere Di Wedding’ star has never been a Kangana Ranaut loyalist and doesn’t agree with her take on things. As soon as Ranaut described Matondkar as an adult actress, Bhasker tweeted her support for Matondkar by enlisting her list of blockbusters. “Dear @UrmilaMatondkarji, remembering ur outstanding performances in Masoom, Chamatkaar, Rangeela, Judaai, Daud, Satya, Bhoot, Kaun, Jungle, Pyaar Tuney Kya Kiya, Tehzeeb, Pinjar, Ek Hasina Thi.. among others and have marvelled at your acting chops & brilliant dancing! Love u,” tweeted Bhasker.

Pooja Bhatt: The ‘Jism’ filmmaker, who introducer adult film actress Sunny Leone in the world of Bollywood, gave a shout out to Matondkar and described her a legend who could balance dignity and sensuality. “@UrmilaMatondkar you are a legend. #Rangeela was a treat visually,emotionally and you raised the bar for all of us in so many ways. You left us all,co-actors and an entire generation of movie goers awestruck! Sensuality & dignity.. two qualities you combined & embodied. Respect!”

Farah Khan Ali: Ranaut and Khan Ali are known for their Twitter spats. She isn’t impressed with Ranaut’s interview questioning Matondkar’s body of work. “Class does not rave and rant. It shines through,” tweeted Khan Ali tagging Jaya Bachchan, Swara Bhasker and Urmila Matondkar. She also gave a shout out to Hema Mali who slammed the vilification of Bollywood in the last few weeks.

Anubhav Sinha: The director, who has often dismissed Ranaut’s grim take on Bollywood, took to Twitter for a virtual appreciate post for Matondkar. “Just felt like saying this to one of the most beautiful, elegant, evocative, expressive actresses ever. Sending you love @UrmilaMatondkar.”