Bollywood actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut appeared before a special magistrate court in Mumbai on Friday in connection with the defamation case filed against her by veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar. The case, originally filed in 2020, stems from Ranaut’s remarks in a television interview, where she allegedly linked Akhtar to a so-called “coterie” in Bollywood after the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The matter was initially being heard in Andheri’s magistrate court but was later transferred to the special court designated for cases involving MPs and MLAs after Ranaut’s election as an MP from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh in 2024.

During the last hearing, the court had warned Ranaut that it was her final chance to appear before it, following Akhtar’s plea requesting a non-bailable warrant against her. Responding to the court’s directive, she attended the proceedings on Friday. Akhtar maintains that Ranaut’s comments damaged his reputation and were made with malicious intent. Ranaut, on the other hand, has consistently defended her statements, claiming she was merely expressing her views on the functioning of the film industry. The case has been a high-profile legal battle, drawing significant media attention due to the involvement of two well-known figures from Bollywood.

The controversy surrounding the case is emblematic of the ongoing clashes between Ranaut and various Bollywood personalities, especially after her vocal criticism of industry practices. Legal experts suggest that the court’s future rulings on the matter could set a precedent for similar defamation cases involving public figures. As the proceedings continue, both sides remain firm in their stances, with Akhtar seeking legal action against Ranaut for tarnishing his image and Ranaut maintaining that she is being unfairly targeted for speaking out. Further developments in the case are awaited as the legal battle intensifies.