Kangana Ranaut says politics is ‘a very expensive hobby’: ‘You are left with ₹50-60k salary’

By Admin

12 Jul, 2025

In a candid and eye-opening conversation with Times Now, Bollywood actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, who is now a BJP MP from Mandi, described politics as “a very expensive hobby” – a statement that offers rare insight into the financial demands of public life.

Politics Isn't a Profession – It’s an Investment

Ranaut stated, “Politics is a very expensive hobby,” emphasizing that being an honest politician comes with immense financial burdens. She clarified that the profession isn’t sustainable if one doesn’t have another source of income. “If you are an MP, you can't have it as a profession... you need a job,” she said bluntly.

She explained that though MPs receive a salary, it’s hardly enough to cover the expenses involved in representing their constituencies. “What you're left with is actually ₹50,000 - ₹60,000,” she revealed, after covering travel and staff costs. “If I have to go to my constituency with some representation, some PAs from here, some three-four cars, the expenses are in lakhs because one place from other is 300-400 kms minimum.”

A Glimpse Into the Life of a Political Newcomer

Kangana’s recent remarks also follow her earlier admission that she isn’t sure she’s “enjoying” her political career. In a podcast interview on the YouTube channel Atman in Ravi (AIR), she said, “I’m getting a hang of it. I wouldn’t say that I am enjoying it. It’s a very different kind of work, more like social service.”

The actress, who has no prior political background, admitted that the work can be overwhelming. Citizens approach her with highly localized, panchayat-level concerns, such as broken drains and damaged roads. “I’m like, ‘But I am an MP,’ and these people are coming to me with panchayat-level problems,” she said, expressing her surprise at the expectations placed on her.

The Financial Reality for Honest Politicians

Ranaut’s comments also touched on how others in politics often maintain separate careers to sustain themselves. She mentioned, “A lot of MPs have businesses, they are working as lawyers. Even people who have come before me like Javed Akhtar ji, they kept doing their work.”

This suggests a broader trend where public servants, particularly those entering politics without generational wealth or business backgrounds, need additional income to survive the demands of the profession.

A Voice of Truth in a Glamorous World

By openly discussing the challenges – both financial and administrative – of her political journey, Kangana Ranaut brings attention to the lesser-known realities of being an elected representative in India. Her comments highlight the economic pressures faced by honest politicians and the disconnect between public perception and actual responsibilities.

As she navigates the road ahead in her new role, her reflections offer a rare and human perspective on what it truly takes to serve in Indian politics – not just the will, but also the wallet.