BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut has spoken out in support of Bihar MLA and singer Maithili Thakur after her appearance in a luxury Rolls-Royce Cullinan sparked an online debate.
Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has come to the defence of Bihar MLA and singer Maithili Thakur after the politician faced criticism on social media over her recent appearance in a Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Maithili was recently seen arriving at Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja for darshan in a blue, chauffeur-driven luxury SUV. Videos and photographs of her arrival quickly circulated online, with social-media users questioning the vehicle’s cost and whether it belonged to the newly elected MLA.
Amid the discussion, Kangana addressed the criticism through an Instagram Story, arguing that politicians can have professional careers, personal success and a comfortable lifestyle while also working in public service.
Kangana Ranaut Says Politicians Can Enjoy Their Success
Sharing her views on the controversy, Kangana questioned the expectation that public representatives should avoid displaying signs of personal prosperity simply because they are involved in politics.
She wrote that politicians can pursue their own careers and live well while working for the public, adding that expecting elected representatives to remain poor solely because they have entered public life is unreasonable.
Kangana’s comments were made in the context of the criticism directed at Maithili following her appearance in the luxury SUV.
The actor, who is also a BJP MP, has previously spoken publicly on issues involving politics, celebrities and public life. In this case, her comments specifically focused on the broader question of whether politicians should be judged for enjoying wealth earned through their careers.
Why Maithili Thakur’s Rolls-Royce Appearance Sparked Debate
Maithili Thakur’s visit to Lalbaugcha Raja came less than a year after she entered electoral politics.
The popular folk singer contested the 2025 Bihar Assembly election as a BJP candidate and, according to the report, defeated RJD candidate Binod Mishra. Her victory brought considerable attention to her political debut and made her one of the youngest members of the Bihar Assembly.
Her recent appearance in Mumbai generated a different kind of discussion after she was photographed arriving in a Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Several social-media users questioned the cost of the vehicle and linked the discussion to details contained in her election-related disclosures. However, reports surrounding the viral footage have also noted that there has been no confirmed public evidence establishing that the particular Rolls-Royce seen with Maithili is personally owned by her.
That distinction is important because being photographed arriving in a luxury vehicle does not, by itself, establish ownership.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Price in India
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is among the most expensive luxury SUVs sold in India. Its price can run into several crores depending on the variant, specifications and customisation.
The figure of around ₹10 crore cited in online discussions refers to the vehicle’s reported price range rather than establishing that Maithili personally owns a Rolls-Royce worth that amount.
Rolls-Royce vehicles are also frequently purchased or used with extensive bespoke options, meaning the final on-road cost can vary significantly from the listed starting price.
Maithili Thakur’s Journey From Folk Singer to MLA
Before entering electoral politics, Maithili Thakur had already established herself as a prominent young voice in Indian folk music.
Known for performing traditional Hindi and Maithili songs, she built a substantial audience through television appearances, live performances and social media. Her political debut subsequently brought her career into a new arena.
Her election victory in Bihar placed her among a younger generation of public representatives and generated significant attention beyond the state’s political landscape.
The Rolls-Royce controversy has now added another layer to the public conversation surrounding the singer-turned-politician.
Kangana’s Statement Shifts the Debate
Rather than focusing solely on the price of the vehicle, Kangana’s response centred on the broader question of personal wealth and public service.
Her position was that holding elected office does not necessarily require an individual to give up a successful career or personal lifestyle, provided public responsibilities are fulfilled and public funds are not being misused.
At the same time, questions about the ownership, financing or source of funds for a luxury vehicle are factual matters that require documentary evidence rather than conclusions based solely on social-media footage.
For now, the controversy remains centred on Maithili’s viral appearance and the debate it has triggered online, with Kangana’s comments adding support from another BJP public representative.
