Kangana Ranaur describes Ayodhya Ram Mandir visit as a divine experience, meanwhile battles unauthorised use of her likeness in court

On a bright Sunday morning, Bollywood star‑politician Kangana Ranaut stepped into the sprawling Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya. The actress, who also sits in Parliament as a BJP MP, said the experience felt almost spiritual – a “divine” encounter she’ll remember for a long time.

“Being in the holy land of Ayodhya is a privilege in itself,” she told reporters after the darshan. “When you stand before the sanctified shrine of Lord Rama, you can’t help but feel a deep sense of peace. The whole complex, with its towering spires and serene courtyards, is simply breathtaking. I’d love to spend an entire day here with my family to truly soak it all in.”

The Ram Mandir, inaugurated on 22 January 2024, sits on the site traditionally believed to be Lord Rama’s birthplace. It has quickly become a magnet for pilgrims and tourists alike, and Ranaut’s visit adds a touch of celebrity sparkle to the already vibrant scene.

While the actress was reveling in the spiritual aura of the temple, she also found herself tangled in a very different kind of battle – one fought in the corridors of the Delhi High Court. In recent weeks, Ranaut’s legal team filed a suit asking the court to protect her personality and publicity rights after discovering that her name, photo and even voice were being used without permission in various commercial projects.

Personality rights, a concept gaining traction in Indian jurisprudence, safeguard a public figure’s image, voice, signature and other distinctive traits from unauthorised exploitation. In Ranaut’s case, the complaint centres on alleged “fake news” and AI‑generated content that appear to leverage her fame for profit.

During the hearing, Justice Vikas Mahajan examined several online links, including a meme and an animated clip that the plaintiff’s counsel described as satirical. The judge noted that some of the allegedly infringing material had already been taken down after the defendants were served with an advance copy of the plaint. Nonetheless, the court issued summons and an interim injunction notice, signalling that the matter will continue to be scrutinised.

The next hearing is slated for 3 February 2027, giving both sides time to amend their pleadings and possibly settle the dispute. For now, Ranaut remains focused on the positive side of her life – the spiritual solace she found in Ayodhya – while the legal saga unfolds in the background.

Whether it’s a sacred pilgrimage or a courtroom drama, Kangana’s recent week showcases two very different realms of public life, each demanding its own kind of resilience.