Kangana Ranaut reacts to Kamal Haasan’s sharp jibe at Elon Musk over Starlink licence comment

Kangana Ranaut, Kamal Haasan and Elon Musk. Pic via X

Elon Musk recently made a controversial tweet suggesting India is run by billionaires and not the government while pointing out how the Starlink license has been in the country. Actor and politician Kamal Haasan slammed the SapceX founder on social media. Following Haasan’s tweet, Bollywood actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut reacted to Kamal Haasan’s response.

The controversy started after Musk questioned the delay in allowing Starlink permission to begin commercial operations in India. The billionaire alleged that the satellite internet company was licensed in more than 165 countries and had spent five years complying with Indian government requirements. He further asked, “Is Ambani the real boss of India?”, suggesting the influence of Mukesh Ambani in the Indian market.

Responding to Musk, the Rajya Sabha MP wrote that no billionaire should dictate a country’s policies, regardless of whether they are Indian or American. He further argued that India must welcome competition in satellite internet services if companies offer affordable connectivity, especially to people living in remote areas.

He further emphasised the importance of national security, mentioning that the country’s telecommunications networks and spectrum are ‘strategic infrastructure, not merely commercial assets.’ He further stated that Western countries often have double standards on free-market competition. Kamal even cited the United States’ 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles as an example of protectionism.

“Indians will internally debate, question and address our strengths and shortcomings as a democratic country. Take BharatNet, India’s programme to bring broadband to village-level local bodies. We will question why, as the CAG’s 2026 audit report found, the programme is struggling to meet its original objectives. Why were only 33.2% of service-ready Gram Panchayats operational, despite Rs 39,888 crore being spent? At the same time, we know to appreciate our telecom sector and regulations, which has made internet data among the world’s most affordable, bringing millions online,” he further wrote.

Kamal concluded the post saying, “India is a democracy, not a colony. We welcome the world, but we, the Indian people, will decide our own future – not Western vested interests, their double standards or any billionaire – Indian or American.”

Later on Friday, October 9, Kangana Ranaut praised the actor-politician for his sharp reply, writing, “Ouch!! That must hurt.”

She tagged Musk and described Kamal’s response as “well said and well explained. Sharp, on point and sarcastic (sic).”

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