Randeep Hooda on Kangana Ranaut targeting Alia Bhatt: 'Kangana ek bohot achchhi actor hai unko ye baatein shobha nahi deti'

Randeep Hooda, who starred opposite Alia Bhatt in Highway, has always spoken fondly of his co-star. Back in 2020, when Kangana Ranaut took a dig at Alia’s performance in Gully Boy by calling it "mediocre," Randeep had posted a tweet defending her, saying he was glad she didn’t let the opinions of “very occasional actors and chronic victims” affect her work.
Randeep felt protective of Alia Bhatt post Highway
Now, in a recent interview with Subhankar Mishra on his podcast, Randeep confirmed that his tweet was indeed directed at Kangana. Without any hesitation, he admitted, “Kyunki woh Alia ko bohot target kar rahi thi.” He clarified that he has no personal animosity with her — never had, never will — but added that he felt a strong bond with Alia after working with her in Highway.
He explained that he held a special affection for “that little Alia” from Highway, referring to her character Veera. "Usko hai ya nahi hai mujhe nahi pata but mujhe Veera ke liye ek bohot lagav hai," he said, implying that while he isn’t sure how Alia feels, his emotional connection with her character remains intact.

Randeep Hooda criticises Kangana Ranaut
Randeep also revealed that he once had a dream involving Kangana, just before the release of her film where she played Indira Gandhi. Describing it, he said, “Sapna aaya ki main aur woh dono bachche hain chhote aur aapas mein baatein kar rahe hain.” He even sent her a message about it, to which she responded warmly, calling it “very sweet.”

The actor went on to criticize the culture of pulling others down for self-promotion. He said he disliked it when people try to "blow their own trumpet" by demeaning others, adding that Kangana is a very good actor and such remarks do not suit her. “Mujhe ye achchha nahi lagta ki aap apna tuta bajane ke liye kisi aur ko neecha dikhao, woh mujhe bilkul achchha nahi lagta. Nahi main karta hoon, nahi achchha lagta hai. Woh jab mujhe laga ki aisa ho raha tha baatchit se. Tabhi maine isko tweet kiya tha kyunki koshish sabhi kar rahe hain. Kangana ek bohot achchhi actor hai unko ye baatein shobha nahi deti,” he said.

On the work front, Randeep, who is seen in a villainous role in Sunny Deol's recently released film Jaat, was last seen in Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, where he portrayed freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.