Speaking to journalist Barkha Dutt on Mojo, Das said he had nothing personal against Kangana and stressed that public discourse should be based on discussion rather than insults.

'Let's talk this out'

Das said Kangana was the one who had made the exchange personal by targeting both him and the younger generation.

"I have nothing personal against Kangana Ranaut. She is the one who is using personal remarks against Gen Z and now against me.

"I asked her on Instagram to take a chill pill and let's talk this out. That is how it should be.

"The problem in this country is that people don't talk anymore. There's less deliberation, discussion and debate, so we should maintain our dignity while speaking."

Hrithik Roshan remark

Injecting humour into the conversation, Das referred to Kangana's widely publicised past relationship with Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan.

He said some of his friends joked that Kangana may have targeted him because he resembles a younger Hrithik.

"My friends were wondering why she is after my life now. One of them said I may look a little bit like young Hrithik Roshan," Das said with a laugh.

"I was pleasantly surprised why she would want to attack someone like me but, in any case, I would suggest she be careful with her words and not sound frustrated."

'Think before speaking'

Das also urged the BJP MP to be more mindful of her public statements, saying elected representatives should respect the people they serve.

"Her words and sentences didn't reflect mental stability. I would just request her to think before speaking about the future generation of this country because ultimately it is the pleasure of the people that she serves for. The government functions at the pleasure of the people as well. And people can't be disrespected in this manner," he said.

Genesis of the controversy

The latest exchange stems from Kangana's Instagram post on Monday, in which she described the Gen Z protesters' language as "puke-inducing" and "crass" while questioning their upbringing.

"You call yourself cockroaches and look/behave like them as well... I am scarred from these reels. I need some healing, digital detox," she wrote.

Targeting women among the protesters, Ranaut went on to label them "Generation Gutter", accusing them of glorifying drugs and alcohol, living off their parents, and contributing little to society.

The comments triggered criticism from opposition leaders and student groups, with some questioning whether the BJP MP even knew the full form of NEET — the medical entrance examination whose alleged paper leak sparked the nationwide protests.

Photo: Screen-grab

'Why should we take her seriously?'

Responding to Ranaut's comments on Tuesday, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das dismissed the actor-politician's criticism, saying she lacked credibility even within her own party.

"Even people within Kangana Ranaut's own party don't pay much attention to her or take her seriously, so why should we? I don't think anyone in Gen Z, Gen Alpha or any younger generation takes her seriously or listens to what she says," he said.

Das also referred to Ranaut's earlier remarks about her experience as a first-time MP, where she had admitted she initially believed the role involved little work.

"She herself said she thought being an MP required very little work, but later realised how much effort it actually takes. That shows her level of seriousness. She calls us an 'unserious generation', yet she exposed her own lack of seriousness," he said.

'You are simply useless': Kangana Ranaut hits back

Hitting back sharply at Das, Kangana wrote in a fresh Instagram story: "The claims to be a hybrid school student I have no clue !! Yes I am in politics for past 2 years but I have been in public life for last 20 years, at his age I had 2 national awards, yes as a new parliamentarian I was overwhelmed with all the work because I am also a filmmaker + performing artist + producer + screen writer + entrepreneur."

She further added: "But some one like him who is totally useless and unemployed will never understand what it means to be in massive demand at all times at any age. Dear Saurav your issues are personal, you are not a student, you are simply useless, let's start with learning some skill. It's a good place to start."

Photo: Screen-grab