From a small village with no initial dreams of acting to becoming a significant figure in Bollywood, Kangana Ranaut's journey showcases how an accidental introduction to the industry's elite and her innate talent propelled her to fame, despite lacking formal training. "Acting never crossed my mind as a career. In my hometown, careers in the arts were never seen as viable; we only knew traditional paths like engineering or the IPS. Acting just happened to me," shares the actress, who has now ventured into politics as a Member of Parliament in India. In a recent chat with Khaleej Times, Ranaut, set to portray Indira Gandhi in 'Emergency', discusses her career's pivotal moments, including the breakthrough success of 'Queen', her dual role as actor and director in her next film, and her bold social media presence.
Reflecting on her career, Ranaut highlights 'Queen' as a significant turning point where mainstream and parallel cinemas merged, marking a shift towards more female-focused films. "At that time, women's roles were often limited, treated as mere accessories. A renowned actor even told me that my talent was too good for mainstream success, implying that true skill often stays in the realm of parallel cinema," she recalls. She attributes her resilience to not aiming to be a 'glam doll' or a 'rock star', focusing instead on understanding the craft deeply.
For her role as Indira Gandhi in 'Emergency', Ranaut underwent extensive preparation, including physical adjustments to her body shape and a deep dive into historical accounts. "Playing someone much older requires adapting body language. I had to reduce muscle mass from my previous action-oriented role in 'Dhaakad'. Directing the film allowed me more time to embody the character, and surprisingly, my appearance started to mirror Indira Gandhi's naturally," she explains.
Ranaut emphasizes the importance of understanding Indira Gandhi's perspective through her autobiography and other sources. "It's crucial to consider the person's own viewpoint, especially when they're no longer here. I read her autobiography, numerous books, and watched many videos to understand her better," she notes. Balancing her roles as director and actor, she finds fulfillment in directing, describing it as her true passion.
Despite facing criticism and trolling on social media, Ranaut remains undeterred. "I judge the trolls, assessing their impact rather than letting them confuse me. Social media validation isn't worth it; real impact comes from achievements in the real world," she advises. Encouraging young aspirants, she suggests identifying their unique path in cinema, whether it be dance, action, or acting, and pursuing it with dedication.
