Mumbai: Kangana Ranaut, renowned for her exceptional acting skills and outspoken nature, has once again captured the media’s attention. Known both for her remarkable performances and her fearless expression of opinions, Kangana has been a prominent figure in the Indian film industry. Recently, she has been in the news for her upcoming film Emergency. In an exclusive and candid interview, Kangana Ranaut discusses her career journey, the challenges she faced, her perspectives on the film Emergency, and her personal beliefs.
A Journey Through Struggles and Triumphs
Kangana Ranaut’s career has been marked by both significant achievements and substantial struggles. Reflecting on her journey, she shared insights into the most challenging phases of her career.
Early Challenges in Acting:
“The initial years were extremely tough for me, especially after Gangster and Woh Lamhe. Following these films, I struggled to find work. There were periods of hope, but jobs were scarce. There was a time when I went two years without any work. Being young, coming from a small village, lacking English proficiency, and without formal qualifications made it even harder. I often pondered whether I should continue my college studies or pursue acting. It was a difficult phase that lasted for years.”
Transition to Filmmaking:
“Eventually, I decided to step away from acting, thinking maybe something else would come along. At 23, I directed my first film. I took on small roles to earn some money and then went to America, where I engaged in screenwriting. I was convinced that acting wasn’t for me. The films being made at that time didn’t resonate with me. I created a short film in California, which led to an agency hiring me as a filmmaker. Those 7-8 years were filled with struggle—learning photography, direction, and scriptwriting. I directed Queen to earn a living, and it was successful. By then, I had grown passionate about directing. My interest in acting waned, and directors began to feel that I didn’t value it as much, which was true.”
Return to Acting with Emergency:
“Making Emergency brought me peace. It allowed me to reconnect with acting on my own terms.”
Perception of Struggles and Success
Kangana addressed the common glorification of struggles and her perspective on it.
“I believe that when something bad happens, there’s often a silver lining. The younger generation today expects instant success and gratification. They want the rewards before putting in the effort. If I had adopted that mindset, I wouldn’t have achieved anything. It’s crucial not to get depressed over setbacks. I used to think, if acting wasn’t available, I’d direct; if that wasn’t an option, I’d do photography; and if that failed, I’d do labor work. This entitlement attitude has become pervasive and detrimental.”
Determination and Rebel Spirit
Kangana is often described as both determined and rebellious. She explained that this transformation has been inherent since her childhood.
“There wasn’t a specific moment of transformation. I’ve been like this since childhood. After Gangster was released, Shabana Azmi called me, and Javed Akhtar spoke to me for 15 minutes, praising my talent at a young age. Despite receiving praise, I still faced long periods without work. While others might have succumbed to depression, I embraced the situation with humility and continued to do what was best for me.”
Inspiration Behind Emergency
Kangana Ranaut’s latest film, Emergency, delves into a critical period in Indian history, focusing on Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s life during the Emergency period. Kangana discussed her motivations and inspirations for this film.
“I didn’t approach Emergency with a preconceived notion of how it should be made. I questioned what could be depicted about the Emergency, considering it was a time of curfew and stagnation. What significant events transpired? Not much, in essence. This made it a compelling subject because no film had tackled it before. I read Indira Gandhi’s biography, where her guru mentioned that she felt like she was riding a terrible monster and couldn’t get off without being consumed by it. Her honesty struck me deeply. The film explores the reasons behind the Emergency, its aftermath, and the central role it played in Indian history. The mystery surrounding Mrs. Gandhi inspired me immensely.”
Portraying Complex Characters
Kangana addressed the criticism regarding the portrayal of Indira Gandhi’s character in Emergency.
“Some people argue that I could have highlighted her positive aspects more, but Emergency is significant because it shows that even great leaders like Mrs. Gandhi can exhibit arrogance and become victims themselves. This duality is essential to understanding her character. I believe people should watch the film before making judgments.”
Rejecting Major Roles and Its Consequences
Kangana has been vocal about her decision to reject roles offered by prominent actors like Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ranbir Kapoor. She explained her reasons and the impact of these decisions on her personal relationships.
Rejecting Roles:
“When I became somewhat successful after years of struggle, I felt empowered to make choices aligned with my values. When Salman offered me a role in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, I questioned why he would offer me such a role after my performance in Queen. I refused his offer for Sultan. Ranbir Kapoor came to me for Sanju, but I declined, explaining that he misunderstood me. Akshay Kumar offered me a role in Singh is Bliing, but I turned it down. These rejections stemmed from my commitment to maintaining dignity and not compromising my principles.”
Impact on Relationships:
“Rejecting these roles strained my relationships. Some became antagonistic towards me. However, not everyone reacted negatively. Salman is still a friend and doesn’t hold it against me. These decisions were made for a cause, for women’s dignity. It saddens me to be portrayed negatively because of them, but I have endured personal losses due to these choices.”
Views on Societal Issues and Media Responsibility
Kangana expressed her concerns regarding societal norms, media portrayal, and the impact of certain types of content on society.
Gruesome Incidents and Societal Decay:
“Incidents like the gruesome attack in Kolkata and molestation in Badlapur are deeply troubling. When a girl leaves everything to work in public service and faces such atrocities, it shakes humanity. Such heinous acts occur at all levels in the country. Prime Minister Modi’s speech from the Red Fort in 2014 highlighted the double standards in how society treats daughters versus sons. When daughters wear shorts or have a deep neckline, society scrutinizes them harshly, whereas similar behavior in sons doesn’t receive the same attention. This reflects our flawed culture and societal norms.”
Media’s Role:
“The media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions and glorifying certain behaviors. Sanjay Leela Bhansali asked me to perform an item number in Ramleela, which I refused. People criticized me for it, labeling me as crazy. It’s crucial to consider how women are portrayed in media. I participated in an important episode of Satyamev Jayate with Aamir Khan ten years ago, discussing these very issues. Yet, today, content often glorifies chaos and negative behaviors without accountability. Films that depict violence, alcohol consumption, and other detrimental behaviors without addressing their consequences contribute to societal decay. Such content should be critically evaluated and condemned. The media should take responsibility for the kind of content they promote and the values they instill in the public.”
Kangana Ranaut’s candid interview provides deep insights into her personal and professional life, shedding light on the struggles she has faced, the principles she stands by, and her perspectives on societal issues. Her journey reflects resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her values, making her a remarkable figure in the Indian film industry.
