Kangana Ranaut, known for her fierce opinions and candid nature, has often been at the forefront of controversies in Bollywood. Whether it’s calling out nepotism or refusing to bow down to industry powerhouses, Kangana’s fearless attitude has made her both a subject of admiration and criticism. Recently, in an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Kangana made several revelations about her decisions to turn down high-profile roles, including offers from the biggest names in the industry.
Turning Down ‘Sanju’ and Other Big Films
During the interview, Kangana revealed that she was approached for a role in Rajkumar Hirani’s 2018 blockbuster, Sanju. The film, which chronicled the tumultuous life of actor Sanjay Dutt, saw Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role and became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Kangana disclosed that Ranbir Kapoor himself came to her house to request her participation in the movie. Despite this personal request, she declined the role, though she did not specify which character she was offered.
Kangana’s decision to turn down Sanju is just one example of her firm stance on choosing roles that align with her values and artistic vision. She mentioned that rejecting high-profile films has never affected her professional relationships, highlighting her belief that mutual respect in the industry should transcend such decisions.
Rejecting the Khans: A Stand for Strong Female Roles
Kangana also opened up about rejecting films from all three of Bollywood’s biggest stars—Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan. She candidly expressed that the roles offered in their movies often do not provide substantial scope for women, and she has consistently chosen to prioritize roles that challenge her as an actor. Despite turning down these mega-projects, Kangana emphasized that her relationships with the Khans have remained cordial, even though many others in the industry have treated her poorly.
In an industry where opportunities to work with the Khans are seen as career-defining, Kangana’s decision to turn down such offers is a bold statement. Her commitment to strong, meaningful roles over commercial success reflects her desire to change the narrative for women in Bollywood.
The Fight Against Fairness Cream Endorsements
Kangana’s refusal to conform extends beyond film roles. The actress revealed that she has also turned down lucrative offers to endorse fairness creams, despite the significant financial incentive. She described these endorsements as racist and refused to associate herself with a product that perpetuates harmful beauty standards. This stance is particularly noteworthy in an industry where celebrity endorsements of fairness products have been commonplace.
Nepotism and the Bollywood Mafia
Kangana’s most infamous battle, however, has been against nepotism in Bollywood. She has not shied away from naming and shaming those she believes perpetuate this culture, with Karan Johar often being at the receiving end of her criticism. On Koffee with Karan, she famously labeled Johar as the “flag-bearer of nepotism,” sparking a widespread debate that continues to resonate in the industry.
In her recent Instagram post, Kangana alluded to two powerful figures in Bollywood, referring to them as “Duryodhan and Shakuni”—characters from the Indian epic Mahabharata known for their devious nature. She accused these unnamed individuals of being “jealous, insecure, and gossip mongers,” who she believes are spreading misinformation about her in the press.
Kangana’s posts and interviews often hint at her ongoing struggle with these powerful industry insiders. Her willingness to speak out against them, even when it has led to public backlash and professional hurdles, demonstrates her resilience and determination to expose what she sees as the darker side of Bollywood.
The Ongoing Battle
Kangana Ranaut’s journey in Bollywood has been anything but conventional. From rejecting films with the biggest stars to refusing to endorse products she doesn’t believe in, Kangana has consistently chosen the path of integrity over popularity. Her ongoing fight against nepotism and her candid revelations about the industry’s inner workings have made her a polarizing figure, but one who is undeniably committed to her principles.
As she continues to navigate the complexities of the film industry, Kangana’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, no matter the cost. Her journey is a testament to the fact that success in Bollywood doesn’t just come from box office numbers, but also from the courage to speak truth to power.
