Actor and politician Kangana Ranaut has never shied away from speaking honestly about her journey in Bollywood. As she completes two decades in the film industry and gears up for the release of her upcoming film Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, Kangana has looked back on one of the most challenging phases of her career, revealing that even after winning acclaim for Fashion, she struggled to find meaningful work.
In a recent interview, Kangana admitted that the success of Fashion did not immediately open doors for her as many people might assume. Despite receiving recognition for her performances in films like Gangster, Woh Lamhe, Life in a… Metro, and Fashion, she went through a period where quality roles were hard to come by.
The actress recalled questioning herself during that difficult phase and trying to understand why opportunities were not coming her way. Rather than letting the setbacks discourage her, she used the time for self-reflection and growth.
Kangana revealed that during those years she was advised to hire a manager who handled some of Bollywood’s biggest stars. Following that advice led her toward commercial entertainers such as Rascals and Double Dhamaal. While those projects helped her stay active in the industry, she admitted she was not creatively satisfied.
According to Kangana, she often felt she was working below her potential but accepted those roles because she needed work at the time. She also challenged the popular belief that people should only pursue what they love, saying that life often demands practicality and perseverance before passion.
The turning point in her career came when filmmakers began casting her in characters that felt closer to her personality. Films like Queen and Tanu Weds Manu Returns allowed her to portray ordinary women with relatable struggles and emotions, roles that connected deeply with audiences across the country.
Kangana explained that when she entered Bollywood, the industry was dominated by glamorous actresses, beauty queens, and supermodels. As someone who did not fit that mould, she initially felt out of place. Over time, however, she realised that her uniqueness was her biggest strength.
She described her rawness and natural screen presence as her true USP, qualities that first stood out in films like Gangster and Fashion. Instead of trying to imitate others, she decided to embrace those imperfections and build her career around them.
The actress also spoke about her acting process, revealing that she prefers spontaneity over endless rehearsals. Unlike some performers who require dozens of takes to perfect a scene, Kangana enjoys capturing the emotion naturally and believes imperfections often make performances feel more authentic.
Now, after portraying larger-than-life figures such as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in Emergency, Kangana is returning to a more grounded role in Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata. In the film, she plays a nurse caught in the midst of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
The actress said the story resonated with her because it shines a light on everyday heroes—nurses, ward boys, and healthcare workers—who displayed extraordinary courage during one of India’s darkest moments. She believes the film celebrates people who quietly perform their duties with dedication and selflessness, often without recognition.
For Kangana, playing a nurse came with its own challenges. Unlike larger-than-life characters, the role required restraint and realism. She explained that there was little room for dramatic liberties, making the performance both demanding and rewarding.
As Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata prepares for its theatrical release, Kangana’s reflections offer a glimpse into the struggles, risks, and self-belief that shaped her journey from a young outsider in Bollywood to one of the industry’s most talked-about stars.
