Kangana Ranaut is a celebrated Indian actress and filmmaker known for her versatility and strong screen presence. She has made a significant mark in Bollywood with critically acclaimed performances in films like “Queen,” “Tanu Weds Manu,” and “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi.” Ranaut has won multiple National Film Awards and is recognized for her bold and outspoken personality. She began her career with “Gangster” in 2006 and has since become one of the highest-paid actresses in India. Apart from acting, Kangana is involved in writing and directing, making her a multifaceted figure in Indian cinema.
Early Life and Background
Kangana Ranaut was born on March 23, 1987, in Bhambla, a small town in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. She was raised in a Rajput family with conservative values. Her father, Amardeep Ranaut, is a businessman, and her mother, Asha Ranaut, is a school teacher. She has an elder sister, Rangoli Chandel, who is her manager, and a younger brother, Akshat Ranaut.
Growing up in a family that valued academics, Kangana was expected to pursue a career in medicine. However, she had different aspirations and a rebellious streak that often put her at odds with her family. Her childhood was marked by a sense of independence and a desire to break free from the traditional expectations placed upon her.
Kangana was an excellent student and initially aimed to become a doctor, but after failing a pre-medical test, she realized that her true passion lay elsewhere. She began participating in beauty contests and theater productions, which fueled her interest in acting. Against her family’s wishes, Kangana left home at the age of 16 and moved to Delhi to pursue a career in modeling.
Struggles and Breakthrough
In Delhi, Kangana joined the Elite Modelling Agency, where she worked as a model for a brief period. However, she found the modeling world to be superficial and unsatisfying. She soon joined the Asmita Theatre Group and trained under renowned theater director Arvind Gaur. Her time in theater helped her hone her acting skills and gain confidence.
Kangana decided to move to Mumbai to pursue a career in films. She faced significant challenges during her early days in the city, including financial difficulties and a lack of connections in the industry. Her perseverance paid off when she was spotted by filmmaker Anurag Basu at a coffee shop, who offered her a role in his film Gangster (2006).
Rise to Stardom
*Kangana Ranaut made her film debut with *Gangster* in 2006, playing the role of Simran, a young woman caught in a love triangle involving a gangster and a detective. Her performance received critical acclaim, and she won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. The film’s success marked the beginning of her journey in Bollywood.
Following Gangster, Kangana starred in Woh Lamhe (2006), a semi-biographical film based on the life of actress Parveen Babi. Her portrayal of a troubled actress struggling with mental illness earned her widespread praise. She continued to receive acclaim for her roles in films like Life in a… Metro (2007) and Fashion (2008). In Fashion, she played the role of Shonali Gujral, a supermodel battling addiction and depression, which earned her the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Establishing Herself as a Leading Actress
Kangana’s career saw a significant rise with the success of Raaz: The Mystery Continues (2009) and Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010). In the latter, she played the role of Rehana, a Bollywood actress in the 1970s, which further established her as a versatile actress capable of handling complex characters.
In 2011, Kangana appeared in Tanu Weds Manu, a romantic comedy directed by Aanand L. Rai. Her performance as Tanuja “Tanu” Trivedi, a free-spirited and rebellious young woman, was highly appreciated. The film was a commercial success and became a turning point in her career, showcasing her ability to excel in light-hearted roles as well.
Critical Acclaim and National Recognition
Kangana’s breakthrough role came in 2013 with Queen, directed by Vikas Bahl. She played Rani Mehra, a simple girl from Delhi who embarks on a solo honeymoon trip to Europe after her fiancé calls off their wedding. The film was both a critical and commercial success, and Kangana’s performance received widespread acclaim. She won her second National Film Award for Best Actress and a Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Rani.
Following the success of Queen, Kangana continued to choose diverse and challenging roles. In 2014, she starred in Revolver Rani, a satirical crime drama, and Ungli, a vigilante film. While these films did not perform well at the box office, her performances were appreciated.
In 2015, she reprised her role as Tanu in Tanu Weds Manu Returns, the sequel to Tanu Weds Manu. The film was a massive success, and Kangana’s dual role as Tanu and Datto, a Haryanvi athlete, earned her widespread praise. She won her third National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film.
Controversies and Challenges
Kangana Ranaut has been known for her outspoken nature and willingness to speak her mind, which has often led to controversies. She has had public feuds with several industry figures, including filmmaker Karan Johar, with whom she has clashed over issues of nepotism in Bollywood. Kangana has accused Johar and other industry insiders of promoting star kids over talented outsiders like herself.
Her personal life has also been the subject of media scrutiny. Kangana’s relationships, including her alleged affair with actor Aditya Pancholi and her tumultuous relationship with Hrithik Roshan, have made headlines. Despite the controversies, Kangana has remained unapologetic and resilient, continuing to focus on her career.
Directorial Debut and Recent Work
In 2019, Kangana made her directorial debut with the historical drama Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, in which she also played the titular role of Rani Laxmibai. The film received mixed reviews, but Kangana’s performance and direction were praised. She won the Best Actress award at the National Film Awards for her portrayal of Rani Laxmibai.
In the same year, she starred in Judgementall Hai Kya, a black comedy thriller, opposite Rajkummar Rao. The film received positive reviews, and Kangana’s performance was highly appreciated. She continued to take on challenging roles with Panga (2020), a sports drama in which she played a kabaddi player making a comeback, and Thalaivii (2021), a biographical film based on the life of actress and politician J. Jayalalithaa.
Political Involvement and Activism
Kangana Ranaut has also been vocal about her political views and has expressed her support for various causes. She has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and has spoken out against issues like nepotism, sexism, and the casting couch in the film industry.
In recent years, Kangana has shown support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its policies. Her political statements and involvement have often sparked debates and controversies. Despite facing backlash, she has remained steadfast in her beliefs and continues to use her platform to raise awareness about social and political issues.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout her career, Kangana Ranaut has received numerous awards and accolades for her performances. She has won four National Film Awards, making her one of the most decorated actresses in Indian cinema. She has also received several Filmfare Awards and other prestigious honors for her contributions to the film industry.
In addition to her acting awards, Kangana has been recognized for her influence and impact. She was featured in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list several times and was included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2020.
Legacy and Impact
Kangana Ranaut’s journey in the film industry is a testament to her talent, determination, and resilience. She has carved a niche for herself with her bold choices and fearless attitude. Her ability to portray a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity has made her one of the most respected actresses in Indian cinema.
Beyond her acting career, Kangana’s advocacy for women’s rights and her stance against nepotism have sparked important conversations in the industry. She has inspired many aspiring actors, especially those from non-filmi backgrounds, to pursue their dreams and challenge the status quo.
Kangana’s legacy is not just defined by her accolades and performances but also by her courage to speak out against injustice and fight for what she believes in. She continues to be a powerful and influential figure in Indian cinema and society.