Kangana Ranaut, a prominent Bollywood actress and filmmaker, has made a significant impact both in the entertainment industry and politically. She was born on March 23, 1987, in Bhambla, a small town in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Initially from a non-filmy background, her early life revolved around a humble upbringing in a Rajput family. Her father, Amardeep Ranaut, is a businessman, and her mother, Asha Ranaut, is a school teacher. Kangana has an elder sister, Rangoli, and a younger brother, Akshat.
Early Life and Education
Kangana grew up in a conservative environment, where her family had traditional expectations for her, such as pursuing medicine. She initially prepared for a career in medicine, but she did not succeed in her pre-medical exams, leading to her decision to shift her focus.
At the age of 16, Kangana left home and moved to Delhi, determined to pursue a career in modeling and acting. She joined the Elite Modeling Agency, where she briefly worked before realizing her passion for acting. This change led her to the Asmita Theatre Group, where she studied drama under Arvind Gaur, a famous Indian theater director. Her time in theater helped her hone her skills, and she performed in several plays, such as Girish Karnad’s Taledanda.
Career in Bollywood
Kangana’s film career began in 2006 when she made her debut in the film Gangster, directed by Anurag Basu, which earned her critical acclaim and her first Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Her role in Woh Lamhe (2006) and Life in a… Metro (2007) further cemented her position as a talented actress. However, it was the psychological thriller Fashion (2008), where she played the role of a troubled supermodel, that won her the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Over the years, Kangana has taken on diverse and challenging roles, establishing herself as one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors. Her notable films include Queen (2014), which won her the National Film Award for Best Actress, Tanu Weds Manu series, and Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019), which marked her debut as a director.
Political Alignment
In recent years, Kangana has become a vocal supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideologies. She has used her platform to express strong views on nationalism, social issues, and the role of Bollywood in shaping cultural narratives. Kangana has been outspoken about her admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and she is often seen supporting BJP’s policies and nationalistic sentiments.
While she has not officially held any political office, her association with BJP is evident through her vocal advocacy for the party’s ideals on social media and public platforms. Given her Himachali roots, she maintains a connection to Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, where her family resides.
Personal Life
Kangana is known for her fierce independence and outspoken nature. She has faced numerous controversies throughout her career, often due to her candid remarks about Bollywood, nepotism, and her political affiliations. She has a strong sense of individualism, which has made her a polarizing figure in both the film industry and political discourse.
In addition to acting, Kangana is deeply interested in philosophy, spirituality, and Indian classical dance. She has trained in kathak and is passionate about promoting traditional Indian values. Despite her success, Kangana remains deeply connected to her roots in Himachal Pradesh, often visiting her hometown.