In a move that beautifully fused the worlds of entertainment, fashion, and politics, Bollywood starlet Kangana Ranaut recently graced the Times Now Summit, not just as an actress but as an emerging political figure. Clad in a breathtaking mauve saree that delicately wrapped her in a dreamy picnic daydream aesthetic, Kangana presented a chic and understated style suited for the warm summer months. For an actress known for her fierce roles and unmissable presence, the choice of attire was an embodiment of class and craftsmanship that extolled the virtuosity of Indian artisans.
Kangana Ranaut took to Instagram to offer her followers a glimpse of the saree that harmonized with her new political ambition. From the atelier of Surmaye, owned by craft connoisseur Swati Singhal, the organza mulberry silk saree Kangana donned articulated a message of floral elegance and indigenous talent. Staying true to her reputation for promoting local artisans and preserving vintage heirloom pieces, she made a statement even with her airport looks, effortlessly weaving tradition with modernity.
The description of the saree Kangana opted for, as shared on social media, conveyed an invitation to luxuriate in an artful masterpiece. It highlighted the “hand-drawn pansy floral print,” a loving nod to the subtleties of nature and the finesse of handcrafted apparel. Two distinct floral prints intermingled to create a distinctive look, paying homage to the saree’s versatility, which can be worn with either edge as the palla. The saree’s exquisite hand hemming reinforced the artisanal quality that both Kangana and Surmaye are renowned for.
Bearing an accessible price tag of Rs 21,000, the saree is an emblematic choice for Kangana’s wardrobe as a politician. The accompanying blouse, an equally stunning piece, is available at an additional cost of Rs 6,000—symbolizing how contemporary fashion and political attire can converge.
At the summit, when questioned about her political aspirations and whether she harbored any intentions of joining politics officially, Kangana answered with characteristic frankness, “The decision is always with the party but I have always openly supported BJP regardless of whether I am a party member or not. I have always fought for BJP and supported Bharat.” Her declaration resounded with her long-held ideological leanings, which she described as mirroring the flamboyance and glory of the right-wing.
“To be a leader, people should say that ‘she should be a leader’. I think it’s a different kind of role and responsibility,” Kangana reflected on leadership, hinting at a responsive approach to her prospective political career, one that requires popular mandate and a readiness to shoulder the burden of leadership.
Breaking the barriers of her acting career, Kangana was officially announced as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the Congress stronghold of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. This announcement marks a seminal point in her career as she steps into the political fray.
On the cinematic front, Kangana is set to captivate audiences in ‘Emergency’, which also heralds her first solo directorial venture. ‘Emergency’ is poised to retell the epochal events of the Indian emergency period under the leadership of Indira Gandhi, with Kangana portraying the late Prime Minister, thus undertaking one of the most dramatic and consequential roles of her acting career.
Kangana Ranaut’s seamless transition from the silver screen to the political stage, glittering in traditional garments that tell stories of Indian heritage and her own evolving narrative, is commendable. As she continues to support the craft of Indian weavers and transitions into the role of a political figure, Kangana is emerging as an icon of cultural pride and political aspiration.
