In a world that thrives on spectacle and controversy, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut remains a figure who knows how to keep the spotlight firmly on herself. Her career moves, whether on-screen or off, tend to be punctuated by bold declarations and stirring insights. The latest in her series of headline-grabbing statements came at a recent Times Now Summit, where Ranaut threw the gauntlet down at the feet of skeptics by comparing her resilience in the film industry to that of the legendary Shah Rukh Khan.
Ranaut’s proclamation comes on the heels of her political foray as she aligns herself with the BJP party for the impending 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a decision which has prompted critics to suggest that her pivot towards politics may be motivated by a waning cinematic appeal. Unfazed by such conjecture, Ranaut boldly posited her continued relevance in the industry in terms similar to Khan’s trajectory. “In the entire world, there is none like it. Shah Rukh Khan had 10 films that didn’t fare well, then came Pathaan. I had a span of 7-8 years where my films didn’t do well, then Queen was a hit, followed by Manikarnika after another 3-4 years. Now, Emergency is on the horizon, maybe it will create miracles at the box office,” she asserted at the summit.
Ranaut didn’t stop at this parallel. She further broached the topic of stardom in the contemporary era, claiming that she and Khan represent the ‘last generation of stars,’ pointing to the rise of over-the-top (OTT) platforms which she argues, do not create stars. Known for her forthright views, Ranaut suggested that her intent is to engage with the real world rather than confine her influence within the artistic realm. After all, she reasoned, they stand as known faces, sustained by the grace of God and in persistent demand.
In a time when the Indian political and cinematic landscapes are witnessing shifts and surprises, Kangana Ranaut’s entry into the electoral fray is a development tracked with avid interest. The BJP has positioned her among their candidates, with Ranaut set to contest elections from her native Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. Her announcement was succeeded by a media appearance during which she extended Holi greetings to her audience and elaborated on her political aspirations.
While her political journey is now charting a new course, Ranaut’s film career continues unabated. She is poised to share the screen once more with R Madhavan, her co-star from the popular ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ series, in a forthcoming pan-Indian psychological thriller. Helmed by ‘Thalaivii’ director Vijay, the film signals a reunion of a duo that has proven its chemistry and appeal.
Ranaut’s coupling of cinematic pursuits with political endeavors illustrates the evolving dynamics of influence in modern India. Her assertion that stars like herself and Khan are a dying breed in an age dominated by digital streaming platforms is indicative of her acute awareness of entertainment industry trends. Furthermore, her readiness to juxtapose her career hiccups and subsequent successes with those of Khan not only illustrates her self-assurance but also underscores the tumultuous nature of film careers where the adulation of success is often shadowed by periods of box-office silence.
Her determination to pivot towards politics, paired with a penchant for speaking her mind, has made Kangana Ranaut a person of immense public interest, commanding attention with every move she makes. Whether Emergency, her next cinematic venture, will indeed “work wonders” is a matter for the future to determine. For now, Ranaut rides the wave of her declarations, found at the intersection of Bollywood’s silver screen glitter and the rough-and-tumble of India’s political theater.
