In a surge of electoral passion, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who has often made headlines for her outspoken remarks, once again sparked conversation. During a political rally for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Ranaut confidently placed herself on par with Bollywood’s legendary Amitabh Bachchan concerning the adoration and acclaim both actors have garnered in the film fraternity.
As the election fervor grips the nation, Kangana Ranaut stands at the forefront of political discourse. Announcing her candidacy in the Mandi constituency of Himachal Pradesh for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ranaut seamlessly steps into the political arena brimming with as much confidence as she has shown in her cinematic ventures. Known for not shying away from controversy, her recent statement taps into the collective psyche of the Indian film industry and its loyal audience base.
A captured moment from a rally reveals Ranaut’s bold comparison as she expresses, “Sara desh hairaan hai, ki wo Kangana, chahe Rajasthan chali jau, chahe mai West Bengal chali jau, chahe mai Delhi chali jau, chahe mai Manipur chali jau, aisa lagta hai ki mano itna pyaar aur itna sammaan… Mein daave se keh sakti hu ke Amitabh Bachchan ji ke baad aaj kisiko industry me milta hai to wo mujhe milta hai.” This translates to an acknowledgment of the country’s apparent astonishment at the level of love and respect she receives wherever she goes, boldly asserting that she has received parallel reverence to that of Bachchan’s within the film industry.
Despite the fact that Kangana Ranaut and Amitabh Bachchan have not collaborated on screen thus far, their indirect association exists through appreciation and mutual professional respect. Bachchan, who maintains an iconic stature in Bollywood, has previously commended Ranaut for her performances, notably extending a handwritten note and bouquet in praise of her roles in the films ‘Queen’ and ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’.
Kangana’s claim comes at a turning point in her career as she prepares for her self-directed movie ‘Emergency.’ Not one to shy away from challenging roles, she boldly embodies the character of India’s first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, painting a portrait of one of the most tumultuous times in the nation’s governance. The film, which stirs memories of a significant political epoch, is supported by a talented cast, including Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and honors the late Satish Kaushik. A combined production of Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, the movie promises a rich cinematic experience with its music composed by Sanchit Balhara and a screenplay penned by Ritesh Shah.
As much as Kangana Ranaut’s bold statement equating her industry status to that of Amitabh Bachchan’s struck a chord, it is a testament to her perceived influence and status within both Bollywood and now, potentially, in the political domain. It remains to be seen how her political journey will unfold and whether her confidence will indeed translate into electoral success equivalent to her cinematic triumphs. Meanwhile, audiences and political observers alike are perched on the edge of their seats to witness the unfolding of what promises to be an equally dramatic and eventful chapter in the actor’s storied career.
