Kangana recalls working below her potential in commercial films just to survive

Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut recently opened up about her two-decade journey in Bollywood, revealing that the success of her acclaimed 2006 film Fashion did not immediately lead to the meaningful roles she anticipated. Speaking to PTI ahead of her upcoming film Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, the BJP MP from Mandi recalled a constructive yet challenging period of struggle after 2007–2008. During this time, she felt she was working below her potential in commercial movies just to sustain herself in the industry.

Ranaut explained that she eventually found her true breakthrough by embracing her rawness and portraying ordinary, relatable women in blockbusters like Queen and Tanu Weds Manu, steering away from the typical "supermodel" archetype dominant at the time. Known for her spontaneous, imperfect acting style, the 40-year-old filmmaker is returning to playing an ordinary woman in her next theatrical release.

In Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, scheduled for a cinema release on June 12, Ranaut portrays a hospital nurse. Set during the tense 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks at Cama Hospital, the film aims to highlight the quiet heroism of real-life nurses and ward boys. Ranaut shared that playing the character within strict, realistic boundaries was both a unique challenge and a deeply rewarding experience.