“I Am Not a Puppet”: Kangana Ranaut Reflects on Political Identity, Bollywood Career, and Future Ambitions
In a candid and wide-ranging conversation with Doordarshan, actress and Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut has addressed the intersection of her burgeoning political career and her established identity as one of India’s most prominent film personalities.
Asserting Independence in Politics
Addressing the common public perception that her statements are influenced by her party, the BJP, Ranaut was firm in asserting her autonomy. “I am not a puppet,” she stated, emphasizing that her alignment with the party is natural rather than performative.
However, she acknowledged the volatility of political life. “BJP is with me today; they might not be there tomorrow,” she noted, highlighting that her identity was forged long before she entered the political arena. Having spent two decades in the film industry, she argued that her personal convictions remain separate from party directives. While she admitted that her strong statements might occasionally cause friction, she views her learning curve as a new parliamentarian as a process of growth.
Beyond the Political Label
When asked about her future—specifically whether she sees herself prioritizing governance or filmmaking a decade from now—Ranaut remained pragmatic. She dismissed anxieties regarding the potential loss of her political standing, including rumors about her Mandi constituency ticket, by stating that her focus has shifted toward “altruism.”
“I don’t have a fear that my identity will be lost. I am a filmmaker, a writer, and I absolutely love my job,” she added.
The “Hugely Desirable” Star
Reflecting on her film career, Ranaut maintained that she remains a “hugely desirable” talent for directors across the industry. Despite her political commitments, she revealed that she continues to receive interest from production houses, many of whom are keen to see her return to the screen.
Ranaut took the opportunity to reflect on her strained history with Bollywood’s mainstream power structures. She recounted instances of rejecting major awards ceremonies and navigating pressure from publications to comply with industry standards. “I have already rejected them,” she said, referencing her past decision to skip award functions despite pressure.
Regarding the types of roles she intends to pursue, the actress expressed a preference for substantial, character-driven narratives over the traditional “heroine” tropes often associated with big-budget commercial films. “I think to play [these] roles, you have to have a certain demeanour, age, and personality,” she noted, downplaying the necessity of being paired opposite mainstream stars like the “Khans or Kumars” in favor of projects like Thalaivii.
Future Projects
On the professional front, while her recent self-produced venture faced commercial challenges, the actress remains active. Fans are eagerly awaiting her return to one of her most iconic roles, with Queen 2 currently in the pipeline.
As she balances her role as an MP with her creative pursuits, Ranaut continues to define her public life on her own terms, signaling that whether in the parliament or on the silver screen, her voice remains decidedly her own.
