Kangana Ranaut was born on March 23, 1987, in Bhambla (now Surajpur), a small town in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Her father, Amardeep Ranaut, is a businessman, and her mother, Asha Ranaut, is a schoolteacher. Kangana grew up in a traditional Rajput family with her elder sister, Rangoli, and younger brother, Akshat. From a young age, she was known for her rebellious spirit and independent thinking. She studied at DAV School, Chandigarh, where she initially aspired to become a doctor. However, her interest shifted toward modeling and acting, leading her to pursue a career in the film industry.
Early Career and Struggle
At the age of 16, Kangana moved to Delhi, where she joined the Elite Modelling Agency for a brief period. However, she soon realized that modeling was not her true calling. She then started participating in theater and joined Arvind Gaur’s Asmita Theatre Group, where she performed in several plays and honed her acting skills. With big dreams and little support, Kangana moved to Mumbai to try her luck in Bollywood. Life was not easy; she faced financial struggles and had to survive on her own. But her determination and talent soon caught the attention of filmmaker Anurag Basu, who offered her a lead role in his film.
Bollywood Debut and Breakthrough
Kangana made her Bollywood debut in 2006 with the film “Gangster,” produced by Mahesh Bhatt and directed by Anurag Basu. Her performance as a troubled woman caught between love and crime was highly appreciated. She won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. After that, she appeared in films like “Woh Lamhe” (2006) and “Life in a… Metro” (2007), both of which established her as a talented actress known for her emotional depth and realistic acting style.
Her role in “Fashion” (2008), alongside Priyanka Chopra, earned her the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress, marking her arrival as one of Bollywood’s most promising stars.
Rise to Stardom
The turning point in Kangana’s career came with “Tanu Weds Manu” (2011), where she portrayed the bold and free-spirited Tanu Sharma opposite R. Madhavan. The film was a massive success and made her a household name. She later reprised the role in “Tanu Weds Manu Returns” (2015), which became one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
Another landmark performance came in “Queen” (2014), directed by Vikas Bahl. Kangana played Rani Mehra, a naive Delhi girl who embarks on a solo honeymoon after being left by her fiancé. Her natural and heartfelt performance won her the National Film Award for Best Actress and immense critical acclaim.
Later Career and Notable Films
Kangana continued to deliver strong performances in movies like “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi” (2019), where she also made her directorial debut. The film celebrated the bravery of Rani Laxmi Bai and earned her yet another National Award. She followed it with films like “Panga” (2020), “Thalaivii” (2021)—a biographical drama based on Tamil Nadu’s former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa—and “Dhaakad” (2022).
While some of her recent films received mixed reviews, Kangana remains known for her fearless choice of roles and her commitment to portraying strong, unconventional female characters.
Controversies and Public Image
Kangana Ranaut is one of Bollywood’s most outspoken and controversial figures. She has often made headlines for her bold statements about nepotism, gender bias, and politics in the film industry. Her public feud with several celebrities and filmmakers has kept her in constant media spotlight. Despite criticism, Kangana has earned respect for her confidence, honesty, and refusal to conform to industry norms.
Awards and Achievements
Kangana has won four National Film Awards and five Filmfare Awards, making her one of the most decorated actresses in Indian cinema. She has also been featured multiple times on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list. Her dedication, versatility, and powerful on-screen presence have cemented her reputation as one of the finest performers of her generation.
Personal Life
Kangana is known for her independent lifestyle and fearless attitude. Apart from acting, she is passionate about fashion, writing, and filmmaking. She owns a beautiful bungalow in Manali and a stylish residence in Mumbai. Kangana is also an entrepreneur, having launched her own production house, Manikarnika Films, to support fresh talent and female-driven stories.
Legacy
Kangana Ranaut’s journey from a small-town girl to one of India’s most successful and fearless actresses is an inspiring story of resilience and ambition. Her career proves that talent and determination can break all barriers. With her bold choices and fearless voice, Kangana continues to redefine what it means to be a woman in Indian cinema.
