Mumbai

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has reflected on one of the most difficult phases of her career, revealing that despite the critical acclaim and success of Fashion, she struggled to find meaningful work and was compelled to accept projects she felt did not fully utilise her abilities.

Ranaut, who marks two decades in the film industry this year, said the period following the success of Fashion in 2008 prompted deep introspection about her place in the industry and the reasons behind the lack of opportunities coming her way.

"Whenever you go through a difficult phase, you should use that time constructively because life is trying to tell you something," she said. "I constantly questioned why I wasn't getting work or why I wasn't able to do something better. Even after Fashion, there was a period when I wasn't getting jobs."

The actor, who made a successful debut with Gangster: A Love Story in 2006 and later featured in films such as Woh Lamhe and Life in a... Metro, said she was advised to appoint a manager associated with major stars. The move eventually led her towards commercial entertainers such as Rascals and Dhamaal.

"I knew I was doing work that didn't match my intelligence and capabilities. But I didn't have the luxury of choosing only what I loved. People often say you should only do what you love, but life doesn't work that way. Sometimes, you do what is necessary and what is available to you," she said.

Ranaut added that her breakthrough as a leading star came only after she embraced characters rooted in everyday realities rather than glamorous archetypes.

"When I entered the industry, actresses were mostly beauty queens, supermodels or women with an extraordinary screen presence. There weren't many who represented ordinary women," she said.

She discovered that her strength lay in her natural, unpolished performances.

"I realised there was a certain rawness in me that audiences connected with through films like Gangster, Fashion and Woh Lamhe. That became my unique identity. I chose to build on that authenticity," she said.

The actor said her preference for spontaneity also defines her approach to acting.

"I'm someone who usually gets it done in one take. If it works, great; if not, I do another. I don't believe in endless rehearsals or dozens of takes. I actually enjoy imperfections because they often feel more real," she said.

Following her portrayal of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in Emergency, Ranaut is now set to return to playing an everyday woman in her upcoming film Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, in which she essays the role of a nurse.

The actor said she was deeply moved by the film's central theme, which highlights the courage and selflessness of nurses and ward staff during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

"We often wait for some extraordinary hero to rescue us, but this story celebrates ordinary people who simply do their jobs with sincerity and commitment. Those who take their responsibilities seriously without glorifying themselves are often the most grounded, patriotic and spiritually evolved individuals," she said.

Ranaut described the role as both demanding and rewarding.

"You can't take too many creative liberties with such a character because it risks disconnecting from reality. That limitation itself becomes the challenge and the excitement. The more difficult the role, the more satisfying it is to perform," she said.

Set largely within the confines of Mumbai's Cama Hospital during the 2008 terror attacks, Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata pays tribute to healthcare workers who protected and cared for others amid the chaos and fear.

Directed and written by Manoj Tapadia, the film also stars Girija Oak, Smita Tambe, Amrutha Namdev, Esha Dey, Priya Berde, Asha Shelar, Suhita Thatte, Rasika Aghase, Aditya Mishra and Zahid Khan.

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The project is backed by PEN Studios, Manikarnika Films and Paramhans Creations in association with Eunoia Films LLP and Floating Rocks Entertainment Pvt Ltd. It is scheduled to hit theatres on June 12.