Kangana Ranaut

Kangana Ranaut, born on March 23, 1986, is a prominent Indian actress, filmmaker, and politician. Since June 2024, she has served as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha representing Mandi. Renowned for her powerful portrayals of strong-willed women in Hindi cinema, Ranaut has garnered numerous accolades, including four National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards. Her influence extends beyond the silver screen, as she has been featured six times in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list and was honored with the Padma Shri in 2020, recognizing her contributions to Indian cinema.

Ranaut's journey in the entertainment industry began at the age of sixteen when she briefly ventured into modeling before honing her acting skills under the guidance of theatre director Arvind Gaur. She made her film debut in the 2006 thriller 'Gangster,' which earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Her performances in emotionally charged dramas such as 'Woh Lamhe...' (2006), 'Life in a... Metro' (2007), and 'Fashion' (2008) received critical acclaim, with the latter winning her a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Her career trajectory saw a significant boost in 2013 with her role in the blockbuster 'Krrish 3,' one of the highest-grossing Indian films. Ranaut's portrayal of an abandoned bride in the comedy-drama 'Queen' (2014) and a dual role in 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' (2015) earned her consecutive National Film Awards for Best Actress. Despite facing a series of commercial setbacks, her co-directorial venture 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi' (2019) marked a return to form, showcasing her talent both in front of and behind the camera.

In 2020, she established her production company, Manikarnika Films, where she continues to direct and produce. Known for her candidness, Ranaut often shares her views on social media, which have sparked controversy due to her alignment with right-wing ideologies and support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her outspoken nature has led to frequent clashes in her personal and professional life, making her a polarizing figure in the industry.