Kangana Ranaut: “Indira Gandhi Seemed Powerful, But My Research Reveals Her Weakness” -

First-time MP from Mandi, known for her provocative remarks, claims no director today deserves her.

Kangana Ranaut, the Bollywood actress portraying the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in her upcoming film Emergency, shared some insights into her perspective on the iconic political figure. After conducting extensive research for the role, Ranaut revealed that her perception of Gandhi had shifted. Initially believing Gandhi to be a powerful leader, Ranaut now feels that she was “weak” and “unsure of herself.” This conclusion was drawn from her deep dive into the history and psychology of the former Prime Minister.

In addition to discussing her portrayal of Gandhi, Ranaut made a bold statement about her career in the film industry. Known for her outspoken and often controversial remarks, the first-time MP from Mandi declared that she felt there was no director in the current film industry who met her standards. She expressed her belief that today’s filmmakers lacked the qualities she felt were necessary for a collaboration, stating confidently, “There is not a single director today that I want to work with because they don’t have the kind of quality that I feel they deserve me.”

Ranaut’s comments highlight her confidence and unique position in the industry, particularly as she continues to push boundaries with her performances and outspoken opinions. Her portrayal of Indira Gandhi in Emergency has already sparked significant discussion, and the actress’ remarks only add to the buzz surrounding the film’s release.

Kangana Ranaut, who not only plays the role of Indira Gandhi in the upcoming film Emergency but also directs and produces it, recently shared her evolving perspective on the former Prime Minister. Initially, Ranaut viewed Gandhi as a powerful figure, particularly after hearing about the 21 months of Emergency imposed by Gandhi in 1975. However, her in-depth research for the film led to a shift in her view.

Ranaut explained that her understanding of Gandhi’s character changed as she delved deeper into the history and psychology of the leader. She now believes that, contrary to the image of power, Gandhi was actually a “weak” and “unsure” individual. According to Ranaut, this vulnerability often manifests in the desire for greater control. “The weaker you are, the more control you would want,” she stated, reinforcing her belief that Gandhi’s assertiveness during the Emergency was a reflection of her insecurity and personal vulnerabilities.

Ranaut’s portrayal of Gandhi in Emergency is set to challenge traditional perceptions of the former Prime Minister and explore the complexities of her leadership during a tumultuous period in Indian history.

Kangana Ranaut further opened up about her changing view of Indira Gandhi, explaining that during her research for Emergency, she uncovered aspects of Gandhi’s personality that were previously unknown to her. She described the former Prime Minister as someone who was deeply reliant on others for support, noting that Gandhi had “many crutches around” and was constantly seeking validation.

Ranaut highlighted that Gandhi’s dependency was not just on her inner circle but also on her son, Sanjay Gandhi, who played a significant role during the Emergency period. This revelation, Ranaut confessed, deepened her empathy for Gandhi, something she hadn’t felt prior to working on the film. “I didn’t have that kind of empathy for her before ‘Emergency’,” she said, emphasizing how her research helped her see the vulnerabilities behind the image of a powerful leader.

Ranaut’s portrayal of Gandhi in the film aims to explore these complexities and bring a more nuanced perspective on the former Prime Minister’s leadership and personal struggles.

Kangana Ranaut, speaking about her portrayal of Indira Gandhi in Emergency, emphasized that she took no artistic liberties in depicting the former Prime Minister and the turbulent months of the Emergency. She ensured that her portrayal remained true to the historical facts, striving for an authentic and respectful representation.

In a separate conversation, Ranaut shared a brief interaction with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the granddaughter of Indira Gandhi, who is also an MP. The two met in Parliament, and Priyanka Gandhi complimented Ranaut on her appearance and work. Ranaut took the opportunity to mention the film, suggesting that Priyanka watch it. Priyanka’s response was a polite “maybe,” to which Ranaut expressed hope that, if the Gandhi family could accept the portrayal of the past, they would appreciate the film’s effort to shed light on that period of history.

Ranaut’s words suggest that while she understands the sensitivities surrounding such a politically charged project, she remains confident that her work will be recognized for its honest and insightful representation of India’s political history.

Kangana Ranaut addressed the controversy surrounding her upcoming film Emergency, stating that it was never made with the intention of offending anyone or hurting sentiments. She explained that even if certain cuts were made to the film, it would not impact the core of the story, emphasizing her commitment to a truthful and respectful portrayal of the historical events.

Emergency has faced significant delays, including missing its initial September 6, 2024 release date due to difficulties in obtaining a clearance certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Ranaut had previously accused the CBFC of stalling the certification process. This led to the matter being taken to the Bombay High Court, where the production company, Zee Studios, ultimately agreed to make the necessary changes suggested by the CBFC’s revising committee in order to meet the certification requirements.

Despite the challenges, Emergency is now set to release on January 17, 2025, amid ongoing discussions and debates about its portrayal of historical figures and events, including allegations of misrepresenting the Sikh community.

Kangana Ranaut shared that she was not at liberty to disclose the exact number of cuts directed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for her film Emergency, but expressed her preference for the film to have been released exactly as she had envisioned it.

She also revealed the emotional toll the delays and controversies had taken on her, stating that there were efforts to prevent the film’s release. Ranaut admitted to feeling devastated at one point, fearing that Emergency might never be released. Reflecting on the challenges, she mentioned the history of Kissa Kursi Ka, a film about Indira Gandhi, and feared the project was “jinxed” or that making a film about the former prime minister was somehow forbidden. She also acknowledged the financial investment she had made into the project, which made the situation even more disheartening for her.

Kangana Ranaut described Emergency as an “unusual and controversial” film, noting that audiences are typically accustomed to Bollywood’s traditional song-and-dance format. She acknowledged that such a departure from the norm often unsettles viewers, with many questioning how she made a film of this nature. Ranaut emphasized that the film delves into an important historical chapter, which adds to its controversy.

Known for her roles in films like Gangster, Tanu Weds Manu, Fashion, and Panga, the 38-year-old actress expressed her belief in the “power of authenticity.” She revealed that her film had been under intense scrutiny, requiring her to present extensive proof of her sources and documentation. Ranaut reflected on the numerous setbacks, challenges, and pressures she faced in bringing Emergency to the screen.

Kangana Ranaut affirmed that “truth eventually trumps over everything,” sharing that her team had presented all necessary proof to back the film Emergency. She noted that viewers from all walks of life—whether different communities, political parties, or historians—had watched the film and found nothing objectionable in it.

Ranaut also addressed the notion that she is difficult to work with, refuting the claim. She explained, “No, there is no such thing that I can’t collaborate with anyone. But it’s just that I find deep satisfaction in people who are quality people.” She specifically praised her Emergency co-stars, Shreyas Talpade and Anupam Kher, saying they are the kind of individuals she connects with and believes she deserves.

Kangana Ranaut proudly shared that she is surrounded by talented individuals who align with her vision and standards. She highlighted her collaborators, including Tetsuo Nagata (the director of photography), Nick Powell (the action director who worked on Gladiator), and David Malinowski (the prosthetic artist behind Gary Oldman’s transformation in Darkest Hour), as people she believes she truly deserves to work with.

When asked if her acting career had taken a back seat after becoming an MP last June, Ranaut clarified, “Not really a back seat, but yes, being a parliamentarian is also a very demanding job. I have been going to Parliament almost every month.” However, she acknowledged that her acting schedule had been affected, with some delays in shooting, but reassured fans that she would resume her work soon.

Emergency features a stellar cast with Anupam Kher playing Jayaprakash Narayan, Shreyas Talpade portraying a young Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Mahima Choudhary as Pupul Jayakar, and the late Satish Kaushik in the role of Jagjivan Ram. The film is produced by Manikarnika Films.

Kangana Ranaut is known for taking on powerful real-life roles, having previously portrayed the legendary freedom fighter Rani of Jhansi in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi and the late Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa in Thalaivii.