Kangana Ranaut, a prominent figure in the Bollywood industry, is known for her outspoken views on nepotism and the challenges it brings to artists in the film realm. Unlike many of her peers, Kangana has taken a bold stance against this controversial topic, frequently criticizing well-known stars such as Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. Her unwavering stance against nepotism has sparked widespread discussions and led to her initiating a campaign against it.
Rejection of Ranbir Kapoor’s Film Offer
In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, Kangana revealed an intriguing anecdote regarding Ranbir Kapoor’s film “Sanju.” She disclosed that Ranbir had personally visited her home to request her participation in the film. However, she chose to turn down his offer, although she refrained from discussing the specifics of the role presented to her.
Professional Relationships Remain Intact
Kangana stated, “I have rejected offers from several big stars, but it has never affected my professional relationships.” Despite rejecting roles, her stance has not caused any rifts with her peers. “Sanju,” directed by Rajkumar Hirani, was a commercial success, showcasing Ranbir as Sanjay Dutt, alongside other notable actors like Anushka Sharma, Dia Mirza, Vicky Kaushal, and Sonam Kapoor. In the interview, Kangana was asked whether it feels awkward to meet actors whose films she has publicly rejected or criticized.
Rejections of Films by “The Khans”
Kangana also shared that she has turned down film offers from the iconic trio of Bollywood known as “the Khans”—Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan. She emphasized that the roles for women in their films often lack substance and depth. Despite rejecting their offers, she mentioned that they maintain a cordial relationship with her, highlighting, “The Khans have always treated me respectfully.” She further elaborated on her integrity, revealing that she once declined a lucrative commercial for a fairness cream valued at 10-15 crore, as she considers such advertisements to be racially insensitive. “I have held these values long before achieving success,” she added.
Ongoing Tension with Karan Johar
One of Kangana’s most publicized feuds has been with director Karan Johar. During an episode of “Koffee with Karan,” she labeled Karan as a “Bollywood mafia,” which subsequently ignited a whirlwind of controversies. Over time, she has indirectly targeted Karan and Ranbir in her discourse, suggesting that misleading stories about them circulated in the press in 2023.
Insights on Gossip and Industry Dynamics
On her Instagram, Kangana expressed her views on the darker aspects of the film industry, stating, “There are many hazards in this industry, but the biggest threat is the pair of Duryodhana and Shakuni,” referencing gossip and envy as prevalent forces within the industry. She refers to individuals who spread rumors as the “Information and Broadcasting Ministry of Gossip” in films, painting a vivid picture of the intrigue that permeates Bollywood.
Conclusion
Kangana Ranaut’s journey in Bollywood illustrates the complexities of navigating a realm rife with nepotism and professional rivalries. Her candidness about rejecting roles and her principled stand on various issues continue to resonate with many and prompt discussions about the industry’s future. As she forges her path, Ranaut remains a formidable force, influencing conversations around feminism, industry ethics, and the power dynamics within Bollywood.
