Kangana Ranaut

Kangana Amardeep Ranaut (born 23 March 1987) is an Indian actress and politician who works in Hindi cinema. Known for her bold statements, unconventional film choices, and powerful performances, she is one of the most controversial and talented actresses in Bollywood. In 2024, she was elected to the Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian Parliament) from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Born in Bhambla (now Sundernagar), Himachal Pradesh, Ranaut initially wanted to become a doctor but dropped out of school to pursue acting. She moved to Mumbai and trained at the Asha Chandra Acting School. Her debut was "Gangster" (2006), which earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Ranaut's most acclaimed performances include "Fashion" (2008), "Tanu Weds Manu" (2011 and 2015), "Queen" (2014, which won her the National Film Award for Best Actress), "Tanu Weds Manu Returns" (2015), "Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi" (2019, which she also co-directed), "Thalaivii" (2021, as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa), and "Emergency" (2025, as Prime Minister Indira Gandhi). Ranaut has been outspoken on social media about nepotism in Bollywood, political issues, and women's rights. Her confrontational style has made her both admired and polarizing. In 2024, she contested and won the Mandi Lok Sabha seat on a BJP ticket, entering Parliament at age 37.