“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness”
—Oprah Winfrey
The shining, bright and glittering world of show business holds a lot of promise for young aspiring actors trying their luck to be a part of this 'dream' entourage. Some achieve it, some lose and others fade into oblivion.
When she came, onlookers stopped and noticed her petite frame and impressive acting prowess. But she was not what we saw everyday on celluloid. Himachali beauty Kangana Ranaut made her big screen début in Bhatt camp's 'Gangster' in 2006, opposite Shiney Ahuja and Emraan Hashmi. Every film has its fate—and this one was fated to be a super hit. The film's fortune changed hers too— for she had arrived!
Kangana's unruly, curly hair and sleek body made her stand out from the herd of girls we had seen on-screen so far. She was different - yes, from her very first film. When girls her age were busy mugging up long lectures in college, this beautiful damsel was working with eminent theatre personality Arvind Gaur, to crack the secret code of Bollywood.
At a time when the industry was loaded with star kids, who had big budget films to back them up, Kangy (as she is fondly called) was doing films which had great storylines to boast about. From 'Woh Lamhe' to 'Fashion', she managed to find her place even in films where she didn't feature as a lead. So, what really worked for her? It was the art, perhaps.
This 28-year-old actress is well skilled to portray dejection and failure with aplomb. Projecting turmoil and personal grief with utmost conviction is her key to success. If in 'Woh Lamhe' she presented an actress's battle with schizophrenia and failed relationship with vigour, she outdid herself in 'Fashion' as a top-notch model slowly fading away.
What Shah Rukh Khan is to romance and Akshay Kumar is to action—Kangana is to presenting the darker side of human life quite well. She emotes through her dialogues, which for a viewer is captivating.
But it has not been a bed of roses for this talented star. She too had to struggle her way up, sailing through all her debacles to finally reach her goal. Filmmaker Aanand L Rai's 'Tanu Weds Manu' was much loved by her fans and critics praised her as well, making way for its sequel where Miss Ranaut will be seen in a double role.
During her initial days in Bollywood, the actress made no qualms about admitting that she is trying hard on her accent, and yes that was one more indicator of how confident and secure she is as an actress.
By starring in a Rs 100 crore Hrithik Roshan film 'Krrish 3' (2013), she landed up in a big budget masala Bollywood film but it did little to her career as an actress. Then came Vikas Bahl's 'Queen' in 2014—a film which put her on the high pedestal. The simple, middle-class Rani made a sweeping entry into the hearts of millions.
The film marked a complete change of perception towards the actress. While it was Deepika Padukone everywhere in 2013, we had Kangana rocking the year 2014. 'Queen' not only impressed the classes and masses alike, but also bagged the most coveted National Award for Best Film and Best Actress Award.
The message was loud and clear—an actress who can 'act' real on reel had arrived. This 28-year-old diva is a two-time proud recipient of the National Award, as she had already received the National Award, Best Supporting Actress for 'Fashion' in 2008.
This Rani from 'Queen' not only proves that you can be an outsider in the industry and yet carve out your own niche but also gives a reassurance that sheer talent that can take you to your final destination.
Kangana's rise as an actress has just begun—and her power-packed performances will continue to leave an ever-lasting impression on our minds.
Time has come for everyone to bow down—as the 'Queen' has arrived and she is here to stay!