Kangana Ranaut says women-led cinema is the result of generations of contributions
Kangana Ranaut reflects on the rise of women-led films in Bollywood, crediting generations of women artists and pioneers for driving change in the industry ahead of the release of Bharat Bhagya Vidhata.
Long before women-led films became a regular feature on Bollywood's release calendar, Kangana Ranaut was among the few actors consistently shouldering films driven by female protagonists. From Fashion and Queen to Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, Thalaivii, Panga, Dhaakad, Tejas and Emergency, Kangana has built much of her career around stories centred on women.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today, the actor-politician reflected on how the industry has evolved over the years. While women-centric films were once considered a risk at the box office, Kangana believes the transformation did not happen because of any one individual.
The change belongs to generations of women
When asked whether she feels vindicated seeing women-led films become increasingly common today, Kangana was quick to share the credit.
"Yes, and not just me. There have been so many women who have contributed to this change. We have a remarkable legacy of women in cinema, from Meena Kumari, Madhubala, Nargis Dutt, Waheeda Rehman ji, Vyjayanthimala ji, Hema Malini ji, Sridevi ji and Madhuri Dixit," she said.
The actor emphasised that the industry's progress has been shaped by the efforts of several women across generations, often through contributions that do not always receive widespread recognition.
Small contributions can leave a lasting impact
"We often talk about big achievements, but even small contributions matter. For example, today, when I go into my vanity van, I remember that Poonam Dhillon was instrumental in bringing vanity vans for actresses. Before that, imagine how difficult it must have been, having to go behind bushes for something as basic as using the toilet, changing clothes or doing touch-ups under a tree," she recalled.
Kangana noted that every generation has had women who fought battles that improved working conditions and recognition for those who followed.
"It's impossible to decide who has contributed more because everyone has played a part. Take Lata Mangeshkar ji, for instance. She fought for singers to receive proper recognition and credit. Every woman has made a larger-than-life contribution in her own way," she said.
The journey towards equality is still evolving
The Emergency actor added that her own efforts towards pay parity and women-led cinema are part of a much larger movement that continues to evolve.
"In that journey, our contribution — whether it's towards pay parity or women-led cinema — will also find its place. But no change happens because of one person alone. Someone sparks the movement, others carry it forward, and the journey continues. And it is still going on," Kangana concluded.
Over the years, Kangana has headlined several female-driven films and has consistently advocated for stronger roles for women in mainstream cinema. She will next be seen in Bharat Bhagya Viddhaata, which is scheduled to release on June 12.
Long before women-led films became a regular feature on Bollywood's release calendar, Kangana Ranaut was among the few actors consistently shouldering films driven by female protagonists. From Fashion and Queen to Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, Thalaivii, Panga, Dhaakad, Tejas and Emergency, Kangana has built much of her career around stories centred on women.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today, the actor-politician reflected on how the industry has evolved over the years. While women-centric films were once considered a risk at the box office, Kangana believes the transformation did not happen because of any one individual.
The change belongs to generations of women
When asked whether she feels vindicated seeing women-led films become increasingly common today, Kangana was quick to share the credit.
"Yes, and not just me. There have been so many women who have contributed to this change. We have a remarkable legacy of women in cinema, from Meena Kumari, Madhubala, Nargis Dutt, Waheeda Rehman ji, Vyjayanthimala ji, Hema Malini ji, Sridevi ji and Madhuri Dixit," she said.
The actor emphasised that the industry's progress has been shaped by the efforts of several women across generations, often through contributions that do not always receive widespread recognition.
Small contributions can leave a lasting impact
"We often talk about big achievements, but even small contributions matter. For example, today, when I go into my vanity van, I remember that Poonam Dhillon was instrumental in bringing vanity vans for actresses. Before that, imagine how difficult it must have been, having to go behind bushes for something as basic as using the toilet, changing clothes or doing touch-ups under a tree," she recalled.
Kangana noted that every generation has had women who fought battles that improved working conditions and recognition for those who followed.
"It's impossible to decide who has contributed more because everyone has played a part. Take Lata Mangeshkar ji, for instance. She fought for singers to receive proper recognition and credit. Every woman has made a larger-than-life contribution in her own way," she said.
The journey towards equality is still evolving
The Emergency actor added that her own efforts towards pay parity and women-led cinema are part of a much larger movement that continues to evolve.
"In that journey, our contribution — whether it's towards pay parity or women-led cinema — will also find its place. But no change happens because of one person alone. Someone sparks the movement, others carry it forward, and the journey continues. And it is still going on," Kangana concluded.
Over the years, Kangana has headlined several female-driven films and has consistently advocated for stronger roles for women in mainstream cinema. She will next be seen in Bharat Bhagya Viddhaata, which is scheduled to release on June 12.
