It took every cell in my body to undo the bullying and prejudice: Kangana Ranaut
As Kangana Ranaut promotes her upcoming film Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, a story that celebrates courage and resilience, the actor-politician reflected on what bravery means to
As Kangana Ranaut promotes her upcoming film Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, a story that celebrates courage and resilience, the actor-politician reflected on what bravery means to her in real life. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Kangana shared that courage isn't always found in extraordinary achievements or heroic acts. She said that sometimes bravery lies in simply showing up when life feels overwhelming. Read Full Story The actor, who has often spoken about overcoming challenges both personally and professionally, said that some of the bravest moments in life happen away from the spotlight. "I think bravery, there are different definitions of bravery at all times. It's not necessary for bravery to be reflected in the big things you do. Sometimes it takes a lot of courage and strength to even show up to work," she said.
"If you have faced a tragedy at home or in your personal life, and you are struggling even to see a ray of hope in your life, and that day when you show up and you just say that, 'I am going to keep this aside and just show up for people, for everybody, for my work, for everybody who is there for me and waiting for me,' sometimes that also becomes an act of courage. I think everyone has their own definition,” she added. The Emergency actor also recalled a moment from her own life when she had to confront years of criticism and prejudice. Kangana revealed that speaking on an international platform in 2015 became one of her most courageous acts. “For me, one such moment was in 2015, when I was invited to speak on a global platform alongside women leaders from across the world, from Meryl Streep to many celebrated voices.
I was representing this part of the world," she said. “At that time, I had often been ridiculed for my English, my accent, and my opinions. So, for me, standing on that stage and speaking in English was an act of bravery. It went very well, but I know every bit of strength that I had in me, every cell of mine, I had to utilise that to stand on that stage and undo all the bullying or prejudice that I had faced," the actor said. "Sometimes you have to show up physically, and sometimes you have to show up emotionally brave, mentally brave. Bravery comes in so many forms and so many ways,” she added. Expanding on the idea, Kangana pointed out that ordinary people display extraordinary courage every day, often without recognition.
"And, you know, sometimes just a mother who has a limited amount of food and she has to give it to one of her children, it is very personal. Bravery is such a personal subject that one can't say that this is brave and that is not as brave. Bravery means different things to different people," she said. Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata is scheduled to release on June 12. Ends Published By: Pritinanda Behera Published On: Jun 9, 2026 19:46 IST
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