Mumbai: Actor and Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut marked 20 years in Bollywood on Tuesday, reminiscing about her journey and sharing the portfolio shoot that helped her land her debut role in Gangster.
First portfolio that changed her life
Taking to social media, Kangana shared a photograph from her first-ever portfolio shoot, describing it as the turning point in her career. The image, captured by photographer Jatin Kampani, played a crucial role in helping her secure the role of Simran in Gangster.
Reflecting on the milestone, Kangana wrote that the portfolio became the stepping stone for her entry into the film industry. The throwback image featured a teenage Kangana posing in a studio, marking the beginning of what would become a celebrated career.
She also posted another image from her early magazine shoot, offering fans a glimpse into her initial days before rising to stardom.
Debut with Gangster at 18
Kangana made her Bollywood debut at the age of 18 with Gangster (2006), directed by Mohit Suri. The film also starred Shiney Ahuja and Emraan Hashmi in key roles.
The film was both a commercial success and a critical breakthrough for Kangana, who received widespread praise for her performance. Its music, composed by Pritam, continues to remain popular among audiences.
Journey of critical and commercial success
Following her debut, Kangana went on to deliver a mix of commercially successful and critically acclaimed films. She has won four National Film Awards Best Supporting Actress for Fashion (2009) and Best Actress for Queen (2015), Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2016), and Manikarnika (2021).
Her film Tanu Weds Manu (2011) marked a major milestone as her first female-led commercial success, crossing ₹100 crore at the domestic box office.
Over the years, Kangana has built a reputation for taking on strong, unconventional roles and leading films centred around female protagonists.
Expanding into direction and global projects
Kangana was most recently seen in Emergency, which also marked her directorial debut. She is now set to make her international debut with the upcoming supernatural horror film Blessed Be the Evil, scheduled for release in 2027.
Her evolving career reflects a shift from acting to filmmaking and global projects, further expanding her presence in the entertainment industry.
Political role and public life
Apart from her film career, Kangana has also ventured into politics. Since 2024, she has been serving as a Member of Parliament from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Her dual role as an actor and politician has kept her in the public spotlight, making her one of the most talked-about personalities in the country.
Conclusion
As Kangana Ranaut completes two decades in Bollywood, her journey from a debutante discovered through a simple portfolio shoot to a National Award-winning actor and politician highlights her evolution in the industry. Her reflection on her early days serves as a reminder of how pivotal moments can shape long and impactful careers.