Kangana Ranaut recently shared her thoughts on the role of Queen Padmavati in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat, a film that became one of the most talked-about Bollywood releases of 2018. During a podcast interview promoting her own directorial venture, Emergency, Kangana revealed that she was initially offered the role of Padmavati, which was later played by Deepika Padukone. However, she turned down the offer after a conversation with Bhansali about the character, citing creative differences.
Kangana’s comments shed light on her perception of the role and her approach to selecting scripts. She recalled that when Bhansali extended the offer, she requested to read the script to get a better understanding of the character and the role's significance. However, Bhansali reportedly told her that he never shares scripts with actors, which surprised Kangana. "Mujhe Padmaavat bhi offer hui thi. Toh maine unse pucha tha 'sir aapki jo script hai, wo mujhe mil jayegi to achha hai'. Unhone kaha 'main kabhi script nahi deta'," she shared. This set the stage for a further conversation about the role itself.
When Kangana inquired about the details of her character in Padmaavat, she was told that the role was limited to a scene where Padmavati’s character is admired by the male lead while she prepares in front of a mirror. The role, according to Bhansali, was primarily about showcasing the beauty of the heroine as she gets ready for the day. Kangana found this description unappealing and felt it didn’t align with the depth and substance she seeks in roles. She revealed, “Maine kaha 'toh sir heroine ka role kya hai?' Kehte hain 'heroine ka role sirf itna hai wo usko pehli baar mirror mein dekhta hai, aur wo taiyaar ho rahi rehti hai'.”
After the film’s release, Kangana watched Padmaavat and found that her concerns were validated. She noted that throughout the movie, Deepika's character was mostly seen preparing herself in front of a mirror, echoing the conversation she had with Bhansali. Kangana remarked, "Aur jab maine film dekhi, wo saari film mein taiyaar hi ho rahi hoti hai. And he was right. Wo sirf taiyaar ho rahi hoti hai."
Kangana’s comments sparked a larger conversation about the portrayal of female characters in Bollywood and her decision to steer clear of roles that she perceives as lacking depth. She took a subtle dig at the way some female characters are written in commercial films, particularly roles that revolve around their appearance rather than their agency or individuality. While she chose not to single out any names or individuals, she questioned the kinds of roles directors are offering actresses. "I don’t want to take these names and bring attention to individuals, but I want to ask you which director I should work with?" Kangana asked, hinting that she seeks more challenging and multifaceted roles in her career.
Padmaavat went on to become a massive box office hit, garnering widespread critical acclaim and winning numerous awards for its direction, performances, and grandeur. Deepika Padukone’s portrayal of Padmavati was celebrated, with many lauding her for bringing a sense of dignity and grace to the character. However, Kangana's reflections highlight the broader issue in the industry of how female characters, especially in period dramas, are often limited to traditional, passive roles.
In contrast, Kangana’s own film Emergency was released on January 17 to a more muted response at the box office. The film, which she also directed, focuses on the controversial political events that transpired during the 1975-77 period in India when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency. Emergency stars Kangana as Indira Gandhi and features an ensemble cast that includes Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik. While the film has sparked some conversation, especially around its portrayal of a pivotal moment in Indian history, it did not make a significant impact on its opening day, garnering a muted reception.
Kangana’s decision to take on such a politically charged project reflects her interest in telling stories that are socially and historically relevant, but her comments on Padmaavat reveal the complexities of her approach to roles in Bollywood. As an actor, producer, and now director, Kangana is known for speaking her mind and challenging the status quo in the industry, especially when it comes to how women are portrayed on screen.
Her reflections about Padmaavat provide insight into the ongoing discussions surrounding the representation of women in mainstream cinema and the type of roles that female actors are offered. In the current landscape of Bollywood, where large-scale films often dominate, Kangana’s desire for roles with more depth and significance continues to make her a unique and sometimes controversial figure in the industry.
