New Delhi, India – Indian actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has opened up about the challenges women face in the film industry as they age, drawing a contrast between her experiences in Bollywood and her more recent career in politics.
In a candid Instagram post accompanied by photos showcasing her natural curly hair and visible graying, the 39-year-old BJP Member of Parliament from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, shared her perspective on growing older in the public eye.
“My wandering soul has never feared aging,” Ranaut wrote. “But when my film crew saw my gray hair, they panicked and used mascara and color sprays to hide it.” She added, “I am now in a place where my aging face or body doesn’t take anything away from me—aging is a celebration.”
Ranaut suggested that the political arena has been more accepting of her age and identity compared to the entertainment industry, where women often face diminishing roles with time. “Do you also feel that politics is kinder to older women than films?” she asked her followers, adding, “Certainly, I believe so. The most beautiful place is where you’re seen exactly as you are.”
The Bollywood star is known for her outspoken nature and has long challenged industry norms. She frequently shares snippets of her political journey with her social media followers. Ranaut made her parliamentary debut in 2024 after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India’s ruling party.
Her most recent film, Emergency, in which she portrayed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and also served as director, received praise for her performance but underperformed at the box office, earning ₹237.5 million (approx. $2.8 million USD) globally. The film, now available on Netflix, featured a star-studded cast including Anupam Kher, Satish Kaushik, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhry, and Milind Soman.
Despite the lukewarm commercial reception of Emergency, Ranaut remains undeterred and is reportedly set to make her Hollywood debut in an upcoming American production titled The Evil.
Kangana Ranaut continues to redefine public expectations around age, appearance, and professional identity—both in cinema and in the corridors of power.