Actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, who recently took on the role of Member of Parliament from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, has admitted that her transition into politics hasn't been an easy or fulfilling one. Speaking candidly in a recent episode of the podcast 'Atman In Ravi', hosted by spiritual mentor Ravi V. Melwani, she opened up about her discomfort with public service and confessed that she doesn’t find herself naturally suited for the demands of a political career.
While acknowledging her commitment to causes like women’s rights, Ranaut clarified that structured political service and public engagement are far outside her comfort zone.
She described herself as someone who prioritizes personal well-being and luxury. According to her, entering politics feels like stepping into a realm that lacks the kind of fulfillment she’s used to. As she put it, she has lived a life driven by personal ambition and indulgence rather than sacrifice or selfless service. The idea of dedicating her life to the country in the form of a long-term political career, let alone holding the highest office, feels alien to her.
"I wouldn’t say that I am enjoying it. It’s a very different kind of work, more like social service. This hasn’t been my background. I’ve never thought of serving people. I’ve fought for women’s rights, but that’s different…" she told the guru.
Struggles with Ground-Level Expectations
During the same conversation, Ranaut reflected on the surprising nature of the issues people now bring to her attention. Since assuming her role as an MP, she’s encountered citizens approaching her with hyper-local concerns—things she had not anticipated when she entered politics. These include seemingly minor civic issues such as broken drains and damaged roads, which she believes are responsibilities of panchayat officials or the state government. Still, she finds herself as the first point of contact for such grievances.
Ravi V. Melwani, in a lighthearted moment, teased her by likening her to a mother figure or “mata ji” to her constituents, highlighting how the public now expects her to be the solution to all their problems—big or small. While Kangana admitted she is slowly adjusting to her new responsibilities, she was clear in stating that it’s not a role she enjoys or finds rewarding.
No Desire for the Top Job
When asked whether she has any higher political aspirations, such as becoming the Prime Minister of India, Kangana firmly denied having such ambitions. She said she actively hopes that such a responsibility never comes her way. According to her, leadership at that level requires deep commitment, capability, and emotional investment—traits she believes she lacks for such a demanding role. Her aspirations, she said, have always leaned toward living a comfortable, self-focused life filled with material beauty—like owning luxurious houses, driving stylish cars, wearing diamonds, and maintaining an elegant appearance.
“I don’t think I’m competent to be the PM of India, nor do I have the necessary passion or inclination. Social work has never been my background. I’ve lived a very selfish kind of life. I want to have a big house and a big car. I want to have diamonds. I want to look good. That’s the kind of life I’ve lived. This is a kind of genesis for me. I don’t know what purpose God chose me for, but I don’t see my life as this grand sacrifice… I don’t fancy that kind of life," she explained.
She explained that public service and sacrifice were never part of her life’s blueprint. Despite now finding herself in a role that demands these qualities, she remains unsure about the purpose behind this unexpected path. Ranaut emphasized that she doesn’t view her life as one meant for selfless national service and doesn’t wish such a burdensome life on anyone.
Controversy Over Relief Efforts in Mandi
Ranaut recently found herself at the center of public debate following her remarks about her limited capacity to aid in disaster relief. In a statement given to ANI, she mentioned that as an MP, she neither holds a Cabinet portfolio nor has direct access to relief funds. She clarified that members of Parliament are primarily involved in legislative duties and hold limited administrative authority when it comes to disaster response. However, she also said that she could play a supportive role by requesting assistance from the central government.
These remarks were made in the context of her visit to Mandi, which was recently ravaged by severe natural calamities. Torrential rains, cloudbursts, and landslides wreaked havoc in the region, leading to extensive damage. According to figures provided by PTI, the disaster claimed at least 14 lives in Mandi district alone, while 31 individuals were still unaccounted for. The destruction was far-reaching—over 150 homes and 106 cattle shelters were demolished, 31 vehicles were swept away, 14 bridges collapsed, and several roads were left impassable.
From Portraying a Prime Minister to Rejecting Political Power
On the cinematic front, Kangana’s most recent appearance was in Emergency, a film that marked her return to direction after her previous effort, Manikarnika. In this project, she portrayed Indira Gandhi, India’s former prime minister, stepping into the shoes of one of the country’s most powerful political figures. Ironically, while she depicted a leader of extraordinary political stature on screen, she is unequivocal in rejecting any real-life aspirations for such a role. Unfortunately, Emergency did not fare well commercially and was labeled a box office failure, despite high expectations from her fan base and the film industry.
While acknowledging her commitment to causes like women’s rights, Ranaut clarified that structured political service and public engagement are far outside her comfort zone.
She described herself as someone who prioritizes personal well-being and luxury. According to her, entering politics feels like stepping into a realm that lacks the kind of fulfillment she’s used to. As she put it, she has lived a life driven by personal ambition and indulgence rather than sacrifice or selfless service. The idea of dedicating her life to the country in the form of a long-term political career, let alone holding the highest office, feels alien to her.
"I wouldn’t say that I am enjoying it. It’s a very different kind of work, more like social service. This hasn’t been my background. I’ve never thought of serving people. I’ve fought for women’s rights, but that’s different…" she told the guru.
Struggles with Ground-Level Expectations
During the same conversation, Ranaut reflected on the surprising nature of the issues people now bring to her attention. Since assuming her role as an MP, she’s encountered citizens approaching her with hyper-local concerns—things she had not anticipated when she entered politics. These include seemingly minor civic issues such as broken drains and damaged roads, which she believes are responsibilities of panchayat officials or the state government. Still, she finds herself as the first point of contact for such grievances.
Ravi V. Melwani, in a lighthearted moment, teased her by likening her to a mother figure or “mata ji” to her constituents, highlighting how the public now expects her to be the solution to all their problems—big or small. While Kangana admitted she is slowly adjusting to her new responsibilities, she was clear in stating that it’s not a role she enjoys or finds rewarding.
No Desire for the Top Job
When asked whether she has any higher political aspirations, such as becoming the Prime Minister of India, Kangana firmly denied having such ambitions. She said she actively hopes that such a responsibility never comes her way. According to her, leadership at that level requires deep commitment, capability, and emotional investment—traits she believes she lacks for such a demanding role. Her aspirations, she said, have always leaned toward living a comfortable, self-focused life filled with material beauty—like owning luxurious houses, driving stylish cars, wearing diamonds, and maintaining an elegant appearance.
“I don’t think I’m competent to be the PM of India, nor do I have the necessary passion or inclination. Social work has never been my background. I’ve lived a very selfish kind of life. I want to have a big house and a big car. I want to have diamonds. I want to look good. That’s the kind of life I’ve lived. This is a kind of genesis for me. I don’t know what purpose God chose me for, but I don’t see my life as this grand sacrifice… I don’t fancy that kind of life," she explained.
She explained that public service and sacrifice were never part of her life’s blueprint. Despite now finding herself in a role that demands these qualities, she remains unsure about the purpose behind this unexpected path. Ranaut emphasized that she doesn’t view her life as one meant for selfless national service and doesn’t wish such a burdensome life on anyone.
Controversy Over Relief Efforts in Mandi
Ranaut recently found herself at the center of public debate following her remarks about her limited capacity to aid in disaster relief. In a statement given to ANI, she mentioned that as an MP, she neither holds a Cabinet portfolio nor has direct access to relief funds. She clarified that members of Parliament are primarily involved in legislative duties and hold limited administrative authority when it comes to disaster response. However, she also said that she could play a supportive role by requesting assistance from the central government.
These remarks were made in the context of her visit to Mandi, which was recently ravaged by severe natural calamities. Torrential rains, cloudbursts, and landslides wreaked havoc in the region, leading to extensive damage. According to figures provided by PTI, the disaster claimed at least 14 lives in Mandi district alone, while 31 individuals were still unaccounted for. The destruction was far-reaching—over 150 homes and 106 cattle shelters were demolished, 31 vehicles were swept away, 14 bridges collapsed, and several roads were left impassable.
From Portraying a Prime Minister to Rejecting Political Power
On the cinematic front, Kangana’s most recent appearance was in Emergency, a film that marked her return to direction after her previous effort, Manikarnika. In this project, she portrayed Indira Gandhi, India’s former prime minister, stepping into the shoes of one of the country’s most powerful political figures. Ironically, while she depicted a leader of extraordinary political stature on screen, she is unequivocal in rejecting any real-life aspirations for such a role. Unfortunately, Emergency did not fare well commercially and was labeled a box office failure, despite high expectations from her fan base and the film industry.
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