Kangana Ranaut Turns 37: National Award-Winning Actress Journey, Top Films, and Upcoming Projects

Today, March 23, marks the 37th birthday of actress Kangana Ranaut, a powerhouse of talent in Indian cinema. With four National Awards to her name, she has captivated audiences with her versatile performances. Know about her journey in the world of entertainment and discover some of her top movies worth watching on this special occasion.

Kangana Ranaut’s Early Life

Kangana Ranaut was born on March 23, 1987, to Amardeep Ranaut, a businessman, and Asha Ranaut, a school teacher.

Growing up alongside her elder sister Rangoli Ranaut, who later became her manager, and her younger brother Akshat Ranaut, Kangana’s early education took place at DAV School in Chandigarh.

Following her schooling, Kangana pursued higher education at a college in Shimla, focusing on science.

Her family’s desire for her to become a doctor led her to prepare for the All India Pre-Medical Test. However, a setback occurred when she failed her chemistry exam. This prompted Kangana to reassess her career path, leading her to relocate to Delhi for a year to explore new opportunities. Despite her father’s objections, Kangana remained steadfast in her decision, causing tension in their relationship.

Upon moving to Delhi, Kangana ventured into modelling when she caught the eye of the Elite Modelling Agency.

She then joined the Asmita Theatre Group, where she received invaluable training under the esteemed theatre director Arvind Gaur.

Kangana then decided to join Bollywood and made the bold move to Mumbai, debuting in Anurag Basu’s “Gangster” in 2006.

Journey In the Entertainment Industry

Kangana Ranaut’s journey in Bollywood has been characterized by resilience, versatility, and remarkable talent.

After her breakout role in “Gangster” (2006), she faced initial setbacks but quickly rose to prominence with acclaimed performances in “Woh Lamhe” (2006) and “Fashion” (2008), earning her critical acclaim and prestigious awards.

Her portrayal of a carefree girl in “Tanu Weds Manu” (2011) marked a turning point in her career, followed by commercial success with “Krrish 3” (2013).

Kangana’s defining moment came with “Queen” (2014), where she not only delivered a stellar performance but also co-wrote the dialogues, garnering widespread acclaim and multiple awards, including a National Film Award.

She continued to impress with “Tanu Weds Manu Returns” (2015) and diverse roles in films like “Rangoon” (2017), “Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi” (2019), and “Judgemental Hai Kya” (2019).

Beyond acting, Kangana recently ventured into production with “Tiku Weds Sheru” (2023).

Kangana Ranaut’s Top Movies

1. Queen (2013)“Queen” is one of Bollywood’s most acclaimed films, winning multiple awards including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress for Kangana Ranaut at the 60th Filmfare Awards. It also earned recognition at the 62nd National Film Awards for Best Hindi Film and Best Actress. The story follows a Delhi girl on a solo honeymoon journey after her wedding is cancelled, leading to self-discovery and empowerment.
2. Tanu Weds Manu (2011)Directed by Aanand L Rai, “Tanu Weds Manu” follows Manu’s journey to find a bride in India, where he falls for the free-spirited Tanu upon first sight. Despite his immediate attraction, Tanu has no interest in marriage, setting the stage for a charming romantic comedy starring R Madhavan, Jimmy Shergill, and Deepak Dobriyal besides Kangana Ranaut.
3. Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015)“Tanu Weds Manu Returns” is the sequel to the 2011 hit “Tanu Weds Manu” and received critical acclaim, especially for Kangana Ranaut’s performance, which earned her the Best Actress award at the 63rd National Film Awards. The story revolves around Tanu and Manu’s failed marriage, with complications arising when Manu encounters Tanu’s lookalike, Kusum.
4. Fashion (2008)Under the direction of Madhur Bhandarkar, “Fashion” garnered positive reviews, with notable praise for the performances of Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut. Ranaut’s portrayal earned her the National Film Award and a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. The film follows a small-town girl’s journey to fame as a supermodel, highlighting the challenges and sacrifices of her glamorous lifestyle.
5. Gangster (2006)Directed by Anurag Basu, Kangana Ranaut made her debut with “Gangster.” The film follows Simran’s life in Seoul as she grapples with the reappearance of Daya, a gangster from her past while navigating her relationship with Akash, a singer at an Indian restaurant.
6. Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai (2010)In “Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai,” directed by Milan Luthria, 1970s Mumbai sets the stage for a clash between a rising smuggler and a young gangster. Caught in the middle is a police officer, navigating the dangerous underworld. The film stars Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, and Prachi Desai in lead roles.
7. Panga (2020)“Panga,” directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, draws inspiration from the life of a National-level Kabaddi player from India. The film chronicles her journey, showcasing her triumphs, struggles, and her determination to overcome stereotypes. Along with Kangana, the film also features Jassie Gill, Richa Chadha, and Neena Gupta.
8. Thalaivi (2021)Directed by AL Vijay, the biopic on the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa features Kangana Ranaut in the titular role. Alongside Ranaut, the film stars Arvind Swamy, Nassar, and Samuthirakani. The film focuses on the remarkable life and political career of Jayalalithaa.

Upcoming Projects

After attending the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya, Kangana Ranaut took to Instagram to announce the release date of her upcoming film “Emergency.” Kangana has both directed and written the movie.

Additionally, Kangana Ranaut and R Madhavan have reunited for an upcoming pan-India psychological thriller. Sharing a selfie with Madhavan, Kangana expressed her excitement, writing, “Back with my fav @actormaddy for another stunning script.”

We wish Kangana a very happy birthday!