Kangana Ranaut / Wikipedia

There is a lot about Kangana Ranaut that mystifies her fans even today. How did she have the strength as a teenage to stand up for abuse, how did she survive running away from home at such a small age, how did she develop a free mind in a household as conservative as hers, how did she overcome the language barriers, for someone as outspoken how did she keep quiet about the acid attack on her sister, Rangoli.

There is only one answer to it all, she has internalized her life's experiences and turned it into a craft where she brings out her emotions only at the sound of ACTION!

Gangster-A Love Story

When a 17 year old Kangana auditioned for Gangster - A Love Story, she was rejected by Mahesh Bhatt. She was too young and Chitrangada with her poise and dramatic looks was far more fitted for the role. It was when Chitrangada didn't show up, that the film went over to the young girl with curly hair, and wispy stature. The fact that she didn't try to fit in, when every Hindi film actress was looking similar with bold highlights and straightened hair - made her stand apart!

The one chance she got could be attributed to Anurag Basu's foresight or Aditya Pancholi paying for her portfolio shots but one thing was certain - Kangana knew it was her one and only chance and she aced it. In her teens Kangana delivered a performance full of raw emotion, depth, and vulnerability. As Simran, she portrayed a woman torn between love, guilt, and survival with such natural grace that it was hard to believe this was her debut.

Her expressive eyes, subtle emotions, and the way she carried the pain of her character made the film memorable. Kangana made us feel every bit of Simran's heartbreak, love, and inner struggle, proving from the very beginning that she was not just a pretty face but a powerhouse of talent.

Fashion

Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion might have been about Priyanka Chopra's Meghna Mathur journeying through the world of fashion but no one can forget Kangana's Shonali Gujral. The dichotomy of being a popular model and emotionally vulnerable youngster was portrayed efficiently by Kangana's raw talent.

She was the yang to Chopra's yin, depicting the dark side of the fashion world complete with its struggles, vulnerability and addiction. Despite many calling Bhandarkar's depiction of the fashion world rather superficial, there was absolutely nothing superficial about Kangana's portrayal of Shonali.

Her hunger for power, her drug abuse and her desperation to find peace was raw and heart wrenching. What makes her part more remarkable is the fact that Kangana barely spoke English, had an awkward accent in Hindi, didn't have any ramp walking experience, and was set on being Miss World Priyanka Chopra's competition in the film yet there isn't a more confident actor to take on a challenge like that...

Her breakdown sequences were so hard hitting, that many started mistaking her for the character she played. It is hardly a surprise that she bagged the National Award for the film!

Queen

There was nothing out of the ordinary about Queen when it hit the marquee, nothing exceptional in the publicity, and yet, it blew everyone's mind when it hit the theatres. The film was not only entertaining but it left everyone with a smile on their faces, and hope in their hearts.

Nothing is lost forever, least of all dignity. The film was such a gem and seeing Kangana Ranaut as Rani was refreshing. She upturned every bracket she was ever put in, and turned her story around beautifully not just in the film but professionally too.

The stranded bride and her forlorn story is something Bollywood had often seen, but never like this. As Rani, Kangana made us laugh, cry, and believe in ourselves. She portrayed vulnerability, innocence, and inner strength with such perfection that we all could see a little bit of ourselves in her journey.

Watching Rani evolve from a shy, heartbroken girl to a confident, independent woman was truly inspiring - and it was Kangana's natural and effortless acting that made it so real. To think, people forgot that ace actor Rajkummar Rao also starred in the film, this tells you the magnitude of the magic Kangana created with this one.

What made the film resonate with the heartland was the fact that Rani didn't change to make herself acceptable by her groom, she simply let her heart lead and turned triumphant.

Tanu Weds Manu Returns

Close to the heels of Queen came yet another film that stamped and certified Kangana Ranaut as one of the best actors in Bollywood. This sequel to the 2011 film, Tanu Weds Manu was supposed to be a quiet release. There was nothing in the music that caught people's attention, nor was there much publicity done for the film prior to its release in 2015.

The film took off where Tanu Weds Manu left, but not at all like one expected it to, while everyone was expecting a happy-ever-after for the vivacious Tanu and the staid Manu, the chemistry fizzled off and the frictions started cracking the relationship. Tanu's need for drama, Manu's need for calm are at loggerheads when Datto, played by Kangana Ranaut again, walks into the frame.

The film might have been a simple story had it not been for this unique double role, that Tanu calls "Reebok and Reebuk" in the film. Single handedly Kangana made a mediocre film into a masterpiece with her performance. From the bold, carefree, and fiery Tanu to the sweet, strong, and ambitious Datto, Kangana portrayed both roles with such brilliance that her acting remained the only take-away from the film.

Whether it was Tanu's sass or Datto's simplicity, Kangana brought life and depth to both characters. She made us laugh, cry, and think all at once. Kangana proved once again why she is one of the finest actresses of our time. Thank you for giving us such powerful performances and showing us the true meaning of versatility!

Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi

"Khoob ladi mardani, woh toh Jhansi wali Rani thi!" Many superstitions surround every film that ever was made on the Rani of Jhansi. Many shelved, many didn't take off and yet if there was ever an actor who could take on the challenge it is Kangana Ranaut. And what a brilliant film she churned - Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi.

Kangana had already established her prowess as an actor with Queen and Tanu Weds Manu Returns, when she took on the mettle of direction with this film. Be it the action, emotion and the sheer valour of playing the Queen of Jhansi, Kangana excelled in it all.

For someone who was often ridiculed for her dialogue delivery, Kangana turned the tables with this one. Creating history with this historical masterpiece, Kangana once again inspired the woman folk to bite off more than they think they can chew. Truly, when it comes to onscreen and off, there is one true Queen in Bollywood and that is Kangana Ranaut.