Bollywood actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, who made headlines in 2024 by winning the Lok Sabha election from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, has opened up about her early experiences in politics—and they are far from glamorous. Speaking candidly during a recent podcast, Kangana admitted she’s still adjusting to her new role and doesn’t find her political career particularly enjoyable.

The 37-year-old BJP MP from Mandi joined politics in March 2024, when she accepted a ticket from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and secured a decisive win in the general elections. However, just over a year into her political journey, she’s beginning to feel the weight of public expectations—many of which, she says, go beyond her official responsibilities as a Member of Parliament.

Kangana’s Take on Her Transition from Films to Politics

During a recent appearance on the YouTube podcast Atman in Ravi (AIR), Kangana Ranaut offered an honest assessment of her time in politics. When asked whether she was enjoying her new political career, she responded:

“I’m still getting a hang of it. I wouldn’t say I’m enjoying it. It’s a very different kind of work—more like social service. This is not my background. I never imagined myself in this kind of role, serving the people.”

The four-time National Award-winning actress, known for her outspoken views and strong opinions on socio-political issues, said her past activism—especially on women’s rights—doesn’t quite compare to the ground-level work expected from elected representatives.

“I’ve fought for women’s issues and spoken up on national matters. But now people come to me with completely different concerns—like broken roads and clogged drains,” she shared.

“But I’m an MP”: Kangana Feels Mismatched Expectations

Kangana explained that many of the problems brought to her by constituents are related to panchayat-level governance or state government departments, yet people expect her to resolve them personally.

“Somebody’s drain is overflowing, and they come to me saying, ‘Fix it’. I tell them, ‘This is the responsibility of your local MLA or municipality’. But they don’t care. They see you as the solution and even suggest, ‘You’re rich—use your own money to get it done’.”

The actress, known for playing powerful and independent roles on-screen, acknowledged the emotional and logistical challenges of public service.

“It’s emotionally exhausting. I’m trying to understand the system, but it’s a slow process. I’m not used to people approaching me with such day-to-day civic problems,” she added.

No Prime Ministerial Dreams: “I’ve Lived a Selfish Life”

When asked if she aspires to become Prime Minister one day, Kangana firmly denied any such ambition.

“I don’t think I’m competent for that role. Social work and public administration are not my strengths. I’ve lived a very selfish kind of life, focused on myself and my career. Politics requires a completely different mindset.”

Her humility struck a contrast to the strong political persona she often portrays on social media, where she frequently weighs in on national issues and policy matters.

From Bollywood Icon to BJP MP: Kangana’s Political Debut

Kangana Ranaut formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in March 2024, months ahead of the general elections. She was fielded from Mandi Lok Sabha constituency, a high-profile seat in Himachal Pradesh. Her candidature sparked media buzz and political debates, especially given her status as a celebrity outsider in traditional political circles.

Despite the skepticism, Kangana proved her political credibility by winning with a margin of 74,755 votes, defeating her Congress rival Vikramaditya Singh, son of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.

Her victory speech made headlines across the country, but controversy followed shortly after.

Post-Victory Controversy: Airport Incident Goes Viral

A day after her election win, Kangana was allegedly slapped by a CISF officer at the Chandigarh airport. The video of the incident went viral on social media, leading to public outrage and official statements from multiple parties.

Kangana later shared a video message confirming that she was safe and unharmed, and expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received. The incident sparked debates about celebrity security, protocol violations, and the pressures of public life.

Kangana’s Dual Identity: Actress and Politician

Despite her political responsibilities, Kangana has not completely stepped away from cinema. She continues to produce content under her banner and occasionally shares glimpses of upcoming film projects. However, her full-time political role as an MP from Mandi is now her top priority.

Her transformation from an outspoken Bollywood star to an elected representative highlights the increasing crossover between entertainment and politics in India—a trend that has seen several celebrities join political parties in recent years.

Kangana’s journey is particularly notable because she’s one of the few mainstream Bollywood actresses to make the leap into full-time politics while still at the peak of her public career.

Public Reaction and Future Prospects

While some of Kangana’s critics argue that her political comments are often polarizing, her supporters admire her courage and conviction. Her openness about not enjoying her political stint has sparked a new wave of discussion on the realities of governance versus expectations from public figures.

It remains to be seen whether Kangana will continue in politics beyond her current term. But for now, she is committed to learning the ropes and serving her constituency, even if that means tackling everything from national policies to local drainage complaints.

Kangana Ranaut’s early reflections on her political journey highlight the gap between celebrity image and grassroots governance. While her decision to join politics was driven by opportunity, her experience so far has revealed the complex, often thankless nature of public service.

Whether she continues to rise in Indian politics or eventually returns to focus entirely on cinema, Kangana’s foray into politics offers valuable insight into what it really takes to transition from screen to service.