Latest news with #Dhaakad
Mint
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Kangana Ranaut says she's not enjoying politics: 'People coming to me with Panchayat-level problems'
Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has made a candid admission about her political journey, saying that public service may not be her calling. In a recent conversation with spiritual guru Atman in Ravi (AIR), the newly-elected BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency revealed she is struggling to adjust to her new role, describing politics as 'more like social service'- something she claims she was never prepared for. Known for her unapologetic views, Kangana said she's finding it hard to deal with the everyday issues her constituents bring to her. 'Somebody's naali is broken, and I'm like- I'm an MP, and these people are coming to me with panchayat-level problems,' she said, adding that many residents don't differentiate between local and central responsibilities. 'They tell me, 'You have money, use your own money.' They don't care whose jurisdiction it falls under.' The actor admitted she isn't particularly enjoying her new responsibilities. 'I'm getting the hang of it, but this isn't something I've trained for. I've never really thought of serving people. I've fought for women's rights, yes, but that's different,' she explained. In her characteristically blunt style, Kangana also confessed that she has always lived for herself: 'a selfish life,' in her own words. 'I like luxury. I want a big house, a nice car, and diamonds. I want to look good. That's the kind of life I've lived,' she said, clarifying that she doesn't envision herself climbing the political ladder. When asked if she aspires to become the Prime Minister someday, she dismissed the idea entirely. 'I pray to God that never happens. I don't think I'm competent to be the PM of India, and I don't have the passion or inclination for it. I don't want to live a life of sacrifice. I don't wish that upon anyone,' she said. Kangana's time in politics has already had its fair share of controversies. In a previous interview with The Lallantop, she acknowledged being reprimanded by the BJP leadership, including party president JP Nadda, over her remarks on the farm laws. 'I take my words back,' she had said, after the party distanced itself from her comments. On the film front, too, Kangana has faced setbacks. Her latest film Emergency, in which she played former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, failed to impress at the box office, earning only around ₹ 20 crore. Other recent releases like Dhaakad and Tejas also underperformed, with some becoming record-breaking flops.
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Kangana Ranaut isn't enjoying her political career; people come to her with ‘broken naali problems' but all she wants is diamonds and a big house: ‘I've lived a selfish life'
Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut said that she isn't enjoying her first stint as a Member of Parliament from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. She said that she isn't quite cut out for public service, as she is a very 'selfish' person who enjoys her luxuries. She also rejected the idea of taking her political career to the next level, and said that she hopes 'God doesn't make me the Prime Minister'. In an interview with the spiritual guru Atman in Ravi (AIR), she said that she was a staunch atheist in her youth, and that her spiritual journey has been gradual. Kangana also expressed surprise at some of the issues that people approach her with these days. Asked if she has taken to politics like a fish to water, she said, 'I'm getting a hang of it. 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… Somebody's naali is broken, and I'm like, 'But I am an MP and these people are coming to me with panchayat-level problems'. They don't care. When they see you, they come to you with problems like broken roads, and I tell them that's a state government issue, and they say, 'You have money, you use your own money'.' Also read – Kangana Ranaut calls Bollywood 'a hopeless place', says gatekeepers openly kill the careers of talented artists: 'Kuch nahi hone wala' During her tenure as a BJP MP, Kangana has been rebuked a few times for not toeing the party line. She admitted as much in an interview with The Lallantop, and said that she received a call from party president JP Nadda when she posted comments about farm laws on social media. 'I take my words back,' Kangana said after the party distanced itself from her comments. Asked if she has greater political ambitions, such as becoming Prime Minister one day, Kangana said that she prays that this doesn't happen. '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, 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, and I don't wish that upon anyone… I don't have it in me.' Kangana has struggled on the film front as well. Her last movie, Emergency, flopped with just Rs 20 crore at the box office. She played the late PM Indira Gandhi in the film, which she also directed. Some of her recent films, such as Dhaakad and Tejas, have been among the biggest bombs in the history of Indian cinema.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
In a world full of performances, authenticity has become rare currency: Raftaar gets real about betrayal on 'The Traitors'
One of the most popular rappers in the Indian hip-hop scene, Raftaar, is also going to be starring in the new and upcoming variety show 'The Traitor'. Hailing from Trivandrum, Kerala, the actor is well known for his multifaceted projects. From working as a music producer, lyricist, singer, rapper, and even a dancer as well as an actor! Some of his most popular songs include but are not limited to 'Morni', 'Dhaakad', 'Legacy', 'Ghana Kasoota', and 'Baby Marvaake Manegi'. He's known for his fierce verses, high-octane stage energy, and unapologetic authenticity . From underground hip-hop battles to chart-topping anthems, Raftaar has long been a name synonymous with hustle, evolution, and self-made stardom. But recently, the rapper-singer explored a very different stage—one filled with alliances, suspicion, and strategy—as a contestant on the gripping reality show ' The Traitors ' on Prime Video. In an exclusive chat with ETimes, Raftaar opens up about his time on the show, the emotional undercurrents of betrayal , and the real-life parallels he couldn't ignore. His words are candid, reflective, and—like his music—hit hard. Participating in the gripping psychological game show 'The Traitors', Raftaar found himself surrounded by suspicion, strategy, and the sting of betrayal. Though his stint on the show was brief, it left a deep impact—and he's now ready to talk about it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรด CFDs ด้วยเทคโนโลยีเทรดสุดล้ำ และ รวดเร็วกว่า IC Markets สมัคร Undo 'The experience, though short, was truly enriching,' he says. 'It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a chance to engage with people in a completely new environment. Sometimes, the shortest chapters in our lives end up teaching us the most powerful lessons.' One of the most striking elements of 'The Traitors' is the real-time betrayal that forms the show's core. While Raftaar was aware of this going in, living through it was something else entirely. 'Even though betrayal is a known part of the format, feeling it in real time still hits hard,' he admits. 'I've always valued transparency and loyalty, and when that gets tested, it stays with you. But I get it—everyone's just trying to survive in the game in their own way. In a world full of performances, authenticity has become rare currency.' This theme of betrayal, he reveals, isn't confined to the screen. It's something he has dealt with off-screen too, especially during his formative years in the music industry. 'There were moments when I was trying to figure things out, trusting people, building something from scratch—and some of those bonds didn't last,' he reflects. 'It hurt. But over time, I've learned that not every bond is meant to last. And that's okay. Not every closed door is a betrayal—some are actually redirections.' During the show, Raftaar also shared space with filmmaker Karan Johar , who served as the host. Despite their different creative paths, Raftaar holds Karan in high regard. 'My rapport with Karan Sir has always been warm and respectful. He belongs to a different creative universe, but he's built an empire through vision and hard work. Whenever we've interacted, it's been rooted in mutual appreciation.' Would he consider going back to the show as a wild card? The answer is a confident yes—but not for reasons one might expect. 'I'd definitely be open to it. The goal is not to impress anyone, but to approach the game with a new perspective. Once you've lived through it, your understanding evolves. And when the mind knows better, the strategy naturally shifts.' When asked about the biggest lesson he took away from the show, Raftaar doesn't hesitate. 'To never doubt my instincts. In that house, everything is heightened—emotions, energy, suspicion. It becomes very easy to question your own judgment. But your gut rarely lies. I've learned that silence is often louder than words, especially in rooms full of whispers.' And if he were to imagine Bollywood actors in 'The Traitors' universe? 'I wouldn't divide them into heroes and traitors,' he says thoughtfully. 'I'd look for those with depth—people who carry both calm and chaos within them. The game isn't about black and white. It's about layers. That's where the real magic lies.' From decoding people to decoding beats, Raftaar continues to evolve—unapologetically and on his own terms. Whether on stage, in a reality show, or just in life, he proves that instincts, integrity, and individuality will always be his core rhythm.
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First Post
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Netflix's 'Rana Naidu 2' actor Arjun Rampal: 'Have finished 9-10 projects post the pandemic, some have got stuck with the censor board and...'
In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Arjun Rampal spoke about his entrance into this world of darkness and dazzle, playing an antagonist again, and what has changed about the industry post the pandemic read more Arjun Rampal has displayed shades of black and grey in films like Om Shanti Om, Crakk, and Dhaakad. The actor with a man-mountain aura is now gearing up for the web-series Rana Naidu Season 2 that streams on Netflix this Friday. And in an exclusive interview with Firstpost, the actor spoke about his entrance into this world of darkness and dazzle, playing an antagonist again, and what has changed about the industry post the pandemic. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Edited excerpts from the interview Rana Naidu is already a dark and stylish show. But with your entry, how much darker, how much more stylish are you making things? I hope it gets more stylish and more, I don't know, darker or not, but, I think there's a lot more drama. The conflict is quite amazing. I haven't played a character like this, you know, who is so brutal and has been given the liberty and flexibility of being so wild. I don't think I as an actor have been able to explore it. So, I think that's what makes it quite unique for this character. When Karan and I had discussed this part, for me, it was very important that, even if you're playing the antagonist or whatever, everybody according to me is a human. And nobody, if you're playing somebody who is the antagonist, doesn't believe he's a bad guy. For that, he needs to have a very strong belief system. And, that belief system, I think, was incorporated with a sense of levity, which was important. Otherwise, it gets too serious and dark. So it's quite funny as well. How, you see in a Scorsese film, all of them, even if they're killing somebody, sometimes you end up, like, laughing or smiling. So, we've tried to achieve that. So let's see, how that pans out. I think Rauf comes with quite a strong enough belief system. He really is there for his community, for his people. And, when Rana comes and disturbs that, then he's really, you know, going into the hornets nest. Also, this is not the time that you have played a grey character. So what is the joy of playing such deliciously twisted characters as an actor? They're just not boring (Laughs). I don't know how to explain it. A lot of people ask me the same question, but it's the same thing. It's just a little bit more exciting. When you're playing the protagonist in most films, if the protagonist is not flawed in the case of Rana Naidu, that's not the case, and that's why we like the series. Right? Everybody's kind of flawed. But in general, when you play a protagonist, you're mister goody good shoes, which none of those people are in real life. When you're playing a bad guy, okay, you're, like, really, really bad, which none of us are exact in, real life. So to play characters, which go beyond your thing, you then choose which one is more exciting to do. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And I think what happens when you play characters like this is, you pull so far away from your comfort zone. You know, there is a risk about how audiences will take it and how they will react to you. You are kind of breaking away from the stereotypical thing of creating an image, you know, which is something which I never wanted to be stuck or weighed down by. So, when you take a risk, when you do something which is totally out of the box, you know, which people don't expect you to play, then I think you're being true to your work. Because at the end of the day, the reason why we have careers which go over twenty five years, thirty years, going to forty years, which some of the good actors have, is because there's always an element of surprise, which this profession allows you to have. And, you should never give that up for anything or trade that or compensate for anything. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD You have done such a variety of films in your career, right from to Raajneeti to D-Day to Inkaar. What I feel is that after the pandemic, filmmakers and actors have become slightly scared to take risks. So as an actor, do you miss those days when filmmakers and actors actually told different stories and they actually took risks Well, I'm glad you've noticed my body of work, but the thing is that, I don't think people are not taking risks. People are definitely taking risks. Through this period, from the pandemic to now, I have actually finished about eight to 10 films. And all of them are very different kinds of movies. I'm just waiting for them to be released. Some have got into trouble with the censor board. Some are waiting for the right time to release it. There's Aparna Sen's The Rapist, again, a very different kind of a subject, with Konkona. Beautiful story. Very, very, emotional. I think one of Aparna's best films, that's ready. It's waiting for release. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Punjab 95, we don't know what's happening with that yet. There's, two films with Abbas-Mustan that I've done. And, you know, Dhurandhar that I'm shooting for. So they're all very, very different kinds of films. Sangeet Sivan's last film Blind Game. So all of that is ready. It's good to go. I don't know when they will come out, what's going to happen. I think the problem that's happened is that there was a kind of a backlog that was created during the pandemic period. These people did shoot. There were a lot of things. And a lot of people are not very certain about releasing it in theatres. Some were definitely made perfectly only for OTT release. So it really lies with those platforms now, how they bring it out. Also, every time Arjun Rampal has had a face off, it has always been iconic. Be it Ravan, be it household. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD You have worked with so many filmmakers who have been in the industry, but in different capacities. Like Farah Khan has been a prominent choreographer before she became a director. Sajid Khan was a very popular face on television. Karan Anshuman has been in the industry for long as a film critic as well. When they come to with a script, what makes you say 'Okay. I trust him. I trust her, and it's good to go.' So you just answered the question within the question. It's all about trust. You know, 90% of your battle is about how much you're going to trust this person. And that really, becomes the barometer of your decision making. Once the trust level is there, then obviously, you need to go and you're going to discuss the character and bring a lot of things and actors see his character very, very differently sometimes from what even the director is seeing and can bring a lot more to that character. To have that open mindedness is very important in any creative job. It's very difficult to work with people who have very, very fixed and rigid ideas for me because this is a creative space. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Of course, the last call will always be with the director, and you must respect that because it is his vision that you are coming into. So, I think with Karan, and Suparn, my few discussions were all about this. That I don't want to play anything stereotypical. I don't want to. I really love your show, and I would love to be a part of it. But, really, I don't want to play the typical bad guy. It'll be such a waste. And he just listened to me, and, he said, wait. I'll come back to you. And then he came back and came back, and we kept going through these scenes. And they just got better and better and better and better. And then he said, 'I think I am ready now,' and we did a reading. And, I just got up and hugged him, and I was like, bro, thank you. Because, you know, now I know I can sink my teeth into this character. And, of course, Karan, Suparn, Abhay, you got three different directors directing the same show, and I've never been in a situation like that. But the level of clarity and uniqueness that each one brought again to the table was really, really cool. And I think that's what keeps the whole franchise and keeps the show so amazingly, fresh because each one's got their own way of seeing things. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Kangana Ranaut revealed that her tough image affects her love life, says, "Rumours are spread about me that I beat up boys..."
made her Bollywood debut with the film Gangster, which earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Since then, she has carved a unique space for herself in the industry with powerful performances. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Known for her fearless attitude, Kangana often makes headlines for openly sharing her opinions, even on controversial topics. Kangana's action Film ' Dhaakad ' Kangana, who played the role of a tough spy named Agent Agni in 'Dhaakad' had gone through intense physical training and built a strong physique. Impressively, she also performed many of her own action stunts, which have left fans wow. Kangana opens up about marriage and her 'Tough' image In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, the 'Manikarnika' actress was asked if she is as strong and fearless in real life as her character in 'Dhaakad'. The actress laughed and said that this isn't completely true. She explained that her tough image affects her personal life, especially her chances of getting married. She revealed, 'That's not how it is, come on. Who will I beat up in real life? I am unable to get married because of people like you spreading these rumours. People have the perception that I am tough, and because rumours are spread about me that I beat up boys.' shares Kangana's softer side During the interview, Kangana's Dhaakad co-star Arjun Rampal joined the conversation. He jokingly told host Siddharth Kannan not to spread rumours about Kangana being too tough. When Siddharth asked Arjun to list some of Kangana's good qualities to show that she's not always as fierce as her on-screen image, Arjun replied that Kangana is actually very sweet and loving in real life. Adding to the conversation, he said, 'All I can say is that Kangana is a fabulous actor. Whatever she does is for a role but she is not like that in real life. In real life, she is very sweet, very loving, and very God-fearing. She does puja-paath and a lot of yoga. She is actually a very normal person.' Kangana Ranaut hints at contesting the next Lok Sabha elections; says 'Shri Krishna ki kripa rahi to ladenge'
