Kangana Ranaut believes courage does not always come through dramatic or extraordinary actions. Ahead of the OTT release of Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, the actor-politician spoke exclusively to India Today about portraying a woman whose strength stemmed from compassion and a strong sense of duty rather than aggression or bravado. She also recalled meeting the real-life heroes whose experiences inspired the film.
The film is based on the experiences of medical workers at Mumbai’s Cama Hospital during the 26/11 terror attacks.
STRENGTH CAN ALSO BE EXTREMELY QUIET: KANGANA
Ranaut said playing the character made her rethink how strength, especially female strength, is commonly depicted on screen.
“I think we often have a very narrow idea of what a strong woman looks like. We associate strength with aggression, authority, or someone who fights back physically. But this story reminded me that strength can also be extremely quiet,” she said.
According to Ranaut, the woman she portrays was not looking for recognition or attempting to become a hero. Instead, her actions were driven by an instinct to protect the people who relied on her.
“She was simply doing what she felt was right,” Ranaut said, explaining that the character’s compassion and sense of responsibility made her story especially powerful.
She also pointed out that there was nothing glamorous about this form of heroism. It was instead about an ordinary person responding to an extraordinary crisis.
“Her strength came from compassion, responsibility, and the instinct to protect people who were completely dependent on her. There was no glamour in that kind of heroism; it was very raw and very human,” she said.
KANGANA RECALLS MEETING 26/11 HEROES
Meeting the workers who were present at Cama Hospital during the attacks was another significant part of Ranaut’s experience while making the film.
She said listening to their accounts gave her a new perspective on courage, particularly the kind displayed by people who continued performing their responsibilities despite being afraid.
“When you hear about such brave and courageous workers who were at Cama Hospital during the attacks, you realise that courage is not always about doing something dramatic or heroic. Sometimes it is simply about continuing to do your duty when you are terrified,” she said.
Ranaut was particularly moved by the fact that these individuals had families, responsibilities and fears of their own. Yet, when the crisis unfolded, they chose to help others.
“That kind of courage is very humbling,” she said.
‘HOW MANY SUCH PEOPLE LIVE AMONG US?’
For Ranaut, the experiences of the real-life workers also highlighted how acts of bravery frequently take place away from public attention.
She said the experience prompted her to think about the many people who quietly perform their duties, look after others and step forward during difficult situations without seeking recognition.
“What really stayed with me was that these were ordinary people who suddenly found themselves in an extraordinary situation. They had families, responsibilities, and their own fears, but when the moment came, they chose to help others,” she said.
Directed by Manoj Tapadia, Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata was released in theatres on June 12, 2026. The film focuses on the medical staff at Cama Hospital who continued treating and caring for patients while Mumbai was under attack.
