Actor-turned-Mandi MP says she has capabilities for top post, but analysts say one needs more than that
Munish Sood
MANDI:
A seemingly simple question put to Bollywood actor-turned-MP Kangana Ranaut by this journalist of The Newz Radar during an event in Mandi has set Himachal Pradesh’s political circles abuzz.
The question was direct: “Could the BJP project you as its chief ministerial face in the next Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections?” For nearly 10 seconds, Kangana Ranaut, the first-term MP from Mandi who has courted several controversies in the past due to her polarising statements, seemed momentarily caught off guard, searching for the right words.
Then came her measured response: “Whatever responsibility Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives me, I will not hesitate to fulfill. Those who know me — whether in my family or in Bollywood — are aware that once I decide something I see it through.” With that, what might have been dismissed as speculation turned into a full-blown political storm.
From screen to political stage
Kangana Ranaut’s statement has gained extra weight because of her cinematic legacy. She portrayed the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in film ‘Thalaivii’ and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in ‘Emergency’.
Both roles demanded that she embody women who rose to the pinnacle of political power. Now, her own words have blurred the line between reel and real, inviting speculation about whether Kangana harbours chief ministerial ambitions in her home state.
Role harder than reel
But how realistic is this aspiration? Many in Himachal’s political and social circles argue that being a Chief Minister is not a script one can rehearse. “Politics in Himachal is not a Bollywood set,” says Birbal Sharma, a seasoned journalist from Mandi. “Kangana has star power, no doubt, but chief ministership is about grassroots connections, patience and long-term service. Right now, she doesn’t have that.”
Even within the BJP, senior leaders appear cautious. Former ministers and MLAs, including ex-CM Jai Ram Thakur, have kept Kangana at arm’s length. She is rarely seen alongside the party’s state heavyweights at public events. Names such as Jai Ram Thakur, former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, state BJP president Rajeev Bindal and BJP national president JP Nadda still dominate the conversation when it comes to possible CM faces.
“Politics in Himachal is not just about Delhi’s decision,” observes Akash Sharma, a political analyst. “It’s about who commands trust at the grassroots. Right now, Kangana’s connect with the people is limited and that makes her path uphill.”
Public perceptions and missed connections
Kangana’s visibility during recent state crisis has also drawn criticism. During the devastating floods in Himachal, she visited briefly once but did not maintain a consistent presence on the ground. On Wednesday (September 17, 2025), she attended a religious function on Prime Minister Modi’s birthday in Mandi, participated in a blood donation drive and visited Manali flood victims on Thursday.
“Turning up occasionally is not the same as standing shoulder-to-shoulder with people in crisis,” argues Ajay Abrol, a social activist from Manali. “The public notices who is there in their worst hour. That’s how leaders earn trust.”
This disconnect is reflected online as well. On social media, criticism poured in soon after her statement, with many users questioning her credibility as a leader.
Among the state’s business community, there is skepticism too. Mahinder Pal, a businessman, remarks: “We respect Kangana as an actress and as our MP. But running a state’s economy, dealing with industries, tourism, and jobs — these need years of policy experience. Glamour cannot replace governance.”
Law, politics and leadership
Legal experts echo this sentiment. Sanjay Mandayal, an advocate, notes: “The chief minister’s chair is not a prize, but a test of accountability. Kangana has yet to show that she can handle the struggles, compromises and crisis that come with governance.”
BJP’s surprise factor
Still, Kangana’s confidence is not entirely misplaced. The BJP has a history of springing surprises — elevating leaders with little prior expectation to top roles in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. Against this backdrop, some argue her candidacy cannot be ruled out.
Yet, as Akash Sharma sums it up, “Surprises work only when the person has the stamina to last the journey. For Kangana, the jury is still out.”
