Courage is not always dramatic: Kangana Ranaut on Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata

Kangana Ranaut believes courage does not always announce itself through extraordinary acts. Ahead of the OTT release of Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, the actor-politician spoke exclusively to India Today about playing a woman whose strength came from compassion and a sense of duty rather than aggression or bravado. She also recalled meeting the real-life heroes whose experiences inspired the film.The film explores the experiences of medical workers at Mumbai’s Cama Hospital during the 26/11 terror attacks.Strength can also be extremely quiet: KanganaRanaut said the role made her reconsider the way strength, particularly that of women, is often portrayed 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. For Ranaut, the woman she portrays was never seeking recognition or trying to become a hero. Her actions came from an instinct to protect those who depended on her.“She was simply doing what she felt was right,” Ranaut said, adding that the character’s sense of responsibility and compassion was what made her story particularly moving. There was also no glamour attached to this idea of heroism, she noted. Instead, it was rooted in an ordinary person responding to an extraordinary situation.“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 on meeting real-life heroes of 26/11Meeting the real-life workers who were at Cama Hospital during the attacks was another important part of Ranaut’s experience while working on the film.She said hearing their stories offered a different understanding of what courage can look like, particularly when people are faced with fear but continue to carry out their responsibilities.“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.What struck Ranaut was that these were people with families, responsibilities and fears of their own. Yet, when confronted with the crisis, they chose to help others.“That kind of courage is very humbling,” she said.‘How many such people live among us?’For Ranaut, the stories also offered a reminder that acts of courage are often performed away from the spotlight.She said the experience made her think about the number of people who quietly do their jobs, care for others and step up in difficult moments without expecting 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.Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, directed by Manoj Tapadia, was released in theatres on June 12, 2026. The film focusses on the medical workers at Cama Hospital who continued to care for patients while Mumbai was under attack.The film also stars Girija Oak, Smita Tambe, Esha Dey and Prasad Oak. It will premiere on ZEE5 on August 14.- EndsPublished By: Lakshita PopliPublished On: Aug 13, 2026 20:08 IST