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''Would not say I''m enjoying politics'': Kangana Ranaut scoffs at people coming to her ''with panchayat-level problems''

Kangana Ranaut, a prominent Bollywood actress and now a politician representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a Member of Parliament from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, recently shared candid insights into her political journey, expressing a mix of frustration and determination. In a detailed interaction, she addressed the challenges of transitioning from a celebrated film career to the rough-and-tumble world of politics, highlighting the stark differences between the two fields. Ranaut made it clear that she does not find politics particularly enjoyable, describing it as a "dirty" arena that often feels far removed from the glamour and creativity of the film industry. Her remarks shed light on the personal and professional adjustments she has had to make since entering the political sphere, as well as her perspective on the expectations and responsibilities that come with being a public representative.

Ranaut's entry into politics came after years of being in the public eye as an actress known for her bold and outspoken nature. She won the Lok Sabha seat from Mandi in the 2024 elections, marking her debut as a politician. However, her transition has not been without its struggles. She openly admitted that politics is not a field she finds fulfilling in the same way as her cinematic endeavors. In her own words, she scoffed at the idea of "enjoying" politics, emphasizing that it is a far cry from the artistic satisfaction she derived from acting and filmmaking. Instead, she views her role as a duty, a responsibility to serve the people of her constituency, even if it means dealing with issues and grievances that she finds trivial or outside her purview.

One of the key points Ranaut raised during her discussion was the nature of the problems brought to her by constituents. She expressed exasperation at being approached with what she described as "panchayat-level" issues—local, often petty disputes or personal grievances that she believes should be resolved at a more grassroots level rather than being escalated to a Member of Parliament. These include matters like neighborhood quarrels, family disputes, or minor infrastructural complaints that, in her view, do not align with the broader policy-making or developmental role she expected to play as an MP. Ranaut's frustration stems from the mismatch between her vision of political service—focused on larger systemic changes and development projects—and the day-to-day realities of addressing hyper-local concerns. She suggested that such issues should ideally be handled by local bodies or community leaders, allowing her to focus on more significant legislative and developmental agendas for Mandi and beyond.

Despite her candid admission of not enjoying politics, Ranaut clarified that her commitment to her role remains unwavering. She sees her position as a platform to bring about meaningful change, particularly in her home state of Himachal Pradesh, where she has deep personal roots. Ranaut has often spoken about her connection to Mandi, a region she holds close to her heart, and her desire to contribute to its progress. Her political journey, she noted, is driven by a sense of purpose rather than personal gratification. This sense of duty appears to be a guiding force for her, even as she navigates the complexities and frustrations of political life. She acknowledged that politics is a "dirty game," a space filled with challenges, criticism, and compromises, but she remains resolute in her decision to serve, viewing it as a necessary sacrifice for the greater good.

Ranaut also drew comparisons between her experiences in Bollywood and politics, highlighting how the two worlds differ in their demands and dynamics. In the film industry, she was accustomed to a certain level of control over her work, whether it was through choosing roles, directing films, or expressing herself creatively. Politics, on the other hand, requires a different kind of engagement—one that involves constant interaction with people, managing public expectations, and dealing with bureaucratic and systemic hurdles. She noted that while Bollywood allowed her to maintain a degree of individuality and artistic freedom, politics often demands conformity, patience, and a willingness to work within a larger framework of party ideologies and public sentiment. This shift has been a significant learning curve for her, one that she is still adapting to.

Another aspect of her political experience that Ranaut touched upon was the public scrutiny that comes with being a politician. As a celebrity-turned-politician, she is no stranger to media attention, but the nature of criticism in politics feels more personal and relentless to her. She mentioned that while she faced controversies and backlash in her acting career, the political arena brings a different kind of pressure, where every statement and action is dissected and often politicized. Ranaut, known for her unfiltered opinions, has had her fair share of controversies since entering politics, including statements that have sparked debates and drawn criticism from various quarters. Yet, she remains defiant, asserting that she will not shy away from speaking her mind, even if it invites backlash. Her outspokenness, she believes, is both a strength and a challenge in the political landscape, where diplomacy often takes precedence over candor.

Ranaut also reflected on the broader implications of her role as a woman in politics. She acknowledged the patriarchal structures that still dominate Indian politics and the additional scrutiny faced by women in public office. As someone who has often challenged societal norms through her films and public statements, she sees her political role as an opportunity to inspire other women to step into leadership positions. However, she admitted that the journey is far from easy, with gender-based biases and stereotypes adding another layer of complexity to her work. Despite these challenges, Ranaut remains determined to carve out a space for herself and to represent the aspirations of the people of Mandi, particularly women and youth who look up to her as a role model.

In discussing her future plans, Ranaut emphasized her focus on development projects for her constituency. She expressed a desire to work on initiatives that address core issues such as infrastructure, education, and employment opportunities in Mandi. While she may not enjoy the nitty-gritty of political maneuvering or the constant stream of local complaints, she is passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of her constituents. Her vision includes leveraging her platform to bring attention to the unique challenges faced by the people of Himachal Pradesh, a state known for its natural beauty but also for its developmental needs in areas like connectivity and economic growth.

Ranaut's candidness about her struggles in politics also serves as a broader commentary on the nature of public service in India. Her remarks highlight the disconnect that often exists between elected representatives and the electorate, particularly in terms of expectations. While MPs like Ranaut may envision their roles as focused on policy and large-scale development, constituents often approach them with immediate, personal concerns, reflecting a lack of effective local governance or awareness about the appropriate channels for grievance redressal. This mismatch can lead to frustration on both sides, as elected officials grapple with balancing micro-level issues with macro-level responsibilities.

In conclusion, Kangana Ranaut's reflections on her political journey offer a unique glimpse into the challenges faced by a celebrity-turned-politician in India. Her admission of not enjoying politics, coupled with her frustration over dealing with "panchayat-level" problems, underscores the steep learning curve she has encountered since becoming an MP. Yet, her determination to serve and bring about change in Mandi remains evident, driven by a sense of duty rather than personal satisfaction. Ranaut's story is one of adaptation and resilience, as she navigates the murky waters of politics with the same boldness that defined her Bollywood career. While she may not find joy in the political arena, her commitment to her constituents and her vision for development suggest that she is in it for the long haul, ready to tackle the challenges head-on, even if they come in the form of seemingly trivial disputes. Her journey serves as a reminder of the complexities of public service and the personal sacrifices it demands, especially for someone transitioning from a world of glamour to one of grit and grind.

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