Actress Kangana Ranaut, who is gearing up for the release of her much-anticipated film ‘Emergency’, has revealed that she extended an invitation to politician Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to watch the movie. The film, which is slated for release on January 17, delves into the 21-month period from 1975 to 1977 when former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency across the country, citing internal and external threats.
Speaking to IANS about the film, Kangana, who portrays the role of Indira Gandhi, shared her interaction with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. “I actually met Priyanka Gandhi in the Parliament. And the first thing I told her was, ‘You should watch the Emergency’. She was very gracious. She said, ‘Yeah, maybe’. So let’s see if they would want to watch the film,” Kangana said.
The actress emphasized the care and sensitivity with which she portrayed the former Prime Minister. “I think it’s a very sensitive and sensible portrayal of one episode and one personality. And I have taken great care to portray Mrs. Gandhi with great dignity,” Kangana added.
Reflecting on the extensive research she conducted for the film, Kangana said she was struck by the overwhelming focus on Indira Gandhi’s personal life in historical accounts. “When I started to do a lot of research, there was so much focus and material about her personal life, whether it was her relationship with her husband or many friends or controversial equations,” she noted.
She further explained her approach to presenting a more comprehensive picture of the former leader. “I thought to myself that there is so much more to every person. When it comes to women especially, they’re always reduced to their equation with men around them. And of course, sensational encounters. In fact, most of the controversial material was about all that. But I have portrayed her with so much dignity and sensibility. And I think that everybody should see this film.”
Kangana also highlighted Indira Gandhi’s enduring popularity as a political leader. “Apart from some very crazy things that happened during the Emergency and a few other things, I think she was very loved and celebrated. Being a three-time Prime Minister is not a joke. She was loved and celebrated,” Kangana remarked.
‘Emergency’, directed and produced by Kangana Ranaut, aims to bring to light a significant chapter in India’s political history. The film is expected to spark discussions on the legacy of one of India’s most influential leaders and the tumultuous period that marked her tenure.
