Bollywood actress and Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kangana Ranaut, who is garnering praises for her performance in Emergency, recently recalled her struggling days in Mumbai. The fierce and outspoken actress, who has often opened up about her journey in the film industry, revealed she grappled with uncertainty and self-doubt during her initial years in the city.

Kangana made her Bollywood debut with Anurag Basu's 2006 film Gangster opposite Emraan Hashmi and Shiney Ahuja. Before acting, she worked as a model.

While recalling days of struggle during India TV Conclave, Kangana said, "It never felt like I should just go back home. After I left home, I was wandering, I was modelling, trying to do something, and that time was extremely difficult. I had no idea if I would ever make something of myself in life."

'Was convinced I'll die or disappear'

Leaving her hometown in Himachal Pradesh at a young age, Kangana ventured into modelling before trying her luck in Bollywood. The uncertainty of the film industry and the lack of a structured path made her struggle even more daunting.

She admitted, "Before I got Gangster, I kept giving auditions, but I was 99 per cent convinced that I would just die or disappear in the crowd, like someone who was never noticed. I couldn't wrap my head around what I was doing... where I was doing it... there wasn’t even a system where you could take an exam and get through."

'Struggling days made me mature'

Kangana also revealed how that phase in her life forced her to mature beyond her years. "That phase and the age I was at made me mature very quickly. I started reading a lot of books, philosophies, and sad poetry at that time. Given the circumstances I was in, I was convinced that I would not make it in this life."

Over the years, Kangana has become one of the most acclaimed and controversial figures in the industry, known for her fearless opinions and powerful performances.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Kangana was last seen on the big screens in Emergency, which recently released on an OTT platform.

Emergency marked the directorial debut of Kangana and she also played the lead role of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film. It had been at the centre of controversies ever since its first look was released, and after multiple delays and setbacks, it finally released on January 17 this year.

The film also stars Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman and Vishak Nair in key roles.

Her next is a Tamil film which also stars R Madhavan in the lead role. She has another film lined up titled Bharat Bhagya Vidhata.