Women must not wait for validation; they must create their own space in every field: Kangana Ranaut at PHDCCI’s 120th Annual Session

New Delhi, October 9, 2025: Celebrated Actor, Filmmaker and Member of Parliament, Kangana Ranaut shared an inspiring perspective on women empowerment, leadership and self-determination at the 120th Annual Session of PHDCCI held today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The session, themed ‘Shaping New Horizons: Women Leading the Way’, highlighted how women across industries are redefining India’s growth story through courage, innovation and resilience.
In a candid fireside chat moderated by Sonali Jain, Co-Chair – Education Committee, PHDCCI, Ms. Ranaut reflected on her journey from a small-town girl with no film background to one of India’s most acclaimed film personalities and now a Member of Parliament representing Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.
Ranaut stated,“I believe the core reason for my success and the opportunities I have received, despite coming from a humble village background, is my commitment to being brutally honest. This quality is what allowed me to pursue my path, even when I had no roadmap or clarity upon leaving home.”
“The greatest quality I strive for is objectivity rather than defensiveness. I assess challenges without personalizing the negativity—be it not knowing English or my sense of fashion. This self-assessment, guided by my own unshakeable vision, is my own true standard of excellence,” she added.
“The shift from being an artist to a politician has been an overwhelming experience. Acting is internal and self-indulgent, but politics requires direct communication with the masses and a profound sense of responsibility that moves beyond being a mere onlooker,” Ms. Ranaut explained.
The dialogue was expertly moderated by Sonali Jain who commenced the session by praising the actress's enduring career. She stated, "If strong women do not actively enter politics, the necessary societal changes will not take place. Development in modern India critically needs women’s participation." Jain also engaged the guest with pointed questions regarding the balance between acting and politics and managing conviction in the public eye.
Following the fireside chat, Kangana Ranaut engaged PHDCCI’s leadership in a reflective
discussion on women’s participation in business and innovation, seeking insights from leaders who have built some of India’s most respected enterprises.
Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI and Group Managing Director, KLJ Group, said, “At KLJ Group, we believe diversity drives innovation and growth. Women bring creativity, resilience, and balance to every workplace and their participation is vital for sustainable progress. At PHDCCI, we are equally committed to enhancing women’s role in entrepreneurship, manufacturing and leadership. Empowering women is not only a moral responsibility, it’s an economic necessity for building a truly Viksit Bharat.”
Rajeev Juneja, Senior VP, PHDCCI and Vice Chairman & MD, Mankind Pharma Ltd, echoed similar sentiments, adding, “In an industry like pharmaceuticals, which has long been male-dominated, we have made a conscious effort to create opportunities for women across research, manufacturing, and leadership roles. Women bring empathy, precision, and balance to decision-making which strengthens any organization.” He added, “Upon observing Ms. Ranaut, two words immediately come to mind: Thinker and Fighter. The turning point for any success story is when you can openly acknowledge your flaws and weaknesses, much like how Thalaivii portrayed chaining oneself to a greater purpose”
Also present during the session were Anil Gupta, Vice President, PHDCCI; Sanjeev Agrawal, Immediate Former President, PHDCCI; and Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, along with members of the Managing Committee and senior industry leaders.