Kangana Ranaut Was At A Party During 26/11 Terror Attacks, Says 'We Were Dancing'

Actor and politician Kangana Ranaut, who stars in the film ‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata’ inspired by the true story of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, said on Tuesday that she was at a party with other Bollywood actors when the tragic attacks happened and it was director Mahesh Bhatt who first told them about it. The film is mostly set in Cama hospital and tells the story of nurses and ward boys who became silent heroes during the 26/11 attacks. Ranaut, who plays a nurse in the movie, said she was at a party hosted by actor Shahana Goswami.

She shared, “I have a crazy story. We were all working with Mahesh Bhatt sir and were struggling actors at Vishesh Films. Shahana Goswami had just got a house on Yari Road and invited us for a party. Shahana, Shagufta

(the writer), and all of us were there having fun when Bhatt sir came in. He said, ‘Put the TV on.’ We were dancing, but he started watching TV and said, ‘Is there a terrorist attack happening?'”

Ranaut said Bhatt advised everyone to stay indoors. “We asked Shahana if we should go home or keep partying. Bhatt sir suggested no one should leave and just wait. So about 20 to 25 of us stayed at Shahana’s house and Bhatt sir broke the news to us. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have known.”

On November 26, 2008, ten Pakistani terrorists carried out coordinated attacks on a railway station, two luxury hotels, and a Jewish center in Mumbai after sneaking in by sea. About 166 people were killed in the nearly 60-hour attack.

Ranaut’s co-star Girija Oak also shared her memory, saying she was at a film premiere in Infinity Mall when everyone’s phones started ringing, the show was stopped and they found out about the attack.

‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata,’ written and directed by Manoj Tapadia, aims to highlight the contributions of unsung heroes. Ranaut said she was deeply moved when offered the film, as it opened her eyes to the silent strength of working women. She said, “I felt sad that we live in our own bubble, far from the real world. Playing this character made me realise how important it is to stay connected to real people, which I get to do as a politician.”

She added, “Even though I think I’m a good artist, if I hadn’t been among real people, I would have been so unfit for this role. You wake up in your artist bubble, drink a protein shake, go to the gym, and you can’t imagine what real life is like.”

Ranaut also hoped that more stories about unsung heroes would be told if the film connects with audiences. When asked if Prime Minister Narendra Modi would watch the film, she said she hopes so and mentioned that a special screening is planned for Delhi Chief Minister Rekha on June 9.

She added, “This is the story of every Indian, whether we know them or not. If the PM watches the film, it will send a good message.” She also said her team has officially asked Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to honour these nurses with a badge. Writer-director Manoj Tapadia said Ranaut was his top choice for the movie, but he couldn’t reach her at first. He credited casting director Mukesh Chhabra for convincing Ranaut to read the script.

He said, “The truth is, God wrote this story. When a writer writes, he doesn’t think of any actor. After writing, you have a wish list, and Kangana ji was on mine. I didn’t know her or have access to her. We started making the film on a small scale, but more people joined and it got bigger.”

The film is set to release in theatres on June 12. It is produced by PEN Studios, Manikarnika Films, and Paramhans Creations, with Eunoia Films LLP and Floating Rocks Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.