Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut at PHDCCI on Women leading the way
Women leading India’s new horizon with courage, conviction, and authenticity. In a hall filled with industry stalwarts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the spotlight wasn’t just on business numbers or policy goals; the spotlight was on women and their journey as leaders. The 120th Annual Session of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) resonated with a powerful theme: “Shaping New Horizons: Women Leading the Way.”
Among the day’s most compelling voices was that of celebrated actor, filmmaker, and now Member of Parliament, Kangana Ranaut, who captivated the audience with her characteristic candour and courage.
In a conversation moderated by Sonali Jain, Co-Chair of the Education Committee at PHDCCI, Kangana discussed the importance of self-belief and the freedom that comes from inner validation. “I believe the main reason for my success and the opportunities I’ve received, despite coming from a humble background, is my commitment to being brutally honest,” she said. “I assess challenges without personalising the negativity. My standard of excellence comes from self-assessment and an unshakeable vision, not external validation.”
From her journey as a small-town girl from Himachal Pradesh with no industry connections to becoming one of India’s most celebrated film personalities and now a parliamentarian representing Mandi, Kangana’s story mirrors the evolving narrative of women in India of their self-determination, resilience, and transformation.
Speaking about her transition from cinema to politics, she added, “The shift from being an artist to a politician has been overwhelming. Acting is internal and self-indulgent, but politics requires a sense of accountability and direct connection with the people. It’s no longer about observing society, it’s about being responsible for its change.”
The session wasn’t just about Kangana’s individual journey; it became a broader dialogue on leadership diversity, inclusion, and the indispensable role women play in shaping India’s future.
Sonali Jain, while introducing the session, remarked, “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.”
Adding to the conversation, Hemant Jain, President, PHDCCI and Group Managing Director, KLJ Group, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to gender inclusivity. “At KLJ Group, women bring creativity, resilience, and balance to every workplace. Their participation is vital for sustainable progress. At PHDCCI, we are committed to enhancing women’s role in entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and leadership.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Rajeev Juneja, Senior Vice President of PHDCCI and Vice Chairman & MD of Mankind Pharma Ltd., commented, “In a traditionally male-dominated industry like pharmaceuticals, we have made a deliberate effort to create opportunities for women across research, manufacturing, and leadership roles. Women bring empathy, precision, and balance to decision-making.”
As the session concluded, the message was clear: India’s growth story cannot be complete without women who lead, innovate, and inspire. Kangana Ranaut’s unapologetic call for self-validation and the chamber’s collective vision for inclusivity together offered a refreshing perspective on leadership in modern India, one that celebrates authenticity over conformity, and self-worth over societal approval.
