Kangana Ranaut Reveals Salman Khan Called Her ‘Sanjay Leela Bhansali Heroine’; Says Filmmaker Regrets NOT Casting Her

Kangana Ranaut recently revisited her early days in the film industry, recalling a memorable encounter with Salman Khan, who believed she was destined to be a Sanjay Leela Bhansali heroine. She also shared how that moment led her to approach the filmmaker during her struggling phase. Scroll down to read more.

Kangana Ranaut Revisits Salman Khan’s ‘You’re A Bhansali Heroine’ Remark

Speaking to ANI, Kangana Ranaut recalled her first interaction with Salman Khan during her struggling days. “When I was struggling in my very early days, I met Salman through a contact. I was barely 16 or 17. Nothing had really happened yet. He looked at me and said, ‘She is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s heroine.’ That’s exactly what he said. He told me, ‘You should go and meet Sanjay Bhansali.’”

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For Kangana, Salman’s remark felt like a huge validation, especially given Bhansali’s reputation. She added, “Salman said, ‘He’ll see you and sign you right away.’ I thanked him, and he insisted, ‘No, go introduce yourself. Go meet him.’”

Taking his advice seriously, Kangana immediately went to meet the filmmaker. She recalled her meeting with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, saying, “So that very day, I went to Sanjay sir’s house with my portfolio, just a bunch of pictures, like strugglers usually carry. His mother was there too. I told him, ‘Salman sir has sent me.’ He said, ‘Yes, yes,’ and asked, ‘What is this?’ I said, ‘This is my portfolio.’”

Sanjay Leela Bhansali Asks Ranaut ‘What Is Your Actual Face Like?’

Kangana shared how Bhansali carefully examined her photographs during the meeting. The Tanu Weds Manu actress said, “He went through the pictures, looking closely at my face. Then he said, ‘You look different in every picture. What is your actual face like?’ He added, ‘If we straighten your hair, you look different. If you put on a wig, you look different.’”

She lightheartedly responded, “Is that good or bad?” to which he replied, “You’ll know.” However, the meeting didn’t lead to a film. Looking back, Kangana said, “Of course, he didn’t sign me. And I think what he meant was, if you make it, you’ll understand.”

Kangana Reveals Declining A Role Offer For Bhansali Films

Earlier, in an interview with NBT, Kangana also spoke about declining an offer from Bhansali. “Even Sanjay Leela Bhansali called me for an item number in Ram Leela. Everyone said I was crazy for turning him down. I can’t do it. Whether it’s Bhansali or anyone else, I just can’t. How can you portray women like this?”

About Kangana’s Upcoming Projects

On the work front, Kangana Ranaut has an exciting lineup of projects. The actress will reportedly be seen in Queen 2, directed by Vikas Bahl, reprising her iconic role on a new self-discovery journey. Additionally, Bharat Bhagya Viddhaata, starring Kangana Ranaut as a staff nurse, has wrapped up shooting and is in post-production, with a release expected in late 2026. The film is inspired by the Mumbai attacks and highlights the bravery of medical workers. Moreover, according to reports, Tanu Weds Manu 3, directed by Aanand L Rai, marks her return to the beloved franchise alongside R. Madhavan.

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Sonali Singh

Sonali Singh watches films like it’s a job (and honestly, it kind of is). Currently pursuing her Master’s in Communication and Journalism, she lives somewhere between deadlines and movie scenes. If it’s Bollywood, she’s already invested—films, drama, and all the gossip included. When she’s not writing, she’s either dancing her heart out like no one’s watching or trying to mimic people, proving that not all talents are meant to be discovered.