Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has called out the way society treats nurses, describing the profession as “the most sexualised” and saying that nurses do not get the respect they deserve. Her remarks came during the promotional campaign for her upcoming film ‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata’, which releases on June 12, 2026.
What Kangana Ranaut said
Speaking about the challenges faced by nurses, Kangana said they are often underpaid, overworked, and underappreciated despite handling some of the most demanding responsibilities in hospitals. “They are underpaid, they are overworked, and they are most sexualised,” she said.
She added, “We don’t give them the respect they deserve. Nurses do a lot of important work, from cleaning patients to ensuring the hospital functions smoothly. If our perspective changes because of this film, even for a few minutes, it will be meaningful.”
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To illustrate her point, she mentioned that the film even includes a dialogue that reflects how some people talk to nurses when they get a moment alone with them. “Hamari film mein dialogue bhi hai ki do log nurse ko dekhkar time mila to do chaar baatein bhi kar lo. That is the reality,” she said.
The invisible workforce
Kangana noted that society tends to overlook the contributions of workers who form the backbone of healthcare institutions, including ward boys, watchmen, and other support staff. “When we think about hospitals, we naturally think of doctors, and their contribution is immense. But why don’t we pause and think about the millions of workers who keep the system running every day?” she said.
The film behind the message
‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata’ draws inspiration from the true story of the staff of Mumbai’s Cama Hospital during the 26/11 terror attacks. The film aims to change societal perceptions and encourage greater respect for nurses and other frontline hospital workers.
In ‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata’, Kangana portrays a staff nurse, an ordinary woman whose dedication and service often go unrecognised despite being at the forefront of public service.
The film shifts the focus away from celebrated heroes to the nurses and ward boys who became the nation’s quiet saviours during the attacks. Kangana has also highlighted that Cama Hospital nurses helped deliver 20 babies during the siege. That was in the middle of bullets and chaos.
Tax-free demand
At a special screening in Bhubaneswar, in presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Kangana said she dedicates the film to people whose contributions often go unnoticed.
“This film is dedicated to those who shape India’s destiny. That is why I have demanded that it be made tax-free. I have been assured that the film will be made tax-free,” she said.
The title’s origin
Kangana explained that the title ‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata’ drew inspiration from a phrase used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The name Bharat Bhagya Vidhata was given by the Prime Minister in 2025. He named the specially-abled as ‘Divyangjan’. He also changed the name of the scheme for widows to ‘Kalyani’. The workers who make things with their hands were ‘Vishwakarma’. In the same manner, he named the labourers as ‘Bharat Bhagya Vidhata’. This touched our hearts, and thus we wanted to keep it as our title,” she said.
Call for uniform reform
Separately, Kangana also shared her views on the dress code worn by nurses. She said the current uniform still carries a strong British influence and should be “Indianised” based on the preferences and comfort of nurses themselves.
“I feel that the dress code of British nurses is still in use. Our nurses, whether the weather is hot or cold, have a foreign look,” she said.
She added that if nurses feel reforms are in need, future changes could be according to their own choices and requirements.