Emergency Movie Cast: Kangana Ranaut As Indira Gandhi, Anupam Kher As JP Narayan And More
Kangana Ranaut as Indira Gandhi, Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan, and more- meet the powerhouse cast of Emergency.

Kangana Ranaut’s ambitious political drama Emergency is all set to hit theatres on January 17, bringing to life one of the most controversial periods in Indian history. Directed by Ranaut herself, the film explores the 21-month Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, from 1975 to 1977, often referred to as the darkest chapter of independent India. The film captures the complex political landscape of the time, featuring a stellar cast that portrays key historical figures. Let’s break down who’s playing whom in this much-anticipated political drama:
Kangana Ranaut as Indira Gandhi
related stories
Kangana Ranaut steps into the shoes of India’s first female Prime Minister, portraying her decisive, controversial, and often polarizing leadership during the Emergency. Known for her fearless performances, Ranaut delves into Gandhi’s authoritarian streak as well as her personal vulnerabilities in navigating the political chaos of the time.
Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan
Veteran actor Anupam Kher plays Jayaprakash Narayan, the revered political leader and activist who spearheaded the opposition against Indira Gandhi’s regime. Often referred to as the “Loknayak" or People’s Leader, JP’s unwavering fight for democracy is a key aspect of the film.
Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Shreyas Talpade portrays Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the BJP co-founder and later India’s Prime Minister, known for his sharp oratory and principled opposition to the Emergency. The film traces Vajpayee’s resilience as a young political leader standing alongside Jayaprakash Narayan.
Mahima Chaudhry as Pupul Jayakar
Mahima Chaudhry plays Pupul Jayakar, a trusted confidante of Indira Gandhi and her biographer. Through her role, the film provides a glimpse into Gandhi’s personal life and the inner workings of her political world.
Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
Milind Soman portrays Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, India’s celebrated military leader whose sharp intellect and strategic expertise earned him admiration. The film touches upon his interactions with Indira Gandhi during critical moments like the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Vishak Nair as Sanjay Gandhi
Vishak Nair steps into the role of Sanjay Gandhi, Indira Gandhi’s younger son, who played a controversial role during the Emergency. His policies and initiatives, particularly around forced sterilisation, remain a significant focus.
Satish Kaushik as Jagjivan Ram
The late Satish Kaushik portrays Jagjivan Ram, a senior politician and former Deputy Prime Minister, who played a crucial role during the Emergency. The film sheds light on his political stance amidst the chaos.
Scott Alexander Young as Richard Nixon
Scott Alexander Young takes on the role of US President Richard Nixon, highlighting the strained Indo-US relations during Indira Gandhi’s tenure. Their bitter diplomatic exchanges form an intriguing subplot.
Ashok Chhabra as Morarji Desai
Ashok Chhabra plays Morarji Desai, who became India’s Prime Minister after Indira Gandhi. Desai’s staunch opposition to the Emergency and his leadership in restoring democracy are explored.
Adhir Bhat as Feroze Gandhi
Adhir Bhat portrays Feroze Gandhi, Indira Gandhi’s husband, offering insights into his political influence and their complex marital dynamics.
Kateryna Grabovska as Sonia Gandhi
Kateryna Grabovska plays Sonia Gandhi, Indira Gandhi’s Italian-born daughter-in-law, who gradually became a key figure in Indian politics. The film depicts her early days in India and her evolving role within the Gandhi family.
Revisiting the Emergency
The Emergency period, lasting from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, was marked by sweeping curtailment of civil liberties. Opposition leaders were jailed, freedom of speech was suppressed, and the media faced heavy censorship. The film Emergency revisits this grim chapter, shedding light on the political dynamics, personal conflicts and public resilience that defined the era.
- Location :
- First Published: