Amid viral ‘2026 is 2016’ trend, Kangana Ranaut recalls when she received 'controversial' legal notice. 'Thank God it’s not 2016'

Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut has revisited one of the most controversial phases of her career while participating in the viral social media trend, “2026 is the new 2016.” Sharing a set of throwback photographs on Instagram, the actor reflected on how 2016 brought both professional highs and deep personal distress, largely due to the public and legal dispute involving actor Hrithik Roshan. Ranaut described the period as emotionally exhausting, despite being at the peak of her career at the time.

In her Instagram post, Kangana looked back at 2016 as a year when her professional graph rose sharply following the success of Queen and Tanu Weds Manu Returns. The back-to-back hits placed her among the highest-paid actresses in the industry. However, she noted that the success did not translate into peace or stability. Instead, she said the year marked a turning point where professional achievements began to feel overshadowed by conflict and pressure.

She recalled that early in 2016, a legal notice from a fellow actor changed the course of her life. While not naming Hrithik Roshan directly in the post, Kangana made a clear reference to the legal action that followed her public statements about their alleged personal relationship. According to her, the notice did not just affect her legally but also led to sharp divisions within the film industry, creating a visible split between insiders and outsiders.

The Hrithik Roshan legal dispute

For context, the controversy began after Kangana referred to Hrithik Roshan as her former partner during interviews. Roshan denied the claims and sent her a legal notice seeking an apology. Kangana refused, and what followed was a prolonged and highly publicised legal and media battle. The dispute escalated over time, involving leaked emails, cybercrime complaints, and forensic examinations.

During this phase, Kangana has said she felt isolated as sides were taken within the industry. She described how what should have been a rewarding phase of her career instead became emotionally draining, turning daily life into what she now refers to as a “living hell.”

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A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@kanganaranaut)

Looking back from 2026 with perspective

A decade later, Kangana reflected on how differently she views that phase of her life today. In her post, she shared that if she had known in 2016 that the controversies would eventually lose relevance, she would not have allowed the situation to consume her emotionally. She pointed out that in 2026, she finds herself happier, more relaxed, and able to laugh freely, with the past no longer holding power over her present. The actor expressed relief at having moved on, suggesting that time has softened the impact of events that once felt overwhelming.

Kangana’s post also indirectly brings back memories of another legal chapter involving lyricist Javed Akhtar. In 2020, Akhtar filed a defamation case against her after she claimed in an interview that he had advised her to apologise to Hrithik Roshan. The matter, which also became part of wider media discussions following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, was resolved in 2025.

On the professional front, Kangana was last seen in the 2025 film Emergency. She has several projects lined up, including Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata. The actor is also set to return with sequels to two of her most popular films, Queen 2 and Tanu Weds Manu 3, both expected to release this year. Additionally, she will be seen in Manikarnika Returns: The Legend of Didda.