Sonil Dedhia/Rediff.com in Mumbai
'It’s been eight years since I did my first film; it took me such a long time to reach the position I am today.'
'You don’t get success overnight. I have grown as an actor and that is why I think the audience likes me as an actor. '
Kangna Ranaut, post-Queen.
Kangna Ranaut is in a special space today.
She's just scored a big success in Queen, and she's looking forward to her next title role, Revolver Rani, releasing on April 25.
The actress seems quite sure of the movies she wants to take up, and even wants to spare some time to 'date' someone.
Over to Kangna:
What kind of scripts has come your way since the release of Queen?
I played the title role in Queen and Revolver Rani, so now why I should work in films where I have a screen time of 60 per cent as compared to the hero of the film?
I’d like to take my time and work at my own space. I have rejected 25 scripts with big heroes and title roles because I want to work in films that I will enjoy doing.
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'I always felt that I didn't get the roles that I deserved'
Image: Kangna Ranaut in QueenHave things changed after the success of Queen?
Success changes a few things. People have started perceiving me in a different way.
But at the same time I am not a very people person.
I like to keep it to myself. For me, success is the feedback that I got from my fans and the people from the film fraternity. These things are very special for me.
Is this the success you were looking for when you entered this industry?
Yes. I always felt that I didn’t get the roles that I deserved.
Now, after doing films like Queen and Revolver Rani, I feel I have got more than I deserve (smiles).
'I am not important enough that Amitabh Bachchan will associate my name with him'
Image: Kangna Ranaut and Aamir KhanPhotographs: Pradeep Bandekar
Does success change your equation with other stars in the industry?
I like to be on my own and have my own space. I am not a person who shares a lot of things.
I am not important enough that Amitabh Bachchan will associate my name with him. I meet him as seldom as you do.
Aamir Khan is not someone I hang out with every day or go watch a movie with. I really appreciate their gesture and the love they have shown towards my work. It shows how courteous and gracious these men are.
For them, I am just another artist and they have always inspired good work. This has nothing to do with the success of Queen.
The film was declared a hit only after three to four weeks, but people from the industry had shown their appreciation as soon as they saw the film.
Do you think the success of Queen will bring audiences to see Revolver Rani?
I really don’t know if that will happen. Before the release of Queen, we weren’t sure of the response.
We weren’t expecting the kind of response the film got. We never thought that it was a seeti-maar film because there weren’t really any moments like that. But people did whistle and enjoyed the film a lot.
Revolver Rani is a really good film too. I hope it gets a decent response.
'Revolver Rani is the most difficult film I have done so far'
Image: Kangna Ranaut in Revolver RaniHow difficult was it to transform yourself from the soft and demure character you played in Queen to the brash and bold character in Revolver Rani?
Revolver Rani is the most difficult film I have done so far. The film is set in Chambal and the language of that region is not very easy.
My character is completely neurotic and twisted and it was difficult to get into that zone.
I play a 40-year-old woman who doesn’t look good, always does the wrong things and therefore, is ignored by most people.
I took almost three to four months to understand the character, as I wanted to live up to the faith shown in me by the director and the producers.
How did you prepare for the role?
The character is quite manly and I didn’t want to go the regular way of playing a masculine character. I wanted it to be very much a woman, yet powerful and intimidating and brutal.
I started playing with revolvers and tried getting used to them being around me.
We also did a look test and tried to play around with my nose. The structure of my nose makes my face look very soft. We got a very good prosthetic artist from London who gave my nose a certain broadness and made it a little crooked. I also thickened my eye brows.
'I don't believe in luck'
Image: Kangna Ranaut in Revolver RaniCan you tell us about your character in the film?
The film is a reflection of what politicians are doing in our country today. We read in the newspapers about the scams. Most politicians are jokers and cartoons (laughs).
The film shows how people elect their politicians and how these politicians misuse their resources for their own indulgence.
My character is a politician who speaks in a certain way; her clothes come from Italy and she has always been a fashion victim.
The film in itself is a tragedy. Director Sai Kabir has narrated the film in a much evolved way. It's inspired by pulp fiction novels, the kind one sees in bookstores in railway stations.
Expect a lot of drama and action in the film and the director has said it in a very quirky way.
Do you believe in luck?
I don’t believe in luck. I think it is hard work and dedication that ultimately speak.
It’s been eight years since I did my first film; it took me such a long time to reach the position I am today.
You don’t get success overnight. I have grown as an actor and that is why I think the audience likes me as an actor.
If films like Queen and Revolver Rani had come my way four years ago, I’m not sure I could have pulled them off.
'I think I should take a break and start dating now'
Image: Kangna RanautPhotographs: Pradeep Bandekar
Does being experimental come naturally to you?
I don’t repeat myself. I said no to The Dirty Picture and then I did not do Ranjhaanaa as it was more in the Tanu Weds Manu space.
I am trying to avoid Tanu Weds Manu 2. I don’t want to do it now; I may do it after some time.
You recently mentioned that you are still a struggler.
Yes, I feel I am still a struggler. Even with Queen I had to struggle a lot.
I wrote my own dialogues and I wasn’t sure I would have done such a character.
It is rumoured that you are dating someone in the United States.
I don’t have any special person but I think I should take a break and start dating now.
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