Kangana Ranaut bares her soul

TNN / Oct 29, 2007, 00:00 IST

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

Kangana Ranaut tells TOI, how she fought all odds to make a name for herself in tinsel town.

doweshowbellyad=0;

Kangana (TOI Photo) More pics‘I don’t have a single friend in Bollywood’
She was only 18 when she signed her first film Gangster and from then on there’s been no stopping Kangana Ranaut, who has made a definite mark for herself in Bollywood. Read on to find out about her journey from the hills of Himachal into the hearts of her fans worldwide
Did you always want to be an actress?
In my hometown Himachal, we didn’t have a single theatre.

If someone would get a DVD in the village, we would all circulate it, such was the scene there.

It’s quite backward and I didn’t know half of the actors from the industry then. I knew Preity Zinta because she is from the hills and looks like a fresh apple! When I used to watch films never did I once imagine that someday people would watch me too on the big screen.
So how did acting happen?
I was a science student and wanted to be a doctor. I used to study for 19 hours a day and secure around 90 per cent. Even in severe winters, I used to get up at 3 am and sit to study.

But I failed to clear my pre-medical test and that was a turning point in my life. That’s when I decided I didn’t want to study anymore and wanted to move out of my house.
I wanted my space and freedom so I moved to Delhi and lived there with a friend. But even then, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. A modelling agency spotted me and liked me because of my curly hair and lean body.
They said they would groom me and send me for shows to Paris. But gradually I felt being a model was as good as being a mannequin and there was no scope for creativity, that’s when I took up theatre in Delhi.
And how did you get your first film then?
While doing fashion shows, I used to come to Mumbai often. One day I was sitting at a coffee shop when Anurag Basu spotted me. He sent a note to me through a waiter.
He put down his name and number and asked me to give him a call. I was very naive then. I started questioning the waiter as to who he was and why he had sent me the note.
This drew the attention of those around me, in order to avoid a scene, Anurag quickly came running over to me and introduced himself and told me he was auditioning for his upcoming film.
Was the journey tough after that?
I had to go through so many auditions to get Gangster. Anurag auditioned me thrice then Mahesh Bhatt did the same. But that was not all, they kept me waiting for a month.
Anurag doesn’t answer phone calls, so he used to not answer my calls. I didn’t know whether I was on or off the project. At the same time, my modelling agency were hounding me. They had sent me just for a day to Mumbai and I had stayed for over a month. But later they offered me the film.
Did your parents support your decision to live and work in Mumbai?
No, they gave me such a hard time (laughs). I faced more problems from within my family then I did outside. But I was adamant, I told my dad that I was asking him just one year of my life.
He was still not ready. He in fact told me that in that one year, I could study harder and become a doctor. Finally they had to give in. I left my house with just Rs 10,000. My dad gave that to me reluctantly and told me not to ask for more!
Today, how do your friends and family react when they see your films and know that you are a star?
When my dad saw my first film, he was quite shocked. He said, ‘I can understand Hema Malini and Zeenat Aman becoming actresses, but how could you?’ He is still in a state of shock.
I told him dad now I can’t help it, I’m already an actress (laughs). But frankly speaking, now whenever I go back home, people look at me differently, like as if I’m an alien (laughs). Whenever I meet my freinds they ask me for Anurag Basu’s number. They feel he can make anyone a star.
You don’t look like the typical actress. Was this ever a hurdle?
It’s a strange question. Nowadays all actresses want to look like the one who is most famous in the industry. They all dress up, straighten their hair, wear contact lenses and apply similar kind of make-up.
So they all look the same. My dad can’t differentiate one from the other. I tell you, if you get the make-up off their faces, they will all look so beautiful. I’m myself. In my first film, I had not even trimmed my hair and used minimal make-up. I believe in showing my skin.
Does being young and independent at such a young age have an adverse effect?
l It can. It’s a huge responsibility. Today I’m an actress, there is so much of money coming in and that can spoil anybody who is of my age. People drink, do drugs here, use foul language (I’ve learnt all the gaalis after coming to Mumbai).
One can get into bad company easily. But then I know my mind. I’ve done mistakes before but I’ve learnt from it. Though people might make fun of our Indian culture and values but it helps you stay grounded. I follow them and that’s how I maintain a right balance. I think till the time you turn 22-23, you should seek your parents’ advice.
Do you feel lonely up there?
Yes, I do feel lonely. I don’t have a single friend in the industry and often feel a vaccum inside. I read a book or do meditation in my spare time.
I feel all of us are lonely, we only pretend to be happy. Life is so short and people play so many games. They talk bad about others and don’t have a single good thing to say about others. Sometimes I wonder why people waste their lives in such a way.
So you must be missing your friends in Himachal?
l I do meet them whenever I go home. They are all studying but I feel that they are too immature and I’ve grown up. They chat over the internet, write love letters to boys and I find all this very kiddish and back here in Mumbai, the people I’m surrounded with are so much older than I am. So I feel quite alone. I feel I belong neither here nor there.
Has success changed you?
l Yes, it has made me independent. Today I can do so many things that I couldn’t do earlier. When you are working, people tend to respect and love you. I feel much stronger now.
You are strong, you proved that when your sister had an acid attack...
But I didn’t have any other option. I had to be brave but if I had a chance, I would have run away from the whole thing and never turned back.
What next after acting?
I want to be a director someday. I don’t understand the technicalities of filmmaking now but I wish to direct a film someday. Maybe I may assist a director. Sometimes I feel I should have started off earlier. Many of them assist directors and then get into acting. I wish I could do that. Maybe I may enroll myself in a film institute abroad.
The one actor you would love to work with?
Aamir Khan. If I get to act with him in just one film, I think I won’t have to attend any school.
Many kids from filmi background are entering the industry. Do you feel threatened?
No I don’t. I like to do films that have been written especially for me. Like when I did Gangster, everyone said that only Kangana could play that role. And when the director knows that only I can do a particular role, then there is no question of anybody else being cast for it! I want work but I don’t want all of it! The other actresses can take the remaining of the work (laughs).
You are said to be very spiritual. Enlighten us...
People make me sound like a yogi or a Buddha! I just do a bit of meditation. It’s more important to have the thought of spirituality than the act of spirituality.
What about marriage plans?
I have never ever decided anything in my life. But marriage is something I have planned. I want to get married by 26, have a child by 27 and then get back to work when I’m 28.
You have bought a plush house for yourself in Bandra. How does it feel to own your own space?
More than I owning it, I feel that house owns me. I’m forever cleaning, dusting and doing the laundry at home. But it feels good to have your own home.
Earlier I had a one-bedroom flat and when my parents used to come over here, they used to find it quite small. In fact, we used to keep bumping into each other (laughs). But now they are happy and are ready to come to Mumbai more often.
Do you think you have reached a stage where you can demand changes in your script and character?
No, not at all. I’m still at the receiving end. It’s just a year for me in this industry. I’m still learning and there are people who know so much more than me.

End of Article