Kangana Ranaut: I am open to working with anyone, as long as I'm also the hero in the film

She reminds me of Alice in Wonderland. A girl who scampered dreamily, fell into a rabbit-hole and found herself in the peculiar, fantasy world of Bollywood. With Cheshire cats, Mad Hatters, mad-tea parties, Queen of Hearts, et al. Kangana Ranaut lives in the make-believe world of cinema, yet, she is not consumed by it. 'I don't live to work; it is only a small part of my life.I am not born to act. I act to express myself, but I'm not obsessed with it. I want to try different things before I know what I love doing the most. In that sense I'm a wanderer,' she says. Her elegant home resonates with her thoughts ' bold, abstract, with an old-world charm. I'm distracted by a stunning piece of d'cor perched on the wall ' a huge cut-out of Marilyn Monroe in her iconic pose, embedded with flashy lights. I know why, of course. We cosily settled down on the floor of her large living room with a cuppa chai, sunlight streaming in through the broad-brimmed windows while we chat about everything deep, dark and daring. Her enviable long locks are chopped off for a movie, but we're not surprised, Kangana is after all a crackerjack at becoming the character she portrays. 'I don't carry the baggage of my achievements or my failures. So, I can slip into my characters fearlessly. I live light, it gives me freedom to fly and be myself. People expect you to be part of a typical blockbuster, as their idea of success is so narrow. I enjoy larger-than-life characters and ensemble films, too, and I'm open to working with anyone, as long as I am also the hero in the film,' she says with casual candour. Though, for her, success didn't come easy as earlier she didn't have a tray-full of roles to pick and devour.
'I think success is overrated. And the struggle to get there is underrated. There are no rules that we have to make it.'
Kangana explains, 'Our society has a mean spirit; we crush the confidence of those who fail. Why do we make failure look so bad? I don't see my failures as tragic or embarrassing.' There were stories on how she was called a 'loser', at the start of her career. At dizzying heights of stardom, does she feel vindicated now? Pat comes her reply, 'I am still that loser. I like the term 'loser'; I am more comfortable with failure than success. It makes me bond with myself. It gives me character, strength and drive. Every time I am suppressed and I lose, I hit back with a bang. I don't think even rejection in love is a tragedy.'
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Her colossal confidence can put many to shame. But does she forgive those who have wronged her along the way to Wonderland? She looks pensive as she says, 'I'm not in a position to forgive anyone. I feel I am as flawed as anyone else. It won't be right to say that I am a better person. Today, I'm in a position of power to give my side of the story, it's not like they don't have their story. Everyone is a hero in their world. I forgive myself and let my demons out. If they stay inside, they will eat up my confidence and spirit. I flaunt my scars and my past like medals, and then it disappears.' In the office space of her apartment, as I entered I saw a quote hung on the wall, which read, 'They say I have bad attitude. I say just s***w them.' I remembered that and smiled. Her attitude is arresting, and her chutzpah charms, undoubtedly.
Today, she is on top of her game. She even forthrightly said she was 'No.1'. And apparently, she is the highest paid actress. She smiles, with a hint of pride and in agreement, of course, and says, 'The point at which I said it, I surely was at the top of my game, as I had delivered the highest grosser. I stand by what I said. It was out of pride for my own craft, and I know I have to prove myself this year again. But I assure you, I never make things look other than the way it should be, or the way I perceive it. There are people who try to manipulate other's perception. I could be flawed, weak, and delusional ' but I'm not a dishonest human being.' So, is she talking about the fierce competition, when other actors plant stories to stay ahead of the game? 'Well, I won't deny that you can be subjected to ugly competition and people can be extremely bitter about your success. Naturally, everyone is insecure in this place. And if you are constantly threatening someone's position, they will retaliate. I would do, too, but through my work. Others can do mean things and malign people, but that's not my strategy,' she says.
Her rivalry with Deepika Padukone is fodder for the press. Does she consider her competition? 'Does Deepika have any films this year?' she asks, a smile spilling over.
Moving on. Recently, a male superstar's online posts caught everyone's attention. It was believed that it was hinted at her, owing to their past relationship. 'I'm not sure it was targeted at me, but even if it was, I can't question someone else's feeling. I have nothing to say about that, but generally speaking, when it comes to human emotions and equations, there are no rules. You never know why one fine day you wake up with a desire for a certain somebody. Or one day, you stop wanting it. Everyone should follow their instinct, and it is not about who is right or wrong. Having said that, I feel when two people amicably decide to end an equation, they must give it a dignified closure and stick to it. I take a lot of time to put an end to a relationship, but when I leave it behind' it is over. It is very disturbing when others don't follow it. I never mourn over my past men, as there are so many around (laughs). I've never begged a man to stay after he has decided to move on. I have been dumped and rejected so many times, but it has never shattered my confidence. I know there is always another story around the corner. There is always a man better than the one before,' she says.
Listen to songs from Kangana Ranaut's films on Gaana.com
So would she be willing to kiss and make up with an 'ex' only to work together? 'I am in a place where I can choose to work with who I want to. If I don't feel comfortable, I won't do it. I don't think my work is more important than me. I value myself more than anything else. I might as well do a B-grade film, if that gives me more peace of mind,' she says with aplomb.
Well, I don't think it's easy for men to handle a firecracker like her. 'Right!' she exclaims and adds, 'It is not easy to be in love with someone like me. I am open about my life, and most men don't like women with such honesty; it can be nerve-racking for them. So it reduces my chance at having a relationship. But I'm not looking for an ordinary man. I like men who love to play with fire. I like men who love to tame roaring lionesses (cracks up with laughter). Men have told me that I can scare the s**t out of them. And I am aware that when I talk like that, no weak man would even flutter around me.' So has she moved on? Found new love? She blushes and says, 'Will tell you in our next interview.'
The gal's swag is sexy, but her spirit beats it all. And with dreamy eyes, she still can't stop looking for magic in her fantasy world.
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