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Tough to remain 'headstrong' in filmdom: Kangana Ranaut
New Delhi
Nov 4
Actress Kangana Ranaut, known to speak her mind despite the reactions her words
elicit, says it is difficult to remain "headstrong" in Bollywood as there are
always people who try to make one "feel insignificant". But she continues to
fight it.
"Being an outsider in the business, I have fought to carve a niche for myself. I
have also been opinionated and I choose to express my views openly," Kangana
told IANS in an email interview.
"In our industry, it becomes difficult to remain headstrong as you are often
judged for not following the status quo. There will always be a segment that
will try to make you feel insignificant, but it is important to channel your
strength and confidence and work hard to triumph. It's important to grow a
distinct voice to break the clutter," added the National Award winner.
Kangana, a Reebok brand ambassador, is a part of the second edition of the
brand's #FitToFight campaign, which fights looming gender demons of eve-teasing
and pay disparity.
The actress has been actively talking about her struggle in the industry as well
as her relationships with actors like Aditya Pancholi and Hrithik Roshan. She
tagged filmmaker Karan Johar as a "flagbearer of nepotism" during his chat show.
Does she consider herself "mentally tough and fit to fight"?
"Absolutely," she said.
"My experiences in life, on the personal and professional fronts, have helped
shape the individual I am today. There have been moments in my life when it was
very difficult to continue working in unfavourable conditions. But I fought my
way, to make a mark for myself.
"I realised the importance of being tough, both mentally and physically, which
encouraged me to deliver my best regardless of the odds. In my journey, I
learned that challenges may always beset you, but if one is strong-willed and
determined, you can overcome them," added Kangana, often tagged the "Queen" of
Bollywood.
In her last released film "Simran", she played an imperfectly perfect girl who
wants to lead life on her own terms. Does she think such characters hardly exist
in real life where girls are always following the norm?
"My career trajectory is full of characters and films where I am trying to
redefine the conventional heroine tag. I think it is important to reinvent
oneself continuously and diversify your craft.
"I have been fortunate that I have worked in path-breaking films such as
'Fashion', 'Tanu Weds Manu', 'Queen' and 'Simran' where I play individualistic
characters. I do know 'Queen' had a strong impact on viewers. I always choose to
do roles where there is a message being delivered that makes the viewer think
differently and shapes their choices," said the actress, who will next be seen
in "Manikarnika".
She also feels "there are many women who aspire to dream bigger and better" and
she is one of them. Kangana, who comes from a small town in Himachal Pradesh,
says her circumstances never discouraged her from chasing her dreams.
"I encourage women to believe in their strength and value their hard work. My
motto has always been to follow my own path and not succumb to norms. I believe
it's important to celebrate yourself and grow with each experience," she said.
This is what she is trying to promote with the #FitToFight campaign.
"I hope to inspire other girls through my stories of courage, faith and
conviction. I truly believe in the limitless potential that every woman
possesses to be physically, mentally and socially fit. I do hope my story and
journey of facing adversities, fighting obstacles and emerging stronger and
fitter, will inspire other women to be Fit to Fight," she said.
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