Mumbai, June 29

 She may be known for her intensity and emotive portrayals of conflicted characters in films like "Gangster" and "Fashion", but Kangana Ranaut says that she is essentially a "fun-loving" person and the comedy genre comes quite naturally to her.

Kangana, most recently seen in the comedy "Double Dhamaal" that released last Friday, seems to be consciously veering towards lighter films. The National Award-winning actress, who started her Bollywood journey with a spate of serious films, has been seen in breezy roles in "Tanu Weds Manu", "No Problem" and now "Double Dhamaal".

"I'm a very fun-loving person in real life and comedy comes naturally to me. In fact, I always found intense characters challenging. But as an outsider in the industry you don't have a choice in the roles you are offered. You take what you get," Kangana told IANS in an interview.

"I don't regret the earlier films I did though - they were fantastic and brought me to this point. But I am enjoying comedy," the 24-year-old added.

"Also now I think producers have faith in me, that I can do these roles well and audiences also like me in such roles...'Tanu Weds Manu' was such a hit; so I'm getting a lot of comedies," she added.

After "Double Dhamaal", Kangana will be seen in another laugh-riot "Rascals", which stars Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgn and is being helmed by David Dhawan.

Asked whether she was more comfortable with solo roles or being part of an ensemble cast, she said: "I like doing films with strong scripts that I think audiences will like, a set up that will deliver the script's promise. It doesn't matter if it's a solo lead or a two-heroine film."

"Although it depends on the director and how he positions and portrays you in a film, getting noticed in a big cast is possible. People really noticed my performance in 'Fashion' even though I was not the lead," she added.

On the personal front, Kangana, who started her career in 2006 with "Gangster", is quite happy with what she has achieved in five years, particularly considering that she is an outsider in the industry.

"It's very fulfilling of course to see people appreciate your work, but I still have a very long way to go. It was very tough. I still face many challenges, but I am happy with the place I am in today."

What troubles her are the persistent rumours of link-ups. After her break-up with Adhyayan Suman, Kangana was linked with several actors like Dino Morea and Ajay Devgn and even Hollywood actor Gerard Butler.

"It's not a good feeling when you see rubbish being written. But I'm learning to take it in my stride. I guess it's an unfortunate side effect of the job," said Kangana.

And when do you plan to settle down?

"I'm just 24...there's plenty of time for that," a smiling Kangana said.