Kangana Ranaut’s journey in Bollywood is remarkable with roles that got her National Film Awards thrice. She is now geared up for her next, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, Mental Hai Kya and a sports drama directed by Ashwini Iyer Tiwari. 
The actress says she is someone who has always taken on diverse roles, has broken most stereotypes and believes in being off the beaten path.
Talking about Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, Kangana, a Reebok brand ambassador, said in an interview: “I met with a nerve-wracking accident while shooting the film. It left me with a scar on my forehead. But when I look back now, I carry this scar with pride. I am nowhere close to Jhansi Ki Rani, but her story definitely gave me courage and strength to do this physically challenging part.”
“I am someone who has always taken on diverse roles and broken most stereotypes,” she added.
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi is an epic biographical film based on the life of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi. Kangana plays the lead role.
She is also a part of psychological thriller Mental Hai Kya, in which she shares screen space with her Queen co-star Rajkummar Rao. Kangana hopes the audience will like this film, too.
“We really don’t know about success and failure since it is not in our hands, but the script is nice and we are having a good time shooting the film. I hope the audiences like the film,” said Kangana, who is currently busy filming this project.
After that, she will start working on Ashwini Iyer Tiwari’s sports drama in which she plays a kabaddi player.
“I am really looking forward to working with her,” Kangana said.
Experimentation has been a constant in Kangana’s career. She has donned a never-seen-before avatar for a new video campaign for fitness brand Reebok.
The actress is seen flipping tyres, doing handstand push-ups, box jumps, kick boxing and is even seen doing monkey bar exercises on a scaffolding, in a series of videos.
Kangana says fitness is a way of life.
“I strongly believe that it helps me become a better version of myself physically, while also contributing immensely to my mental strength. The power of the mind is such that once I set my heart and mind on something, I will strive to achieve it no matter what.
“I believe in taking the road less travelled, discovering new things about myself and pushing my own boundaries to reach a newer, better, fitter and stronger space,” said Kangana, who won the National Film awards multiple times for Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Queen and Fashion.
The 31-year-old is someone who also faced tough times in Bollywood. But she says that has not changed her as a person.
“I am a straightforward person. I have always said exactly what is on my mind and voiced my opinion on what I believe is right — whether it is in my personal life, or professional. My experiences, whether good or bad, have definitely helped me evolve and made me who I am today,” she said. 
Working hard and giving her best to everything that she does, have been key to her.  
“The best feeling is being able to do something you think you wouldn’t be able to. It is this high that I enjoy and what pushes me to brave any obstacles laid out for me,” said Kangana.
This year, Kangana made heads turn at her debut appearance at the Cannes Film Festival. She was seen in her boldest avatar during her appearance at the film gala, receiving both appreciation and criticism.
She calls it a fulfilling trip.
“Being a part of the fashion industry always comes with its pros and cons. There is always positive and negative criticism around any actor and the only way to overcome that is by being yourself. Cannes has been memorable this year as I had the opportunity to showcase another side of myself,” said the actress.
Kangana says that a strong will and tough mind can make anything possible
“Shooting for this (fitness brand Reebok) video was physically challenging, but with a strong will and tough mind anything is possible. It is all about training the mind to succeed and overcome fears. The idea was to deliver my best and make the workout seem as real and ripped on camera.
“This high intensity driven exercises demanded physical strength and I realised how my fitness regime in real life helped me portray them in reel life, too,” she said.
Unlocking true human potential through the power of fitness, the brand has released a series of videos featuring brand ambassador Kangana.
Talking about these videos, Silvia Tallon, Senior Marketing Director, Reebok India, said: “Kangana aptly depicts the importance of fitness in defying the odds and rising above the challenges through her rigorous workout, her fitness levels are inspiring and that is clearly visible through these videos.”
Moving on, Kangana said Indian women should know how to drape a sari and that one can be a global citizen without compromising on individuality.
Earlier this year, ace designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee had said: “I think, if you tell me you do not know how to wear a sari, I would say shame on you. It’s a part of your culture, (you) need to stand up for it”.
And now, she has shared her opinion on it in an edition of a fashion and lifestyle magazine, read a statement.
She said: “I think if you’re an Indian woman, you should know how to drape a sari. It’s a racket out there with people who only want to shame others in the name of propagating their culture and identity.
“But I know people who find it ‘uncool’ to admit that they speak and understand Hindi or that they like Indian food or (that they are) brown. You can be a citizen of the world without compromising on your individuality.”
The actress had flaunted a sari designed by Sabyasachi at the Cannes Film Festival in May. — IANS




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