I have fought against not being paid equally to males in the fraternity: Kangana

Kangana Ranaut is a rebel who left her hometown for films. With no godfather in the industry, she has worked hard for her success. Kangana believes in speaking her heart, even in the face of criticism. Says the actress, “I have tasted success and failure and am undeterred by both. At times, I have felt shivers run down my spine due to some bad happenings in my life, but I have learnt to move ahead on my own terms and conditions. My weaknesses are overshadowed by my strengths.”

Describing her film, Kangana says, “Rangoon is a story of two lovers against the backdrop of World War 2. My character, Julia is fierce and yet childlike.”

Clarifying the resemblance of the opening song to the yesteryear number, Mere piya gaye Rangoon, Kangana says, “The story opens with it. However, there is a small difference in the lyrics and this song is picturised in the UK.”

On why she is promoting Rangoon all by herself, the actress says, “This is a conscious decision taken by the makers. I will initially be promoting the film by myself. The boys — Saif Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor — will promote with me later on.”

Recalling her National Award win, Kangana says, “As a daughter, I am proud to have given this happiness to my parents, especially since I had walked out of the home. Today, my parents are standing by my side.”

The actress justifies doing mostly women-centric films. “I have always stood for women empowerment. Films are the right medium to propagate the betterment of women,” she says.

Kangana has openly fought against unequal wages in B-town. The actress explains, “I have fought against not being paid equally to the males in the fraternity. When I can carry films solely on my shoulders, why can’t I be paid well? I have been criticised by the fraternity for this but I stand by what I say. I have also dropped many films as I was being underpaid.” The actress reveals she has plans to open her own production house soon.

Kangana says that she wishes to get married. “I want to settle down, have a family and kids.”

While the actress dons a Western avatar in Rangoon, she will soon be seen in a Maharashtrian sari in her next film, Rani Laxmibai. “My directors always expect me to be true to the reel character,” she says.

Having won the National Award, is the actress targeting the Padmashree? The actress smiles as she says, “I hope so.”