An exclusive chat with Kangana Ranaut

Kangana Ranaut, who is known as the female perfectionist of the industry, during an exclusive interaction with us, spoke about her upcoming movie ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns,’ wherein, she is playing a double role for the first time ever. Dressed in a Sabyasachi and accessorized with Amrapali jewelry, she spoke about the journey with the cast and crew of ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ and about her character in both the versions.

You are playing double role of Tanu and Datto in this movie. How was the experience?

The characters are very different from each other and the experience has been really challenging. For me, enacting and convincing the audience about Tanu’s character was a challenging task, however, now in this movie I have another strong role that I have to pull off in the same way which is difficult when they have scenes together.

The characters I play in this movie have consumed all that I have in me. It was really draining. They both are really strong characters and play against each other unlike other twin-based stories. Everything from body language to ideology has to be conflicting, so people would be seeing two different Kangana at same time.

How different are the characters to each other?

Tanu is more self-centered and loves herself whereas Datto is a complete woman. It is the beauty and personality that attracts everyone towards Tanu whereas on the other hand Datto has bunny teeth, weird accent and so on. This is the juxtaposition and contradictions between the characters. Datto is an athlete coming from Haryana and a confident girl. She is tomboyish whereas Tanu would be seen the same way she was in the first version.

What was your reaction when you were offered the sequel?

When I was offered this sequel, I didn’t even think twice. We all are a family; we all are very comfortable with each other. Usually, when you take up a movie, you take your time to be comfortable but because we have been in touch for past 4 years, the bond has grown really strong. The point where the first part was ended, we always felt something was missing and the characters were so strong that the script, the story, the characters everything demanded a sequel. So, I am happy that this happened.

Would we see you wearing a Director’s hat soon, since you just did a course on script writing?

I pursued a script writing course recently and that wasn’t because I have a plan to make a movie or something that was just for my learning.

Do you feel lucky to be where you are?

Anyone would like to be in my place but it is surely not an easy place to be in. I have worked hard for it. Knowingly, unknowingly, intentionally or unintentionally, I have come here and enjoying the journey no matter what. The expectations I have from myself, it is not easy to compete with them either and yes, of course, it exhausts me personally.

Recently, Deepika Padukone spoke about depression, since you have had quite ups and downs in your life, did you face depression?

I don’t know where the spirit comes from but not even a single day of my life I have thought of not getting out of my bed or do not carry on the life. I have seen the worst phases and times however, I am fortunate enough to have control over my life and I never give up.

What is marriage for you?

Marriage is tricky. Even in today’s time women are expected to do a lot and I think it is them who would be able to connect to the character of Tanu the most, since even she struggles a lot after getting married. Society has different approach to marriages and the kind of society we are living in, it is really hard to have real idea of marriage and what is the correct marital age. So, that’s what ‘Tanu weds Manu Returns’ talks about and addresses the struggles of Tanu and Manu’s relationship.

What are other projects you are working on?

Tanu weds Manu Returns, Katti Batti, then I am starting a movie with Sujoy Ghosh called Devotion of suspect X, working on a project with Hansal Mehta and few other works coming on my way. Apart from all these, I am also looking up to Direct a short film called The Touch; however, I had to postpone the plan because of my acting assignments. The kind of work I am getting and the people I am working with is gratifying so, I don’t want to miss any opportunity.