SHE WAS only 18 when she signed her first film Gangster and from then on there's been no stopping Kangana Ranaut, who has made a definite mark for herself in Bollywood. Read on to find out about her journey from the hills of Himachal into the hearts of her fans worldwide.
Did you always want to be an actress?
In my hometown Himachal, we didn't have a single theatre. If someone would get a DVD in the village, we would all circulate it, such was the scene there.
It's quite backward and I didn't know half of the actors from the industry then.
So how did acting happen?
I was a science student and wanted to be a doctor. I used to study for 19 hours a day and secure around 90 per cent. Even in severe winters, I used to get up at 3 am and sit to study. But I failed to clear my pre-medical test and that was a turning point in my life. That's when I decided I didn't want to study anymore and wanted to move out of my house.
I wanted my space and freedom so I moved to Delhi and lived there with a friend. But even then, I didn't know what I wanted to do. A modelling agency spotted me and liked me because of my curly hair and lean body.
They said they would groom me and send me for shows to Paris. But gradually I felt being a model was as good as being a mannequin and there was no scope for creativity, that's when I took up theatre in Delhi.
And how did you get your first film then?
While doing fashion shows, I used to come to Mumbai often. One day I was sitting at a coffee shop when Anurag Basu spotted me. He sent a note to me through a waiter. This drew the attention of those around me, in order to avoid a scene, Anurag quickly came running over to me and introduced himself and told me he was auditioning for his upcoming film.
Was the journey tough after that?
I had to go through so many auditions to get Gangster. Anurag auditioned me thrice then Mahesh Bhatt did the same. But that was not all, they kept me waiting for a month.
Anurag doesn't answer phone calls, so he used to not answer my calls. I didn't know whether I was on or off the project. At the same time, my modelling agency were hounding me. They had sent me just for a day to Mumbai and I had stayed for over a month. But later they offered me the film.
Did your parents support your decision to live and work in Mumbai?
No, they gave me such a hard time (laughs). I faced more problems from within my family than I did outside. But I was adamant, I told my dad that I was asking him just one year of my life.
He was still not ready. He in fact told me that in that one year, I could study harder and become a doctor. Finally they had to give in. I left my house with just Rs 10,000. My dad gave that to me reluctantly and told me not to ask for more!
Today, how do your friends and family react when they see your films and know that you are a star?
When my dad saw my first film, he was quite shocked. He said, 'I can understand Hema Malini and Zeenat Aman becoming actresses, but how could you?' He is still in a state of shock.
I told him dad now I can't help it, I'm already an actress (laughs). But frankly speaking, now whenever I go back home, people look at me differently, like as if I'm an alien (laughs). Whenever I meet my freinds they ask me for Anurag Basu's number. They feel he can make anyone a star.
You don't look like the typical actress. Was this ever a hurdle?
It's a strange question. Nowadays all actresses want to look like the one who is most famous in the industry. They all dress up, straighten their hair, wear contact lenses and apply similar kind of make-up. So they all look the same. My dad can't differentiate one from the other. I tell you, if you get the make-up off their faces, they will all look so beautiful. I'm myself. In my first film, I had not even trimmed my hair and used minimal make-up. I believe in showing my skin.
Do you feel lonely up there?
Yes, I do feel lonely. I don't have a single friend in the industry and often feel a vaccum inside. I read a book or do meditation in my spare time. I feel all of us are lonely, we only pretend to be happy. Life is so short and people play so many games. They talk bad about others and don't have a single good thing to say about others. Sometimes I wonder why people waste their lives in such a way.
You are said to be very spiritual. Enlighten us.
It's more important to have the thought of spirituality than the act of spirituality.
You have bought a plush house for yourself in Bandra. How does it feel to own your own space?
More than owning it, I feel that house owns me. I'm forever cleaning, dusting and doing the laundry at home. But it feels good to have your own home.
Do you think you have reached a stage where you can demand changes in your script and character?
No, not at all. I'm still at the receiving end. It's just a year for me in this industry. I'm still learning and there are people who know so much more than me.