When you hear the name Kangana Ranaut, you think of a beautiful woman with crazy curls who is fearless. And when you’re lucky enough to speak to her, you know that your perception of her isn’t too different from reality. Kangana was recently interviewed as The New Face Of India at the Women In The World Summit and I feel it’s most fitting, because she is the new face of India – someone who’s saying things we’re all thinking and doing things we all want to. Her sense of self-awareness is borderline crazy.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
1. You were at the Women In The World Summit which is such an honour. I feel it’s so cool that it was called The New Face of India because that’s really who you are! Tell me about that?
Yes, I was there. It was such an honour. We spoke about things that weren’t only about my roles in films and glamour industry stuff. We spoke about gender equality, rape cases and many other pertinent issues. Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep had spoken before me, so yes it was a wonderful experience. Kate Blanchett will be speaking at one of these summits soon. It was all very exciting!
2. You’ve actually tasted super success in the last couple of years. You think it’s easier to voice your opinions about things when your movies are doing well because everyone is interested in what you’ve to say suddenly?
Umm… I think so, yes. I don’t understand why so many of us celebrities don’t use our status to talk about issues of importance. They called me a rock star! But they asked me that how come they’ve only heard about Aamir Khan and his humanitarian works and opinions. I feel sad that not enough of us are doing stuff to stimulate the social mind or adding to the social structure. We shouldn’t be scared to go out and express ourselves. It’s become all about posting selfies and that’s all.
3. So interesting you’d bring up social media and selfies. You’ve maintained your aversion to it…
Yes, I’m not on it and I don’t want to be. But I get enough bashing on the internet I know. When I get out of this country, the attention to me shifts in a way that people are interested in what I have to say and my opinions. I feel expressing yourself is so important. You don’t have to be right all the time, but you need to have an opinion. I don’t know why we’re expected to avatars of Lord Rama or a national hero, we can be wrong, but it’s important to express. If I say something today, it shouldn’t be held against me 5 years from now because we’re constantly evolving. We’re all too worried about being politically correct.
4. Sometimes on Twitter when actresses are targeted for their opinions, it gets overtly sexist and slut shame-ey. Why do you think that?
I feel Twitter as a medium has a lot of vicious and venomous people that I won’t take seriously. They’re faceless people who think they can get away with anything.
5. You also have a strong ‘No Award Ceremonies’ policy. What’s the one thing that you hate the most about them?
That I don’t value them as such. It’s not exclusive in any way. You have a Best Popular Actress, Best Actress Critique, Best Entertainer… one for everyone. That’s why when I get a National Award it feels like something special. And who is to say who’s “best” anyway?
6. Coming back to The Women In The World Summit, I’m sure your stand against fairness products was spoken about. Has the stand been a difficult one to take?
Oh definitely! I’ve missed out on at least 10 crores worth of business because of this decision. But everything from foundation to a plain pimple cream is “whitening” and I can’t support that. And you’d think I was appreciated for it! But not at all (laughs!). Everyone told me I was being stupid. At the summit, I was asked about my opinions on gender inequality in our nation and the industry. These are issues I am passionate about and I was very happy to represent India at such a global platform for topics that are important to me.
7. Let’s talk about beauty standards in Bollywood for a second. Your crazy curls defy them from the word go! Have you struggled with that?
Bollywood propagates a certain beauty standard which is absolutely unreal. Personally, even in the roles I do I try for it to be a real and relatable woman. Rani (Queen) or Datto (Tanu Weds Manu Returns) were women you could feel in flesh and blood, you know? We as Indians now I think are trying to not give into those pressures. When I started out, I tried so hard to fit in. Honestly, I am telling you, I would try to be the damsel in distress because I thought there’s no other way. But I am my own savior and I had to stick to my guns eventually.
8. You think the “fitting in” challenges that women face are particular to Bollywood? Our leading men are getting older, but the heroines are getting younger!
It’s everywhere! Meryl Streep spoke about the same thing!
I feel over time you have to realize that we’re creating a world where even good isn’t good enough. We are making our children and women insecure about themselves. You’re more than just tits and butts and the tits and butts are going to sag, whether real or fake (laughs)! We need to strive to be real role models and put it out there that no one is loved for their tits and butt. There maybe 10 filters for your selfie but real love is forever, not only when you have blow-dried hair.
9. Speaking about real love, aren’t you too busy for love?
Wow! No one’s actually ever asked me that! I am a very private person and honestly Priyam, I never get asked about my relationships. Umm… I am not ready for any commitment right now. It’s hard and 2016 is a very demanding year for me. I have a lot of work and I am working on four landmark performances from myself. I’m my own competition and it’s a standard I’ve set for myself. I feel like there’s a time for everything, and my work is getting my best years I guess. I am very happy.
Thank you for speaking to us, Kangana! We love you <3