“If I hadn’t taken Panga with My Dad, I would not have been in the Film Industry"- Kangana Ranaut
She is Bold and Beautiful. She is QUEEN of Bollywood. She believes in supporting the truth. Known for her fearless attitude and brutally honest nature, Kangana Ranaut has no doubt taken 'Panga' with the biggies of the industry.
However, in her latest release, Kangana is seen taking ‘Panga’ for good where she is playing a Kabaddi player. The much-awaited film also stars Jassi Gill, Richa Chadda and Neena Gupta in the pivotal roles, and will hit the theatres on 24th January.
We recently spoke to Kangana Ranaut, who loves experimenting with her work fearlessly. Here are the excerpts for our readers.
What is PANGA all about?
I am playing a Kabaddi player in this film. When Ashwiny (Iyer Tiwari) came to me with the script, I was fully engrossed hearing it. The script was very emotional. So, I accepted it. Ashwini is also my first woman director who handled me. Besides Kabaddi, the film is also about family values, relationships and overall very challenging that needs to be told and the film is coming in the right time. So many TV channels have already started showing Kabaddi and it is the most viewed game after Cricket, I think.
Which was the first Panga you took, and what was its result?
The first ever Panga I took was at the age of 15, and it was with my Dad. I told him straightaway that I want to choose acting as my profession and he did not agree. If I hadn’t taken this Panga, I would not have been in the film industry today. I breathed freely and there were no societal pressures, and the worst thing that could happen to me was failure. I was ready to face all kinds of failures too!
Your most memorable Panga, which you will never forget in your life!
Everybody knows my most memorable Panga was with a charming person who openly hugs everybody, and then stabs in the back. I think I took the Panga as I was telling the truth to the society.
What precautions one must take when he or she has to take a Panga?
Be truthful. Don’t be a liar. Howsoever, the truth maybe Kadwa (bitter), but stick to the truth. The Panga will always favour the person who tells the truth.
What do you feel will be the highlight of the film Panga?
I love the way Ashwini handles the subject with so much sensitivity. I still remember her two films ‘Nil Battey Sannata’ and ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’, where she has very cleverly handled the subjects and also the lead actresses in both the films had memorable roles. The best thing about PANGA is that it is headlined by me in the female lead, helmed by a lady director and it is written by Nitesh, husband of Ashwini who has already written ‘Dangal’, a sport drama which we all know is one of the biggest hits.
What were the preparations you had to do for your role in Panga?
I am playing the role of Jaya Nigam, who has a child and now she is thirty. She has a dream of becoming a Kabaddi player. But on one hand, I am having a child and I have to look after him. How I chase my dream is all the film talks about. I did not know playing Kabaddi so I had to train myself in this game for two months. Then I had to put on some additional weight for the role. After that I was fully engrossed in my scenes. Ashwini would come to my vanity van and would kiss me on the forehead every morning. She treated me like a child.
So, choosing your dream became a big hurdle for your family in Panga?
It was harder for the character of Jaya Nigam to be a mother and also chase her dream, as she cannot abandon the child. Also, she cannot leave her family or walk away from the marriage. For me, this is the most challenging role I have played till date. For me it was an insight into my life very different from mine wherein my family is unable to compromise on my dream, and I have to strike a right balance between my family and my dream.
You were chosen as the Hottest Vegetarian by PETA in 2013. Do you stick only to the Vegetarian diet?
Oh yes! For my breakfast, I take porridge or what is called Daaliya. I also take green cereals, which is rich in fibre and complex carbohydrates to give me energy to work all day long. I also eat fresh fruits in between my snacks and meals. I take a protein shake and for lunch I eat salads, rice, roti and dal along with boiled vegetables. In the evening, I eat brown bread, fresh fruits and vegetable soup.
What regime you follow to keep yourself so fit and fine?
Under my gym guru's guidance, I do running, push ups, squats and other muscle building exercises. I also do kickboxing, practise yoga and meditation at least once in a week to keep myself calm.
You have still not found your Prince Charming as your Life Partner.
He should be more beautiful than me, more intelligent than me and also more talented than me!
