'Rani Laxmibai and I, both fight for what's right' Kratika Sengar

Kratika Sengar, the face of the young and valiant Jhansi Ki Rani, takes a break from her scary day and night schedule to talk to Tellybuzz.

The actress is measured when it come to talking. She does not utter any nonsense that is irrelevant to the topic at hand. She tells why not just women should look upto Rani Laxmibai but men too. She also lets us know that she is indeed passionate about her work as she scores a three on five in the rapid-fire questionnaire based on Jhansi Ki Rani!

Excerpts from our conversation…

Kratika, you got finalized and then made to wait for a long time until you could start shooting. How did you cope during the period of waiting?

Tell us about the training you went through. Also the mental preparation from your end to portray Jhansi.

Ulka made a statement that went – 'People tell me they stopped watching Jhansi because I am not part of it'. Did it increase your trepidation?

Challenges are a part of life. So what has been your challenge in portraying Jhansi Ki Rani?

Do you see glints of Jhansi inside of you?

What should the girls in today's time learn from Jhansi Ki Rani?

Today's girls are very smart. They know how to handle pretty much all the situations. I think not just girls, everyone should learn from Jhansi this one fact that we can't allow caste, creed or any other religious barriers to divide us. We should neglect all of that and look at the bigger picture which would eventually lead to the betterment of all of us.

Do you think Jhansi used to wear make-up?

Do you feel the spirit to stand up and fight for one's right has diminished in today's blas society?

Apart from Jhansi, which women have been an inspiration to you?

Inspite of the show bringing so much awareness of Rani Laxmibai's contribution to the independence struggle, her birthplace does not even have a proper memorial. Her legacy is struggling to survive in her own homeland…

The money that was granted to build a memorial was diverted to other projects. Even the land allotted is caught in some legal dispute.

You have been one of the lucky few to have found your love in your childhood friend. So post engagement what changes have you seen in your relationship?

Rapid fires:

Maiden Name: (Manikarnika)
Manikarnika

Birthdate: (19 November 1835)
Well I don't remember her birth date but I do know that she died in the year 1858…subtract 23 years from that na, that would give the birth year. You do the math.

Birthplace:  {Kashi,(Varanasi), India}
I don't know…

Before getting ready for war, Rani Laxmibai tries for peace by writing to the British. How many letters does she write? (three)
She writes many no?

No she doesn't.
I guess three then. 

The battle during which she breathed her last: (Battle of Gwalior)
I don't know that…

Reporter and Author: Susan Jose