Kangana claims she was misquoted and clarified it with PC

Says National Award-winner Kangana Ranaut who once accepted roles just to survive in the city but is now the toast of B-town's inner circle that once shunned her.

Nine years in the industry and 2 National Awards later, Kangana Ranaut feels that she has finally earned the respect and recognition of her peers.

The actress had squealed when sister Rangoli barged into the Tanu Weds Manu 2 sets on Tuesday afternoon to break the news that she has bagged her second National Award trophy, Best Actress for Queen. "It has still not sunk in. My father called and said that this was the best birthday present I could have hoped for. I was tearyeyed as I had just turned 28 the day before," says the actress.

Kangana had raked up a low tally at the popular awards and had consciously decided to skip the glittering award ceremonies in protest.

"It's one thing to be called a good actor - I was called a powerhouse talent right from my debut in Gangster - but the National Award is something else. It isn't a TRP-driven event with item numbers. It takes into account regional cinema too, making the competition tougher. That is why I respect it," says the actress, still jubilant from the victory.

The award has changed Kangana's life in more ways than one.

"At one point, I was ill-treated, considered untouchable and rude things were said to me, despite no provocation from my side. I was mocked for my accent and then they made fun of my dressing sense. And most of all I was crucified for being an outsider in an island full of people with lineage. It was scary," she recalls.

Did that break her at any point? "No. I dealt with it. It's only now that I feel I've got my due as an actress. I remember how Priyanka, who was already a superstar during Fashion, became friends with me, despite my 'outsider' status. It touched me and even surprised me. It's a relationship that both of us cherish till now," she says, adding, "I was shocked when a report quoted me saying that I deserved all the awards she got for Mary Kom. I immediately called her in California and cleared the air. We chatted for over half an hour. That's the equation we share."

Having been appreciated for her roles in Queen, Krrish 3 and even Revolver Rani, does she regret doing films like Rascals, Miley Na Miley Hum and Double Dhamaal? "No, I wouldn't say that. I had hit rock-bottom and these were the films that kept me afloat," she says firmly. "It is very difficult to survive in an expensive city like Mumbai and I was doing whatever work I got. These films are an integral part of my journey, definitely not a reason for regret," Kangana says.

And now the actress says it's great to be in a position where you get to choose who to work with. "I had a wish-list of directors I wanted to work with. It included Sujoy Ghosh, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Nikhil Advani, Vishal Bhardwaj. I'm working with all of them. It's as good as it gets."

While work consumes her, there's also time for love. Is she dating Hrithik Roshan? "Right now, I'm single," comes the response, a cue for us to end the conversation.