Kangana Ranaut: It's hurtful

It's good times in B-Town. Two weeks ago, Deepika Padukone's Piku, named after the female protagonist made waves as the biggest opener of the year, and this week Kangana Ranaut starrer Tanu Weds Manu Returns grabs the distinction of having the highest opening weekend collection of 2015. Though it has been extremely satisfying, Kangs says it's also exhausting and now she wants to take a break and move away for a bit from the limelight. Excerpts...

Actresses seem to be having a good time at the box office...

Let me enjoy this adulation and this time. I don't like comparisons. Actresses are still slotted, but you cannot slot me. I just wish people understood that I've worked hard over 10 years to get where I am.

Do comparisons with other actresses bother you?

Of course. It's very hurtful. I could have chosen the easy route but I stuck to my principles and took the longer route. I've said no to way too many things like dancing at weddings, endorsements, public appearances. Respect me and my struggle. I have worked very hard to maintain my individuality. Don't compare me with anyone.

Any actress who kick-started the female-centric films trend?

No single person can take individual credit for the kind of films that are being made today. Everyone has worked equally hard, including me. This useless talk has to stop. Also, we have to understand that not all films with a strong female protagonist are women-centric. Queen, Mary Kom and NH10 were all women-centric films. Tanu Weds Manu Returns isn't. It is about Tanu who is a strong character, and it is also about Manu.

You were present at Deepika's Piku trial and party. However, she wasn't seen at TWMR screenings. Why?

I did extend an invite to Deepika, but I never got a response. I have always been supportive of my contemporaries and will continue to be. However, it would be nice if I got the same support. It is hurtful when you don't get the kind of support you expect.

You opted out of Hansal Mehta's Sarabjit biopic and also Sujoy Ghosh's film. What is your next film?

After Nikhil Advani's Katti Batti with Imran Khan, I will start working with Hansal Mehta in another film which has a strong female protagonist. It is not a biopic, but the film is inspired by real-life events. We start shooting for it in October in California. The film will take a year including the production, workshops and shooting. It is a very demanding character. It is set in America and will see much of American culture and its impact on Indians.

What about the editing course you were planning to take?

Before I start shooting for Hansal's film, I am planning to take a month off. I will stay in California and dissociate myself from everything. I have not had a break for a long time now. I've lived the characters I have played; now I need to be myself. It is 2015 and I have seven grey hair strands. Let me live a little bit!