Kangana Ranaut’s second acting project of the year Tejas recently released in cinemas. The film’s story focuses on Tejas Gill, an Indian Air Force pilot. She recently spoke with IMDb for their exclusive segment Burning Questions, sharing some anecdotes about the movie while also being candid about her acting career so far and her future plans.
When asked what about her character Tejas drew her towards the movie, Kangana said, “My character Tejas is a new-age warrior. She’s an IAF pilot, a fighter pilot, who protects the country. I relate a lot with women who are very strong, warrior women. I have played fighter women in the past as well. Everything about Tejas is so wonderful and I think I am born to play this character. As an actor, you’re a very small part of the whole process but as an individual, it was very satisfying for me. On an emotional level, it was very cathartic to me as a person to be able to do this role and I have huge respect for soldiers. I myself want to give an ode to the spirit of a soldier. With Tejas, I got an opportunity to do just that.”
Speaking about one thing that the world has misunderstood about her, Kangana mentioned, “I don’t know how to say this but I’ll put it this way, ‘I know what I am doing’.”
Kangana also revealed which characters from her past films she resonates with. She said, “I extend a part of me to each character of mine. My life-changing character in Queen, it changed my destiny forever. I was just working in small roles, small parts and it gave me the platform and made me the successful actress I am today. Also Sonali in Fashion or Datto in Tanu Weds Manu Returns, or Manikarnika. Those are my favourites as well.”
When questioned on which director she would like to work with again, Kangana mentioned, “I would want to work with Anand L. Rai ji again, who did Tanu Weds Manu Returns. I don’t get to do too many comedies. I was telling sir that, for me, it was never like a film. It was a picnic that I was a part of. All my films are always so intense. I just kind of need a break, probably that’s why.”
Kangana also shared what inspires her at this stage of her career. “My involvement as an individual into my films. At one point, I was really concerned with the finance of my craft, and I wanted to get very good at it as an actor. I love being called a good actor. But after working for 17-18 years, my prerogative is to indulge more in the audiences as opposed to my own talent. I care a lot about how my film is going to connect with them.”
Kangana also spoke about her upcoming projects, “I am starting a thriller with Vijay Sethupathi sir. I also have a film Noti Binodini coming up that is also going on floors. Tanu Weds Manu 3 will be starting soon as well, so there are a couple of projects lined up.”