They can't kill my fierceness: Kangana Ranaut lashes out at her critics

Kangana Ranaut's independence and ability are never up for questioning. In a recent interview with India Today magazine, the actress has defended her so called 'brazen' attitude as a 'survival instinct'. Speaking about the recent controversy that exploded after her vitriolic public break-up with Hrithik Roshan, Ranaut said, "I did not think twice. I see so many women committing suicide and falling into depression and my only point is why do they fail to attack? I am not saying strip others of their dignity too. But you have got to say no to the healer archetype. I am extremely bold. I sent a notice back. I did not take it lying down. " 

Kangana Ranaut: Pressure of Queen is high, people still not out of it

The legal conflict between Roshan and Ranaut was among the most publicised break-ups in the industry in recent times. Ranaut was accused by Roshan of suffering from 'Asperger's syndrome'. Speaking about the difficult time, the Rangoon actress said, "When you deal with malice and betrayal from someone who you have been extremely close to, of course, it does affect you. There is a character assassination — that too publicly — by that individual in whom you put all your faith and love. It has been very hard to deal with." 

Despite receiving support from several quarters for her courageous move to take on a superstar, Ranaut found that her own family was hesitant of her move. She said, "My own family, my mother was like don't do all these things and say, 'Bade log hain tumhe marwa daalenge' She would cry all the time." This did not discourage the actress from taking the case further. She said, "I was not fighting any individual battle but fighting against many prejudices. I took it all in my stride. So I am a whore, I’m sexually attractive, have psychological problems, capable of falling in love with men passionately. So what is my future? What should be done with me? They have nothing to say. They can’t kill the fierceness." 

The actress maintained that her attitude towards bullying is the same, even when it emerges from within the family. Ranaut said, "If someone I feel is being mean, obnoxious or unfair and threatening my survival instinct, as an individual my first and foremost duty is to protect my own dignity as a woman. I have done that whether it is from my father who had his standards of strict parenting, to my initial years in the industry when they tried to humiliate me and slot me in B-grade cinema. I fought that and even nepotism...I speak my mind. I don't think twice before answering back to anyone. It doesn't matter what a great artist you are and how big you are in the industry. I don't encourage bullying or teasing. Why should I?"

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For now, the actress awaits the release of her first film with Vishal Bhardwaj, Rangoon, in which she plays the fierce Miss Julia. Ranaut also has Hansal Mehta's Simran slated for release this year. With two powerful female characters, Ranaut said that she might just be in line for a 4th National award. She said, "I would be pleasantly surprised to see better-written characters in Julia and Simran this year. In that case, if I do not get a National Award then really shame on me."

Now, here is a woman who will not mince words. No wonder her popularity is growing among fans outside the industry.