We should attack patriarchy, chauvinism: Kangana Ranaut

Actress Kangana Ranaut, who never minces words, has opposed the threats issued to Padmavati actress Deepika Padukone, and said patriarchy in the society needs to be attacked.

Kangana was at Reebok's Fit To Fight Awards here on Thursday night when she was asked about her thoughts on the threats issued to Deepika over the controversial film Padmavati.

She said: "It is absolutely wrong, but I feel it is not something which is very surprising. When my sister was in school, she faced an acid attack from a student and now when I am in a professional environment, a superstar is trying to put me behind bars. So, this is very common that happens in our society.

"I feel we should not attack individuals, we should attack patriarchy and chauvinism. For individuals, we can call them out and say whatever you are doing is not right.

"But I feel this is not restricted only to boys, it implies to girls as well, so we have to attack that view point and we are doing it whether with our work, speech or films. And that is why I feel films are an important medium, because we as an industry can reach out to people only through our films."

Kangana is next working on Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi.

Reacting to comparisons between her look for the movie and Deepika's get-up in Padmavati", Kangana said: "Our film is a different film. It's a film about a warrior queen who fought against British empire. I feel we should feel ashamed that we didn't make any film earlier based on her life.

"I think we should honour real heroes like Rani Lakshmibai, which we are doing through our film. In future as well, we will make an effort in that direction and all we need is support from the media."

Kangana's Manikarnika - The Queen of Jhansi, directed by Krish, is scheduled to release in April 2018.

Shahid Kapoor thanks Kangana for supporting Padmavati

Actor Shahid Kapoor, who plays one of the three key characters in Padmavati, has thanked his Rangoon co-star Kangana Ranaut for extending her support to the controversial film, and said creative people shouldn't be scared.

Shahid, who was present at the Reebok Fit To Fight Awards on Thursday night, said: "You feel very grateful that people are supporting you, so I am thankful to Kangana (Ranaut), and to everybody else who has spoken for Padmavati, and has been so kind and brave to come out there and express themselves."

"Sometimes there has been anger, sometimes people have been emotional, sometimes they have been very logical in breaking it down, but there are a lot of people from the fraternity who have come out and spoken for the film.

"At such times you feel a little vulnerable, and you feel a little emotional because everybody has put in so much work into the film, and it is a lot of sincere work. I don't think you can make a film like 'Padmavati' unless you give a part of your heart and soul to the film. Obviously, the leading face is Sanjay (Leela Bhansali) sir, and we are just following his footsteps," he added.

The movie is embroiled in controversy since Hindu groups backed by the BJP have opposed its release over alleged distortion of historical facts.

Asked if he is scared of the whole situation, Shahid said: "I don't think scared is the right word. I don't think creative people should be scared because you can't create if you are constricted. You can't create unless you feel liberated and open, and I think art is a reflection of society at large. So it is important to express yourself with a certain sense of freedom, especially in a democracy."

"Everybody is concerned, the whole fraternity has expressed a lot of concern because there is enough that you deal with when your film is coming out -- there are issues like piracy and there are a lot of other issues, larger issues that one is dealing with," he added.

Sharmila turns 73, says she doesn't think about age

Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, who turned 73 on Friday, says her days are fuller than she can cope with because even though she is not seen on the big screen much, cinema has never been her be-all and end-all.

Excerpts from an interview:

Q. How does it feel to turn 73?

Just like any other day. I don't allow myself to think about my age. Fortunately, there is plenty to be done. My days are fuller than I can cope with. And I like it that way.

Q. How would you be spending your birthday?

Well, there is a wedding in a very close family friend's home. I'm going to be participating on December 7 and 8. So my birthday will be merged in the nikaah ceremony of the couple.

Q. So the cake cutting and birthday song during the nikaah?

(Laughs) No, no, none of that. I don't believe in all that. Cakes and parties are for Taimur and Inaaya (grandchildren). I am just happy to be healthy, alive and active.

Q. Sadly, we don't see much of you on the screen these days?

This is not something peculiar to me. It happens to all actresses beyond a certain age in our cinema. Even Madhuri Dixit, who is a lot younger, has not done anything much in spite of 'Dedh Ishqiya'. Whereras the rules are different for Mr (Amitabh) Bachchan. He has directors like Shoojit Sircar calling him ‘Sir' and writing roles for him.