The actress, whose last release 'Raaz-The Mystery Continues', was a runaway hit says she always wants to do interesting roles and, more importantly, different from what she has done in her previous films.

Kangana recently bagged the Filmfare trophy for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) for Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion; she is all praise for the role, character, storyline, co-stars and the director. Stating that it wasn’t an easy role to play, since she didn’t connect with the character at all, the actress says that’s what actors are meant for — ‘to take up roles that are challenging and give you a scope to perform outstandingly’. Kangna Ranaut is unique there’s really none like her. Here the glamorous rock star in a candid chat, as she opens up about Fashion, working with Priyanka and more...

Who do you thank the most for this award? Or do you believe it was completely your own hard work?
Whenever you get an award, you want to thank all the people who made it happen. Especially for me, being an outsider in this industry and getting three Filmfare awards in three years is a big achievement. These awards make you feel you’re accepted by the industry as part of the family and that your work has been appreciated.

Madhur has said that you were sceptical about the role, so did you really expect this award?
I was really touched to see Madhur show so much belief in me. He told me that if I did the role, he was sure it would work. And it’s strange that some people know more about you than you yourself. He’s a very experienced filmmaker and awards are not new to him. He knows what kind of character suits an actor and I’m so happy he chose me for Fashion and believed that I could do justice to the character.

Despite being apprehensive initially, what finally drew you to the role?
The foremost reason was that I always wanted to work with Madhur sir, as he makes such wonderful cinema. Secondly, I’m very tall (5 feet 8 inches) and people always say I look like a model. And since I have done only deglamourised roles in my earlier films, playing a supermodel was tempting. Also, I felt a conviction within myself that I would be able to do justice to it.

Could you relate to the character? Was it tough being Shonali Gujral, the supermodel?
No, I don’t relate to Shonali’s character at all. There was a lot of homework before I could actually play the part and it wasn’t easy. I have never been a supermodel, so I used to practice the catwalk for endless hours, wearing all kinds of heels and stilettoes.
I used to observe foreign and Indian models – how they walked on the ramp wearing those heavy gowns and dresses. Another part of my research was to read the psychology of cocaine on your body system and how a drug addict reacted to various situations. So, it was a whole gamut of things I had to understand before stepping into the character’s shoes.

How was it working with Priyanka?
Priyanka is an amazing girl and wonderful to work with. She is among the most hardworking people I have come across. So genuine, kind and humble, she always treated me like a younger sister. I remember when she got the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (leading role), she said that ‘Yes, me and Kangana have done it’. They were such kind words from her... you need a big heart to share your award with someone.