The Pati Patni Aur Woh [2019] actress shows her class by not resorting to any tit-for-tat policy but instead respects all actors who work

By Mayur Lookhar

In a world full of frail egos, a diplomatic approach is deemed wise. However, who doesn’t admire fearless souls. Kangana Ranaut is not one to hold her punches and is often lauded for her strong opinions. However, sometimes she does raise eyebrows with her statements, especially whilst commenting on her contemporaries.

Before the release of Saand Ki Aankh [2019], Ranaut and her sister Rangoli Chandel had hit out at the producers, filmmaker for opting to go with two women in their 30s to play 60 plus characters.  Prior to the release, Bhumi Pednekar [30] and Taapsee Pannu [32] had copped criticism over their unconvincing look. Ranaut had claimed that she was offered the film, but turned it down as she felt it was more suited for veteran actors. 

Pednekar and Pannu did an honorable job but Ranaut ought to be respected for making a pertinent point.  Words are like arrows, once spoken they can’t be taken back.  

Last week, Ranaut’s look from the Jayalalithaa biopic Thalaivi [2020] was released with social media being critical of the poor unconvincing prosthetic used by Ranaut.

Ranaut was critical of Saand Ki Aankh makers for not following a horses for courses policy, but perhaps, the same has not been followed in her film Thalaivi.

It must be recalled that in her debut film Dum Laga Ke Haisha [2015], Pednekar had put on over 30 kilos for the role.  Pednekar set an example for others to follow.   

“I really hope I had set an example,” said a modest Pednekar .

We asked Pednekar her reaction on Ranaut’s earlier views and on the latter’s look in Thalaivi, but the actress [rightly] refused to be drawn into any controversy.

 “I don’t want to comment on this. I have never done it in the past. I really think your work should talk. Be it [controversy] around any film, Bala [2019], Saand Ki Aankh [2019], I’ve never been on the forefront to say anything because I am very confident of the work I do.  I know when people go and watch the film, I hope I can convince and change their minds and that’s exactly what happens,” said Pednekar.

But perhaps isn’t it hypocrisy? [on Kangana’s part]

“I know you are looking for something from me. Look this is my nature. I am not a controversial person. I really have kept a clean slate. This is the route I want in life. I am a supporter of everyone who does work. I really mind my  own business,” the Pati Patni Aur Woh [2019] actress made her thoughts clear.

Despite Ranaut’s strong opinions, Pednekar’s respect for Ranaut came through while answering a query on the pay parity between male and female actors in the film industry.

“Pay parity does exists. But there is a certain business that this industry runs on. When I reach a stage when I can single-handedly make a Queen [2014] then I [can] expect the kind of pay I expect, it should come to me. That is when I will go head on, “said Pednekar.

For the record, Queen [2014] starred Kangana Ranaut. We hope the Ranaut sisters reciprocate this respect.  Pati Patni Aur Woh [2019] is set to be released on 6 December.