Mumbai: Actress Kangana Ranaut, known to speak her mind despite the reactions her words elicit, says it is difficult to remain headstrong in Bollywood as there are always people who try to make one feel insignificant. But she continues to fight it. “Being an outsider in the business, I have fought to carve a niche for myself. I have also been opinionated and I choose to express my views openly,” Kangana told. 

“In our industry, it becomes difficult to remain headstrong as you are often judged for not following the status quo. There will always be a segment that will try to make you feel insignificant, but it is important to channel your strength and confidence and work hard to triumph. It’s important to grow a distinct voice to break the clutter,” added the National Award winner. 

Kangana, a Reebok brand ambassador, is a part of the second edition of the brand’s #FitToFight campaign, which fights looming gender demons of eve-teasing and pays disparity. The actress has been actively talking about her struggle in the industry as well as her relationships with actors like Aditya Pancholi and Hrithik Roshan. She tagged filmmaker Karan Johar as a flag-bearer of nepotism during his chat show. “My experiences in life, on the personal and professional fronts, have helped shape the individual I am today. 

There have been moments in my life when it was very difficult to continue working in unfavorable conditions. But I fought my way, to make a mark for myself. “I realized the importance of being tough, both mentally and physically, which encouraged me to deliver my best regardless of the odds. 

In my journey, I learned that challenges may always beset you, but if one is strong-willed and determined, you can overcome them,” added Kangana, often tagged the Queen of Bollywood. In her last released film Simran, she played an imperfectly perfect girl who wants to lead life on her own terms. 

Does she think such characters hardly exist in real life where girls are always following the norm? “My career trajectory is full of characters and films where I am trying to redefine the conventional heroine tag. I think it is important to reinvent oneself continuously and diversify your craft.