Kangana Ranaut’s first director, Anurag Basu, says he doesn’t understand her public persona: ‘There are two Kanganas’
Director Anurag Basu has said that he doesn’t meet Kangana Ranaut very often, but when he does, it’s like the old times. He said that he doesn’t understand the public persona that Kangana has developed.
Anurag launched Kangana’s acting career with 2006’s Gangster. The film also starred Emraan Hashmi and Shiney Ahuja, and won Kangana several best debut awards.
“Of the 20-25 girls we auditioned for the part, her face just stuck in my head - there was something unique about her,” Anurag told Mid-Day, adding, “In the beginning, she needed guidance for everything. But she is a really fast learner. I have seen her growth during the filming of Gangster itself.”
He added, “There was something very raw and organic about her, very refreshing, very new.” Asked about whether he noticed indications of the person Kangana would become, he said, “Not really. We usually don’t meet, but whenever we do, this [public] persona is not the Kangana I [know] personally. So I think there are two Kanganas. Beech wali [the other one] I don’t understand.”
Kangana in recent years has made headlines for numerous feuds that she’s fuelled with industry veterans such as Hrithik Roshan, Karan Johar, and others. She has commented on everything from nepotism in the film industry, drug abuse in Bollywood, and most recently, the farmers’ protest.
Also read: Anurag Basu on firing Govinda from Jagga Jasoos: ‘I couldn’t have taken the stress, I had to’
Kangana was supposed to reunite with Anurag for Imali, which she opted out of to focus on her directorial career. “Anurag and I have spoken about it. I feel extremely bad because Imali was giving me an opportunity to work with my mentor again, but I’m on the verge of announcing my own film in a few weeks from now. That has taken a lot of my time and I have conveyed it to Anurag, who understood my situation,” she told PTI in 2018.
Follow @htshowbiz for more

Shahid Kapoor, wife Mira Rajput twin in black and white, ace the airport look
- Shahid Kapoor and his glamorous wife Mira Rajput rocked the airport look on Tuesday. See their pictures here.

Janhvi Kapoor brings assistant's family to Roohi screening, poses with his baby

Suhana Khan's life in New York is one never-ending party. See new pic with pals
- Suhana Khan shared another picture with her friends as she partied in New York. Just a day before, she had shared another photo picture with her friends.
_1615257196335_1615257202420.jpg)
Navya wishes rumoured boyfriend Meezaan with a dreamy pic on his birthday

Ranbir Kapoor is unwell, says uncle Randhir Kapoor

Sharib Hashmi on making Danny Boyle laugh during Slumdog Millionaire audition
- In an interview with Hindustan Times, Sharib Hashmi talks about The Family Man season 2, the experience of working with Kangana Ranaut on Dhaakad and more.

Twinkle bats for Women’s Day every day: 'Have a slice of cake, drink some wine'

Baby Anushka Sharma cuts a birthday cake in special Women's Day post for mom
- Actor Anushka Sharma shared a post on mothers on the occasion of International Women's Day. She said that 'strong' and 'resilient ones' need to be celebrated.

Kangana's airport appearance makes Kishwer wonder why she never wears a mask
- Kishwer Merchant dropped a comment on a video of Kangana Ranaut at the airport, asking, "How is this woman never in a mask?'

Esha Deol recalls her wedding, reveals Hema Malini called her crying afterwards
- Esha Deol revealed that while her mother Hema Malini did not cry at her 'bidaai', she could not hold back her emotions afterwards.

Lisa Haydon cradles bare baby bump, waits for arrival of her ‘very little woman’
- Lisa Haydon, who is currently expecting her third child with husband Dino Lalvani, shared a special post featuring her 'very little woman' on International Women's Day.

Pipe-smoking Aamir Khan goes clubbing with Elli AvrRam in Har Funn Maula teaser
- Aamir Khan and Elli AvrRam burn up the dance floor in the first teaser for their song, Har Funn Maula. Watch it here.

Varun Dhawan shares unseen photo with wife Natasha Dalal on Women's Day

Nawaz's brother, accused of violence by Aaliya, reacts to their reconciliation
- Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui's brother Shamas has reacted to news of that Nawaz and his wife, Aaliya, are willing to reconcile. Aaliya had accused Shamas of physical abuse.

Kriti Sanon takes a tumble and almost falls to the ground, fans blame her heels
- Kriti Sanon slipped and almost fell before a posing session for the paparazzi on Monday. Watch the video here.