Kangana says actors get unnecessary attention, voices for technicians, labourers

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, who will next be seen in 'Manikarnika-The Queen of Jhansi' said that actors get unnecessary importance in the film industry, while technicians and labourers, who are the unsung heroes, are completely devalued. The 31-year-old actor was interacting with media at the 25th anniversary of Swiss Watchmaker brand Chopard.

Kangana's statement comes amid reports of some crew members of the period drama being upset over non-payment of their dues. The workers, reportedly, also decided to approach FWICE (Federation of Western Indian Cine Employees) to seek help.

Reflecting on the issue, the actor said "It's very sad. I have always opposed such kind of practices. The labourers and technicians in the film industry are really devalued. I don't know why actors get unnecessary attention and importance in the film industry." "I also want to be a technician; I think they are absolutely devalued. I want to venture into direction and writing as these people are the unsung heroes of the film industry," she continued. The three-time National Award winner also stated that issues related to non-payment of dues are intolerable. "When such things happen with labourers or technicians, it can't be tolerated but I have been told by the makers of the film that there is no such thing like that. They told me that they have a dispute with a vendor and they are negotiating with him because they don't think they should pay as much he is demanding," she added.

The 'Queen' actor also said that she has warned the makers of the film that she will not promote the movie if they won't solve the issue. "I warned the makers of the film that if such thing will happen then I am going to disassociate myself with the film even though I have given 300 days of my life to it. But I will disassociate right away, that's what I told my team," Kangana said. "I told them that I will not go for any promo launch and I will make sure that I will not promote the film even if one labourer's money has been stuck but they assured me and told me to calm down on this issue," the actor further said. Providing clarification on the issue, she further added, "Zee Studio is a very big studio and they have a good reputation so I am sure that there will be no complaints from our end."

'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi' is based on the life of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, whose role will be essayed by Kangana. The historical biographical film also features Atul Kulkarni as Tatya Tope and Ankita Lokhande as Jhalkarbai. It is helmed by Krish and is all set to hit the big screens on January 25, 2019.