Kratika Sengar, the face of the young and valiant Jhansi Ki Rani, takes a break from her scary day and night schedule to talk to Tellybuzz.
The actress is measured when it come to talking. She
does not utter any nonsense that is irrelevant to the topic at hand. She
tells why not just women should look upto Rani Laxmibai but men too.
She also lets us know that she is indeed passionate about her work as
she scores a three on five in the rapid-fire questionnaire based on
Jhansi Ki Rani!
Excerpts from our conversation�
Kratika, you got finalized and then made to wait for a long time until you could start shooting. How did you cope during the period of waiting?
I did not take that period as
'waiting' period. I made the most of it. I went out with family and
friends, made sure I spent quality time with them before I start
working. I got to see a lot of places and got to experience some really
good times. Basically, I enjoyed the time instead of coping up with it.
Tell us about the training you went through. Also the mental preparation from your end to portray Jhansi.
I trained for about 15-20 days in
horse riding, martial arts and swordfight. However, I feel I had less
time. I started shooting on 6th of June and it started getting
telecasted on 8th june. It all happened somewhat faster than I was ready
for. But once I saw myself on screen, I could see myself there and
somewhat get encouraged. The feedback from people also helped. Mentally,
all I can say is that I had prepared myself up for a big challenge.
Thoda pressure to tha (there was slight pressure) because Choti Rani had
established herself and I needed to keep the viewers interested inspite
of the change in Jhansi Ki Rani.
Ulka made a statement that went � 'People
tell me they stopped watching Jhansi because I am not part of it'. Did
it increase your trepidation?
The whole show of Jhansi was
conceptualized as a project without finalising the actors. If I'm not
wrong someone else was supposed to play Choti Rani�Ulka came in the
picture much later. Also, when she interacted with me, she was very nice
to me. I never got any vibes that suggested something as in the
statement that's been made.
And from the comments that I've been getting everybody's liking me right from day one!
And from the comments that I've been getting everybody's liking me right from day one!
Challenges are a part of life. So what has been your challenge in portraying Jhansi Ki Rani?
My biggest challenge was staying
away from my family. I'm a very homely person, so when it came to
staying away from all of them for so long, it became a huge emotional
blow. But this feeling got swept away once I started working. Now I'm so
busy I hardly have time to miss anyone!
Do you see glints of Jhansi inside of you?
Jhansi Ki Rani is a person who
took on the British rulers at a time when feminism was almost
non-existent. To tell you the truth, I don't think anyone can even
compare to the dust of her feet. Today there's only politics in
politics�if you get what I mean� and no essence of patriotism, as
opposed to how Laxmibai ruled her state. Now that you've compelled to
give a thought on this the only streak of similarity that I see between
me and her is that we both fight for what's 'right'.
What should the girls in today's time learn from Jhansi Ki Rani?
Today's girls are very smart. They know how to handle
pretty much all the situations. I think not just girls, everyone should
learn from Jhansi this one fact that we can't allow caste, creed or any
other religious barriers to divide us. We should neglect all of that
and look at the bigger picture which would eventually lead to the
betterment of all of us.
Do you think Jhansi used to wear make-up?
Rani Laxmibai was very
fashionable. She was fond of jewellery, diamonds were her best
friends�white and blue were her favourite colours. She was a warrior
princess, yes, but we shouldn't forget she was a woman too. And about
make-up, I really have no idea whether they had it in those days or not!
Do you feel the spirit to stand up and fight for one's right has diminished in today's blas society?
I feel its all in one's
upbringing. There are beefy boys who have all the strength to fight but
just won't because they don't want to get involved. On the other hand,
if your family has taught you to not give up, then you will fight at the
cost of everything�which sometimes isn't good either. I feel the best
thing is to maintain a balance between the feisty spirit and the
indifferent one.
Apart from Jhansi, which women have been an inspiration to you?
Kalpana Chawla. Just like Jhansi
Ki Rani, I got to know about her when I was in school and since she got
imprinted on my mind at such a young age I can never fully get over her.
If I think about it, then I may have a few more names �of women from
various fields.
Inspite of the show bringing so much
awareness of Rani Laxmibai's contribution to the independence struggle,
her birthplace does not even have a proper memorial. Her legacy is
struggling to survive in her own homeland�
I don't think I can agree with that. People literally unhe poojte hain (worship her).
The money that was granted to build a
memorial was diverted to other projects. Even the land allotted is
caught in some legal dispute.
Well, that is the sad state of bureaucracy in our country �but I'm positive very soon her memorial will be established.
You have been one of the lucky few to have
found your love in your childhood friend. So post engagement what
changes have you seen in your relationship?
No changes at all! In fact our
parents are waiting for the day when we will mature so that we can tie
the knot. But I guess it will take some time.
Rapid fires:
Maiden Name: (Manikarnika)
Manikarnika
Manikarnika
Birthdate: (19 November 1835)
Well I don't remember her birth date but I do know that she died in the year 1858�subtract 23 years from that na, that would give the birth year. You do the math.
Well I don't remember her birth date but I do know that she died in the year 1858�subtract 23 years from that na, that would give the birth year. You do the math.
Birthplace: {Kashi,(Varanasi), India}
I don't know�
I don't know�
Before getting ready for war, Rani Laxmibai tries for peace by writing to the British. How many letters does she write? (three)
She writes many no?
She writes many no?
No she doesn't.I guess three then.
The battle during which she breathed her last: (Battle of Gwalior)
I don't know that�
I don't know that�
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