Kangana Ranaut on her directorial debut Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi

Wednesday, 9 January 2019 12:23

Over the last couple of years, Kangana Ranaut has become a one-woman force in Bollywood — shouldering films solo, picking up many awards, and also calling out the film industry’s double standards, from nepotism to gender bias.

Now, Kangana becomes one of the first among her contemporaries to turn director, stepping in to helm her magnum opus Manikarnika midway from the original director Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi (aka Krish).

In a recent interview, Kangana spoke about her filmmaking ambitions, “I always wanted to direct films. These days, you generally hear of directors wanting to be actors, and not the other way around (laughs). Even those actors who direct don’t really do it full-time. They feel that they have got a certain amount of acclaim and popularity as actors, so why should they give that up and only direct films. It may sound strange, but I have never really identified with being an actress. It’s not my calling, direction is.”

On what it was like directing a cast that comprises many veterans in Manikarnika, Kangana said in the interview,“I got a phenomenal team of actors and they are all so experienced, I didn’t have anything to tell them. Even Jisshu (Sengupta, who plays Manikarnika’s husband Gangadhar Rao) for that matter is so good, what does one tell him? I never took more than one or two takes for a scene and that surprised people on set.”

A story about Rani Laxmibai and her fight against the British East India Company, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi releases in cinemas on 25^thJanuary 2019.

More from Showbiz & Media

Alia Bhatt Turns Heads at Cannes 2026 with Glamorous Red Carpet Appearance

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt has continued to make waves at the Cannes Film Festival with another high-profile appearance alongside global celebrities.
Halifax DAB launches bringing more choice to Calderdale listeners

A new digital radio multiplex has launched in Halifax, expanding listening choice across Calderdale with a range of local and culturally diverse stations.
Derby DAB Licence Awarded

Ofcom has awarded the small-scale DAB multiplex licence for Derby to Derby DAB Limited, with Sunrise Radio and Sunrise Radio Gold set to broadcast on the new digital platform.
First song from O’Romeo reveals emotional core of upcoming love story

The first song from the upcoming film O’Romeo has been unveiled, offering a deeply emotional glimpse into the film’s intense and unrequited love story starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri.
St Martin-in-the-Fields Announces ‘The Conversation 2026’ Literary Series

St Martin-in-the-Fields has announced the return of The Conversation for 2026, bringing leading writers and thinkers together to explore major social, political and environmental issues, opening with Ian McEwan.
Scottish Comedy Star Connor Burns’ Rise Continues

Scottish stand-up comedian Connor Burns has cemented his status as one of comedy’s fastest-rising stars, following sell-out success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and growing international acclaim.
Usha & Raj Parmar Spotlight UK Digital Radio Growth at WorldDAB Summit, Highlighting Their Role in Winning SSDAB Multiplex Licences

At the WorldDAB Summit in Antwerp on 20 November 2025, Usha Parmar and Raj Parmar delivered a high-impact presentation showcasing their leadership in DAB+ innovation and their pivotal involvement in securing Small-Scale DAB (SSDAB) multiplex licences across multiple UK regions.
Shah Rukh Khan Says Ra.One Was Ahead of Its Time, Open to a Sequel

Shah Rukh Khan reflected on his 2011 superhero film Ra.One, calling it ahead of its time and hinting at the possibility of a sequel if director Anubhav Sinha decides.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.