“In 2004, I came to Mumbai for a modelling assignment and then I threw away the phone my agency gave me. When they called me back (to Delhi) I even tore my ticket. I told them that I don’t want to go back. Mujhe woh kaam karna hi nahi hai kyunki mujhe woh humesha modelling me nicha dikhate rehte the (I didn’t want to work there because I was constantly humiliated),” Kangana shared, as reported by Hindustan Times.

She added that in Delhi, most girls on the ramp were taller that 5’11, while she was around 5’7. The Queen actor said, “Main sara din baithi rehti thi. Mujhe kehte they aaj bhi kaam nahi mila tumhe, tumhara kuch nahi hone wala modelling mein (To become a model in Delhi one needed to be 5’11-6 ft tall, but I was 5’7. I used to remain seated throughout the day and was told that I am good for nothing). Then, I started getting catalogue (shoots) and ads where I had to stand behind others. I came to Mumbai for a catalogue shoot of saree. But, it’s okay, it used to help me with my expenses at that time.”

Kangana Ranaut said she stayed back in Mumbai after the shoot and started auditioning for acting roles. She bagged her first film Gangster (2006) with Emraan Hashmi and Shiney Ahuja. Post which, she went on to do some acclaimed work in Queen, Fashion, Woh Lamhe, Tanu Weds Manu and Panga among others. The actor has a series of films in the pipeline currently, including Emergency, Tejas, Chandramukhi 2, Manikarnika Returns: The Legend of Didda and The Incarnation: Sita.