Subhash K Jha (DNA; February 17, 2016)

Every action has an accompanying reaction. The headstrong Kangana Ranaut recently made scathing remarks on her alleged link-up with Hrithik Roshan and his ensuing denial. The ramifications are already evident. According to sources in the know, Kangana who was being “seriously considered” for the female lead in a film with Hrithik next, has now been “eliminated from the race.”

Says the source, “It is an elementary calculation. You badmouth a top hero, you get ostracised not just by the hero, but by all his friends. Kangana had earlier taken on Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt during the shooting of David Dhawan’s Rascals. And hasn’t worked with them since. But this could be as much her choice as theirs. Meanwhile, none of the three Khan superstars are willing to work with her because of her statements (that she has made it to the top without the Khans and doesn’t need them). Also, Kangana has started picking female-oriented scripts and in films starring Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh, there is little for the heroine to do. Now Hrithik Roshan too has apparently told friends and filmmakers that he doesn’t want to hear the ‘K’ name anywhere near him. So where does that leave her?”

The actress is happy playing the hero in her films. But the fate of Revolver Rani and Katti Batti proves that every Tanu needs a Manu. Every film can’t be a Queen. And that even Kangna needs a King. Khan or otherwise.