Her real story is unusual. Her screen roles are one of a kind. And her success is remarkable. Three National Awards in a span of seven years, is indeed an exceptional feat. Kangana Ranaut won her third National Award for her spectacular double role in Tanu Weds Manu Returns. She's up in the mountains in Manali, and giddy with excitement, but we caught up for a quick chat.

This is your third National Award. You must be walking in the clouds?
Yes, it is a high. For me, getting an award and recognition from the President of our country is honestly as good as it can get. I don't work for awards certainly, but as artistes we always have this fear whether our work will be remembered or not. It is such a special moment, and it's happened soon after my birthday, so I feel this is the best birthday gift ever.

You've always gone by your gut feeling while choosing films. There have been more rewards than regrets?
I have always followed my own instinct. At the start of my career, I was aware it was going to be a big gamble. I would either win everything or nothing. I left home, without taking a penny from my father, and I spent days without food or shelter. So my story in its own way is incredible and I am so proud of it. There is no scope for regrets. It is overwhelming to see people root for me this much. I am that underdog who was never supposed to get here, but I did. I love my underdog success story.

So much success can also make you complacent?
Awards are eventually just the cherry on the cake. There is a lot of pressure to make sure that the film does well and it reaches out to the right audience. National Awards mean earning respect for your contribution to cinema, without any drama and showsha. So, this honour only drives me to push myself and raise my own bar.

What do you have to say to all the people who wrote you off early in your career?
Underdog stories are indeed fulfilling. When I came into the industry, I was never the obvious, mainstream actress. I am glad I was the misfit, who never tried adapting herself to the mainstream mould. My life has been kind of hatke, and there's not one thing that I would like to change about it. Including the struggles, the unfortunate incidents, the people who didn't value me, and those who portrayed me as someone I am not. I am what I am because of them. An important lesson you learn in screenplay writing is how a character reacts when she is put under extreme pressure. I have faced that in real life, and I have come out of it stronger. No woman is aware of what she is capable of unless she is put in a situation that tests her.

So, is a big celebration on the cards?
Yes, absolutely. Right now I am in my naani's house in Manali, so the celebration begins right here.