File photo of Kangna Ranaut who was announced “Best Actress” at the 62nd National Film Awards 2014 in New Delhi. (Press Trust of India)

Kangana says winning her career’s second National award for her movie Queen came as a special but sweet surprise. A Press Trust of India report by Nanda Das.

Kangana Ranaut was shooting for her upcoming film Tanu Weds Manu Returns when she got the news.

“This award is special for me. I had no clue about it because a day before I was busy with my birthday and the poster launch of Tanu Weds Manu Returns. It’s a real thing for me because unlike other awards there was no pre-nomination party and “ho halla” about it,” she told PTI in an interview in New Delhi, Mar. 26.

Kangana was a front-runner for the honors for her powerful-yet-subtle portrayal of a traditional girl who goes on a journey of self-realization after being ditched at the altar in the Vikas Bahl-directed movie.

The actress had won her first National award in the best supporting actress category for her role in Fashion.

“To be honest, I really don’t remember the day I won my first National Award. I was watching TV and came to know that I won it. I was young at that time. I am glad that Queen connected everyone. I think the cheer from the people when the award was announced on March 24 was something which all actor wants,” she said.

The Gangster star, who faced a lot of criticism for her accent and fashion style initially, is happy to have made a successful career and wants to be more careful while selecting her future roles.

“I was earlier criticized for my fashion sense and accent. But as an actor, it never discouraged me because I had other reasons to be happy. I won my first National Award when I was 19 and it has been the most amazing part of my career,” she said.

“I am careful with my projects. I will choose my future roles with a lot of thought now,” she added.

Post Queen, Kangana has been on a career high as she has a chock-a-block diary filled with interesting projects, most recent one being the sequel of Tanu Weds Manu scheduled to release end of May.

She will next be seen in Katti Batti and Sujoy Ghosh’s movie. Four other projects, including one with Hansal Mehta, are also in the pipeline.