If Kangana is around the block, you can expect some fireworks. Debuting as a show host for an OTT reality show that thrives on controversy can be tricky. But Lock Upp hosted by Kangana Ranaut, has emerged as the 'highest watched Indian reality show from OTT space', clocking 100 million views in 19 days. The show has created a new record by garnering 200 million views. In an exclusive conversation with Editorji, Kangana Ranaut shares her reaction on the success of the show and working with Ekta Kapoor.
Did you expect the show to do well? "We had started to get very good reactions right from the launch of promos. When you get something right… sometimes from the beginning, only you understand that it is going in the right direction, and at times, it's like an underdog. Ekta Kapoor and her team had worked very hard on the concept. They came up with something original and responsive to the environment," Kangana says.
Ekta was always confident about the show and choosing Kangana as the show host. Commenting on it, Kangana says, "There were so many FIRs on me (laughs) and scrutiny by the industry. The credit goes to her [Ekta]. Let me put it in her words: 'You play a lot of inspiring women like Jhansi Ki Raani or Dr. Jayalalitha or even mother's role in Panga or a person with schizophrenia in Judgemental Hai Kya. You play these exciting women, but for me, as a viewer, you are also a very exciting person. I want to know you as you are.' That made a lot of sense to me. I had been feeling…I never get a platform to interact as Kangana unless it is an interview. So, to me, it made sense."
But were you planning to enter OTT platform? "We were on two platforms because both had huge reach. It was a decision taken by Ekta, and I was ok with that. I wanted to be a part of this digital revolution that the world is seeing. And you know, for that films are just not enough…Ekta came up with the idea, and I went for it," she says.
"I wanted to do OTT. But did I expect this kind of response? Well, no! Because I was a bit apprehensive. Even though I know that I have a strong personality, many actors have failed as hosts, especially those with an empowering personality, intelligent views of the world, and all kinds of maverick people. I thought that I might be good, but it will take time to get accepted. Thankfully, the contestants are so good, and everybody is just so brilliant together," she adds.
Since the audience has accepted you as a reality show host, how do you feel now? "I guess I didn't take as much time as I expected to get good at it. It's unrealistic to expect yourself to just do well in the first 5-6 episodes. I thought I'd probably take time to get the hang of it. But, as I said, the contestants are so good…and there is a huge system that is behind it which may not be evident to others. Ekta has gone for all the top people. I am happy that it worked, and in such a big way," she concludes.
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