If you’re one of those people who are tiring of the sickly sweet display of love around you during this Valentine’s Day week, Kangana Ranaut‘s new interview with The Times of India is perfect reading material for you. Not only does she talk about surviving in Bollywood, she also gives some kickass advice about surviving break-ups. Excerpts:

On the stories that she was called a loser at the start of her career

“I am still that loser. I like the term ‘loser’; I am more comfortable with failure than success. It makes me bond with myself. It gives me character, strength and drive. Every time I am suppressed and I lose, I hit back with a bang. I don’t think even rejection in love is a tragedy.”

On preparing for her roles

“I don’t carry the baggage of my achievements or my failures. So, I can slip into my characters fearlessly. I live light, it gives me freedom to fly and be myself. People expect you to be part of a typical blockbuster, as their idea of success is so narrow. I enjoy larger-than-life characters and ensemble films, too, and I’m open to working with anyone, as long as I am also the hero in the film.”

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On competition in the industry

“I never make things look other than the way it should be, or the way I perceive it. There are people who try to manipulate other’s perception. I could be flawed, weak, and delusional — but I’m not a dishonest human being… I won’t deny that you can be subjected to ugly competition and people can be extremely bitter about your success. Naturally, everyone is insecure in this place. And if you are constantly threatening someone’s position, they will retaliate. I would do, too, but through my work. Others can do mean things and malign people, but that’s not my strategy.”

On considering Deepika Padukone her competition

“Does Deepika have any films this year?”

On Hrithik Roshan’s tweet about the possibility of dating her or anyone’s he’s being linked with

“I’m not sure it was targeted at me, but even if it was, I can’t question someone else’s feeling. I have nothing to say about that, but generally speaking, when it comes to human emotions and equations, there are no rules. You never know why one fine day you wake up with a desire for a certain somebody. Or one day, you stop wanting it. Everyone should follow their instinct, and it is not about who is right or wrong. Having said that, I feel when two people amicably decide to end an equation, they must give it a dignified closure and stick to it. I take a lot of time to put an end to a relationship, but when I leave it behind… it is over. It is very disturbing when others don’t follow it. I never mourn over my past men, as there are so many around. I’ve never begged a man to stay after he has decided to move on. I have been dumped and rejected so many times, but it has never shattered my confidence. I know there is always another story around the corner. There is always a man better than the one before.”

On the kind of men she likes

“It is not easy to be in love with someone like me. I am open about my life, and most men don’t like women with such honesty; it can be nerve-racking for them. So it reduces my chance at having a relationship. But I’m not looking for an ordinary man. I like men who love to play with fire. I like men who love to tame roaring lionesses. Men have told me that I can scare the shit out of them. And I am aware that when I talk like that, no weak man would even flutter around me.”

H/T: The Times of India