I am destined to receive flak: Ranjini Haridas

TV anchor and actress Ranjini Haridas has courted controversy for all her words and deeds, be it shaking a leg with Maradona or supporting the LGBT community. The ‘queen’ of controversy has taken up yet another Malayalam film — Double Barrel — in which she will be seen in a guest appearance. Ranjini talks about her Malayalam projects, the controversies surrounding her and more...
Can you talk about your role in Lijo Jose Pellisery’s Double Barrel?
I will be seen in a guest role.That’s all I can reveal right now. It won’t take much of my time and Lijo wanted me to do it as well. I have done guest roles before, just that I won’t be seen as myself in Double Barrel.
You came forward and supported the queer pride march that took place in Kochi recently. But post the event, you received flak from netizens.
Before I take up something, I know how people are going to react. I left Kerala when I was young because at that time I did not know how to handle criticisms. But now the case is different. I stand up for what I believe is right. Talking about the LGBT community, I know a few of them closely; some of them are my friends too, so I totally support them. Whatever happened is because I think I am destined to receive flak.
You’re always embroiled in controversy, how do you look at it?
I am a person who will stand up for myself and do whatever I believe is right. I have no clue about what I have done to trouble others. I danced with Maradona, he kissed me and I enjoyed it… I am supporting the LGBT community. I don’t really react to Facebook comments as I don’t have the time for all that. People have commented that I am a transgender, but I haven’t changed my stand on this. I support the community. We should react to wrongdoings, and if one person does it others will follow suit.
Which are your upcoming projects?
There are a couple of film projects but nothing has been finalised so far. My film, Otta Oruthiyum Sheriyalla, was banned; I don’t know the current status of that film. I have a couple of stage shows lined up for the Onam season. I have a reality show in the pipeline, so I can say, I am back with a bang!
Do you regret the choices you have made so far?
As far as my films are concerned, they are not mistakes. I wanted to do a film to break my monotony. The role of a tough cop was good indeed. I knew the film Entry is going to sink but I gave my best, and I’m always hopeful. I had fun doing the film. It was like living my dreams to kick the a** of someone.
In my second project, Otta Oruthiyum Sheriyalla, I was offered a character with negative shades. It was nice again but I believe I’m not so bad. Money was also important for me at that time, but I didn’t get any remuneration for the project. The film industry is totally different from TV. The television industry is more professional when compared to films. There is a lot of ambiguity in the film industry.
If you’re only looking at money, then you have to compromise on the quality of films. But if you want to be a part of good projects, you need good scripts and good directors. however, that would shift my focus from hosting shows and take too much of my time. I haven’t said no to films so far.
Is marriage on the cards anytime soon?
I keep joking about marriage. Somebody recently told me that I will meet my guy in 2015. I am not bothered about it. If it has to happen, it will happen.