Kangana Ranaut reacts to Girija Oak's 'national crush' tag: 'Use your beauty to promote our film'

Kangana Ranaut and Girija Oak (Pics via Instagram handles of actors)

In November of last year, actress Girija Oak Godbole went viral on social media. Many netizens were seen admiring Girija's pictures in a blue saree. She soon got the tag of national crush after her pictures went viral. The actress admits that she never understood the logic behind the virality of the picture and does not look at it as an achievement. However, her co-star Kangana Ranaut, of the upcoming film Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, had a suggestion for her on the same.

Kangana jokes about Girija's national crush tag

Kangana and Girija came together for a promotional interview for their upcoming film. The interviewer mentioned that Girija came to be known as the blue saree girl. When she sighed, he added, "But did you know that she has studied biotech, and there's a whole life which we have very little idea about, which is motherhood, and this film that's happening." Kangana chimed in, saying, "What is this about the blue saree? I also heard about it."

Girija then explained, "A clip of mine from a podcast went viral. People kept sharing it, you know how the internet explodes suddenly. There was no logic or reason for it. A lot of people kept commenting on my looks. At the end of it, I feel like that wasn't even my achievement. It was my genes. I have earned nothing in how I look."

While Girija seemed not happy with the momentary virality, Kangana joked, "I am very happy you're in my film. Please apni khoobsurti ka istamal karke film promote kare. (Please use your beauty to promote the film)."

When the interviewer remarked that Girija was underplaying her National Crush tag, she remarked, "But for something to become national, tell me where you get the certificate for. Her (Kangana) becoming national is legitimate. There's no legitimacy to me being called the national crush."

When Girija addressed the downside of going viral

Addressing her viral phase, Girija told the Lallantop, "Someone asked if anything has changed. I said no, I'm not getting extra work offers." She also opened up about the dark side of sudden fame, stating that she was receiving many disturbing messages.

"Someone said, "I can do anything for you, give me a chance.' Someone even asked my rate, 'Ek ghanta bitaane ki keemat kya hai' (What is the price to spend an hour with you?). There are many such messages. If these same people saw me in real life, they wouldn't even look up. Behind a veil, people say anything. In front of you, they speak with love and respect. This is a strange zone. There can be a big debate on how seriously we should take this virtual space," said the actor.