Director Hansal Mehta says Kangana Ranaut, who features in his new movie 'Simran', is like "sone pe suhaaga" because apart from being a star she is a "fine actress".

"Kangana is a fantastic artiste, a wonderful actor and we had a great time. She is very fine actress in addition to being a star. She is like 'sone pe suhaaga' - a wonderful actress and a very big star too," Mehta said to reporters at the Stardust Awards recently.

'Simran' recently completed its US schedule. Mehta, known for making films like 'Aligarh' and 'Shahid' - delving into controversial and socially relevant subjects - keeps locking horns with the censor board over the release of his films. He calls it a never ending tussle.

"This is never ending. What's the point of complaining when nothing is going to change? I think we have to find a way through this," he said.

Asked how 'Befikre' was released without any trouble from the censor board, while 'Aligarh' faced issues, Mehta commented: "Why should you be surprised? Now it has become a joke."

His film 'Simran' will release on September 15, 2017.