The failure of my first two films gave me a reality check – Shraddha
With films like Aashiqui 2, Ek Villain, ABCD 2 and Haider to her credit, Shraddha Kapoor has carved an enviable success record for herself. While she’s largely played the sweet girl-next-door, with her latest release, Baaghi, Shraddha explores the action genre which has been on her wish list. Here are some excerpts from an interview with the vivacious actress, where she talks about Baaghi and more.
Shraddha Kapoor
How would you describe Siya, your character in Baaghi?
Siya is a person who can take care of herself. And if you’ve seen the trailer, you know what happens to people who mess with her. But she also has a soft side. She will listen to her father and do what he asks of her, without any questions asked. She talks to the clouds because they are her best friends; she is quite imaginative that way.
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There has been a lot of buzz around Baaghi and its performance at the box office. What are your expectations from the film?
Honestly, I don’t know much about the business angle of filmmaking. I have no idea as to what is a good opening and what is a bad opening. Even for my previous films like ABCD 2 and Ek Villain, when people said that your film has opened very well, I have simply responded with “Very good!” I don’t understand the figures and monetary terms. If it has been predicted that Baaghi will have a good opening, it’s a very good thing. I think a good opening is predicted on the basis of advance bookings. I just want people to go and watch the film. It is as simple as that.
You’ve always wanted to do an action film. How was the experience of finally getting your wish fulfilled?
I am very happy to have done action in the film. But I must be honest and straightforward to let you know that it is Tiger (Shroff, actor) all the way. I have done very little action. It is the first time that I am doing action and I had a blast doing it. During ABCD 2, I’d injured my left leg. While shooting for Baaghi I injured my right leg. It was very painful, but I had to still continue training. Even Tiger had a lot of injuries. But then, that is a part and parcel of performing. You cannot expect yourself to not get hurt.
READ: I DON’T WANT TO COMPETE WITH ANYONE BUT MYSELF – TIGER SHROFF
Are you happy with your performance in the film?
I haven’t seen the film completely yet. I have only seen my own bits and pieces during dubbing. As an actor, you always feel that you could have done something in a better way or trained harder.
Your initial films didn’t do very well but now you have one of the most enviable track records among the younger crop of actors. Has that changed your approach towards films?
I always strive to push myself harder and harder. I am very grateful for all the love that has come my way. But I want to push myself harder as an actor, and keep doing something new every time.
With Tiger Shroff in a still from Baaghi
With the success that your recent films have received, does it give you the confidence to take more risks in your career?
It does give me confidence. At the same time, my first two films didn’t do well. That gives me a reality check. You can only predict box office numbers to an extent or say that everybody is excited to watch your film. But the ultimate verdict only comes in when the film releases. The box office is very unpredictable.
READ: MY IDENTITY AS AN ACTOR HASN’T BEEN BUILT ON LEAD ROLES – SWARA
How do you deal with success and failure?
“Don’t take success to your head and failure to your heart.” That is a very memorable quote. Another quote that I love is, “Look for the stars but with your feet on the ground.”
Among all the characters that you’ve played on-screen, which one is your favorite?
It is very difficult to choose. I love them all! If I absolutely had to select one, then it would be Arohi from Aashiqui 2.
READ: AASHIQUI 2 MAKES 100 CRORES
What is the status of your next film Rock On 2?
It is almost done and will be releasing in November.
You are also shooting for OK Jaanu with Aditya Roy Kapoor and there are high expectations from your on-screen pairing after Aashiqui 2. How is the film shaping up?
It is shaping up good. We’ve completed about 40 per cent. The original version of OK Jaanu, OK Kanmani, is in Tamil and it is very cute. When I saw that film, I wanted to be a part of its remake right away! I hope we do justice to our characters.
