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How did you bag the role in RADIO
When casting director called me, I just went there & met the director Ishaanji and the producer Mr. Ravi Agarwal, who gave me the script. They seemed very nice but I always insist on reading the script before anything. The script was very good. I read it, loved it, fell in love with my character but I was apprehensive at first because I did not know any of them. I never met Himesh and I had the general public perception of him.
How was the experience working with Himesh?
Oh!!! The experience was fabulous. And Himesh is such a sweet person. And what can I say about Himesh? Himesh is the most positive person I have ever met in my life. He is so optimistic and focused. I had never met Himesh before this film started. But my producer Ravi Agrawal told me to meet with him before we started shooting. And you know what??? Himesh sent his car and driver to
‘Himesh is the most positive person I have ever met…’ |
He fed me all this yummy gujju food, khakaras and theplas. Then he made me listen to the album of RADIO. And I was hooked. The Music is outstanding, Himesh’s best ever. I fell in love immediately. That is Himesh. (Laughs)
Tell us about your character in RADIO?
My character’s name is Shanaya. She is an outspoken girl who wears all her emotions on her sleeve. She laughs easily and cries easily too. She is not shy or afraid of anybody. She does different jobs just to stay out of the house, to keep away from her nagging parents; they constantly want to get her married. She goes on to being a very popular RJ and has a beautiful voice and is also a back up singer. Shanaya is today’s girl- she is spunky, full of life, social networking addict, a little crazy and irrational and has traditional values hidden deep down. She’s torn between reason, practicality and her emotions. I think the youth will identify with Shanaya.
CHECK OUT: RADIO Music Review
What kind of preparations you did for your Character?
No preparations as such. Shanaya becomes a very popular RJ and I have been a very popular VJ for 6 years in my personal life. I’ve been to radio stations and have a lot of RJ friends, all this in itself were tools for my preparation. I have a cousin with whom I relate the character; she is spunky and fun, yet very traditional and sentimental at the end of the day. I tried to copy her mannerisms and motives.
What was exciting thing about the script? How much the title, RADIO, is apt?
My writer and director Ishantji wrote a great script. It’s not on your nose, its youth centric and most exciting part of it. For me it was all based in a radio station. I have also hosted radio shows and at some point will turn into a full time RJ, so watch out RJs! you have stiff competition coming your way. I know if there’s one thing I am great at its hosting shows and Shanaya is a crazy half Parsi, half Punjabi girl & is as spunky and mad as me. The radio station back drop makes it more exhilarating.
How much is radio station important in your personal life?
Hey!! you know I think not just me but all who travel in Mumbai city by road or by train, in their life Radio plays a very important role. Since I started the film I have been paying more attention to RJs and the radio stations. The songs the RJs play determine my moods and sometimes I even feel like calling them when I have a problem.
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(Laughs) You guys are crazy. Why do you think two girls should always fight? Do you fight with your female colleagues?? We get along really well and like each other a lot. In fact we had common friends and we met once, a long time ago even before doing the film. So when I was offered this film, people asked me to call her, as she is the second heroine of the film. She encouraged me to work with Himesh, re-assuring me that he was very down to earth and a very good person. We can spend hours chit-chatting. I guess this is because both of us are secure and sure of ourselves. Problem arises when you work with insecure, extremely competitive people. I’ve worked with one such actress long time ago and believe me she made my life hell. Thank God Sonal is not at all like that.
After your hit debut film, ISHQ VISHK, why you were not seen in the films?
After ISHQ VISHK, I didn’t get the kind of films I would like to watch, so I just took off. I had just finished my studies I decided to take some time off and decide if this is what I really wanted. Sounds crazy because many girls from all over the world come to India to be actors and here I was moving away from India to decide what I really wanted. I tried photography, writing, production, hosted travel shows, fell in and out of love, traveled the world. Lived out of a suitcase like a hippy, went to acting and writing school in the U.S, did some plays, did tiny parts in LA. I have three movies ready for release. I guess this is my comeback and honestly I am very nervous about it.
During ISHQ VISHK, some people criticized your weight. How would you react on that?
It’s a superficial looks-oriented business and yes!! I was a little chubby during ISHQ VISHK. I love my food, what can I say. I still do (laughs) but I work out like crazy now. I have lost 7 kgs since then. I don’t really care as much about my looks as much as I care about my performance. I was playing a college girl and most college girls have a little baby fat, I don’t get this anorexic craze. Anyway, men like girls with curves and I love my female form. I don’t want to look like a boy. I like my big butt.
How much you have grown from ISHQ VISHK to RADIO? What are your criteria for selecting the films?
Hmmm…you can say that I’m focused now, I’m sure that this is what I want to do. I am very dedicated and prepared for hard work. Script is king for me. The director is very important too and so is the production.
CHECK OUT: From Ronan Keating to Himesh, with love, on RADIO!
What inspired you to work in Bollywood, who is your idol and who you like to work with?
I never had any inspiration to work in Bollywood. I never even dreamt I’d end up being a Bollywood actress. I always loved acting but only doing theatre. I thought I would be a photographer, a writer, a journalist and act in plays on the side. I never even dreamt of being a Bollywood actress. My idol is Aamir khan; I would love to act with Aamir. He has been my hero since I was a kid. From the current lot I like Ranbir and Shahid.
What are your upcoming projects and what sort of roles you are looking forward to?
DELHI BELLY, produced by Aamir Khan, I am paired opposite Imran Khan. I’d love to play a character with shades of grey. I am most suited in the Drew Barrymore, Meg Ryan, girl next door kind of roles. I think I’m good at comedy but I am not a fan of stupid, mindless comedies. I’d like to play journalist, musician, working woman, a very strong character, a girl with an alcohol or drug problem, an obsessed lover… gosh! I want to play ever!
