Was Bollywood always your end-goal?
I would be lying if I say that I did not want to be an actor; I always wanted to do something in Bollywood. I did television to learn acting. As a child, whenever I would watch films, I would dream of being those actors. I've always admired Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Mithun Chakraborty...
How did Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania come your way?
Karan narrated the role and told me that it was okay to say No' if I didn't like the part. He told me he wouldn't hold it against me and that I had the liberty to decline the part. I think it was really kind of him to say that. There was no pressure on me to agree to the film. But I liked my character and the way I was going to be presented. So I went ahead and signed the film.
Has the initial shock-of-stardom settled?
It is really overwhelming and I'm getting a good response from everywhere. I'm grateful that so much love has come my way. I hope I can make something good of it and continue with decent work in the future too.
Was your friend John Abraham responsible for recommending you?
Karan went ahead and signed me purely based on his gut-feeling. The process was very transparent. John and I were friends during our modelling days and he got busy after that. So we are not constantly in touch. But I know he is a well wisher and will always be happy for me.
Was this the first film offered to you?
Before television, there were many movies that came my way but nothing worked out eventually. I think the only reason was that I used to be a miserable actor. And that's when I realised that I really needed to work on myself. So I thought television was the best opportunity for me to learn and I would also make money because that's equally important.
How is KJo as a mentor?
Frankly speaking, he is not just a mentor but a friend too. Karan is so accessible. I can go up to him and talk about anything. In a way, he's taken me under his wings. He is always ready to hear what I have to say. The best thing that has happened to me is that I have got an opportunity to switch over to movies with his banner.
How different is television from films?
Well, movies are highly planned and you work on a bound-script. On the other hand, television is instant. TV shows run on TRPs while movies run on the content. There is a lot of detailing that goes into shooting a film. There is detailing in television too, but you just need to get done with the scenes. They're quite different!
With your Bollywood career on the horizon, are you going to give up on TV?
I don't want to speak out-of-turn, but I really don't know what I'll be doing and how things are going to pan out. I will take each day as it comes. I'm continuing with television as of now...
Will your fan-following on TV get you more eyeballs for Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania?
People know me and my work and I think it's definitely an added advantage. But there are people who are not that well-known and still manage to carry a film on their shoulders.
A lot of TV boys are shifting base to films. Who's your strongest competitor?
I don't really think of competition. I want to make a mark for myself at this point. I consider my characters to be competitors. I want to get better with each of them...
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Anupamaa
