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The 22-year old has travelled quite a fair distance in Bollywood in three years. Vickey Lalwani spoke to her about her journey in B-town. Excerpts:
You received a fair amount of criticism in Student of the Year. Do you feel vindicated now?
Student of the Year was a lifetime opportunity. Kids still call me Shanaya. I will never have second thoughts about having done that film. As for the second part of your question, I would say that I still have a long way to go. I won't say that I have created a fan base. But yes, I have an audience today.
The turning point was Highway...
Definitely. I managed to tell people through that film that I am not here to be just a glamorous star. People had thought that I am just a baby doll.
And Doordarshan is not going to show Highway because the film has an adult theme...
Doordarshan has a family audience which is sensitive to a certain type of cinema. I definitely get that. But there's a side to me which believes that child sexual abuse does happen, and mind you, to not only girls but boys as well. There is a world out there which every child should know; it would only protect him/her. More often than not, children don't know what's happening with them when they are being abused (sexually). Educating them might just help. Let's get this straighter. Isn't this (child sexual abuse) the reason why every parent keeps telling his/her child that he/she should not talk to strangers? And the children keep asking why they should not. Shouldn't kids be provided answers?
This connects to the Censor Board's decision to not allow cuss words in films. Your uncle Mukesh Bhatt has raised his voice against the ditkat...
Cuss words are not a must. You can be bold without using foul language. But... (trails off)
But?
There can be situations in stories where cuss words are justified. For an example, don't people in certain parts of our country use a lot of expletives? Don't we abuse when we get frustrated? I think we should have a 'Rating System of Films' like they have in the West.
You were elated when you won the Filmfare award for Highway, but you didn't get it in many other places...
An award means that the audience has recognized your work. So naturally, I was elated. But I am never going to crib: Mujhe kyun nahin mila so-and-so award? For me, the audience is the king. Like, I think that Kangana deserved all the awards last year. But the final decision rests with the audience doesn't it?
Are you saying Priyanka did not deserve for Mary Kom?
Not at all, Priyanka had put in too much effort into that role. Kangana was my favourite performance of 2014.
What if you are told: Perform on stage to get an award?
I hope that's not actually happening. I will not perform to get an award. That's tantamount to cheating. I want to earn my awards.
You play an insomniac in Vikas Bahl's next, Shaandaar...
But I get sleep very easily in real life (laughs). I am 'early to bed and early to rise' person.
Buzz is, Fawaad Khan refused to do an intimate scene with you in Kapoor & Sons...
I am not aware of this.
Are you comfortable doing intimate scenes?
Expressing love is the biggest reality of life. Human beings are meant to express their intimacy. So why should this be not reflective in stories and screenplays?
You want to move out of your Juhu house,,,
Yeah, I am hunting for an accommodation. But I will try to find one closer to my present home.
Why do you want to shift?
I need more space. Two years into the film industry, I have a lot of things which need storage place. Moreover, I need separate space to do my meetings, rehearsals and dress-fitting trials. Today, my parents and sister have to go away from the hall if I have such sessions.
Are you fashion conscious?
Yes. After losing weight, I realised that i could fit into many clothes which I never dreamt of wearing. Now I have my clothes line and I am coming up with a new summer collection.
You were called the mini Kareena Kapoor when you made your debut. How was it shooting with her in Udta Punjab?
We haven't shot together yet. But yes, I have seen her on the set. Striking a conversation with her was very easy. Kareena is not only a fantastic actress but a very easy-going person. We got along very well.
In two years, you got linked up with Varun, Arjun and now Sidharth...
I won't react to this question at this point of time. I don't want to say whom I like or dislike. I want to keep my personal life as personal.
Did you see Deepika Padukone's video My Choice?
I liked the video. Let's not take it so literally. Look at the broader picture. Many women in our country find themselves in situations which compel them to think that they have no choice. I think this video is trying to make then aware that they do have a choice.I haven't had a chat with Homi Adajania (Cocktail and Finding Fanny director, who made the video) but I think this is what he meant (pauses). But as a young girl I have a problem.
What?
Why do we need to stress so much on women empowerment?
Can you list down the films you have in your kitty?
Udta Punjab, Shaandaar, Kapoor & Sons and Ayan Mukerji's next
Have you been offered Rohit Shetty's Ram Lakhan?
(Long pause) I wouldn't comment on that right now.
Hindi TV Shows
Dr Aarambhi
Mahadev And Sons
Cricket
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