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Chatting up with 7-year-olds, Harshaali inclusive, is no mean task. Given her innocence and age, we sought some help from her mommy Kajal, who helped us understand what the kid went through while she rubbed shoulders on the sets with three Khans- Kabir, Kareena Kapoor and Salman. Excerpts from the chat:
How did Harshaali get the role?
Kajal: I had casually dropped in to meet casting director Mukesh sir (Mukesh Chhabra). He just conducted a basic audition with Harshaali. A few weeks later, he called us again. This time, the test was a lot more detailed; her body language and emotions were put to test. A few more weeks passed by. We were informed that she has been shortlisted for a Salman Khan film. Kabir Khan conducted some workshops with her and a few other kids. And eventually, they took five kids including Harshaali to meet Salman sir. I didn't go along. Then, we were told she has been finalised for the role.
It must have taken some time for that news to register?
Kajal: It did because we weren't expecting it.
Were you expecting your daughter to come out with flying colours on the big screen?
Kajal: Yes, because I know my daughter has a passion for facing the camera. If she doesn't do her homework, all I have to say is, "Harshaali, I will not let you act again." And everything is done with clockwork precision and in record time (laughs). When I asked her what she told Salman sir when she met him, Harshaali said: "I told Salman uncle that I want to be a superstar like him." I was stunned with her confidence. Before she started shooting, I asked her, "Baby. will you be comfortable doing sobbing scenes?" She replied: "Mamma, I will. If I don't do my part well, how would people watching the film feel Shahida's pain?"
There must be plenty of offers now?
Kajal: There are, but most are for TV shows. And I don't want her to do those. I don't want to drain her. A break is a must. And I'd be happier if she did few but good ad and film projects. I will be monitoring the movies that are offered. After working hard and getting this far in her career, I don't want her to do miniscule roles. The production house, the character and the length of the role will all matter. She's in Std 2 right now. After passing Std 5 or 6, I'll have to stop her from working. Once she's 18, and passes class 12, she can start again. Studies are a must, and I have drilled that in her.
Did she miss her classes while shooting for BB?
She missed quite a few, but we had her principal's permission. She had clearly told us that she can't miss her exams and she must complete her notes and homework. So, her father and I teamed up and made sure she misses nothing of what is taught in school. Sometimes, he went to school and fetched the notes, and sometimes, her teachers would tell me on the phone and send her worksheets by email. We covered up everything, and she passed with decent marks. She was in Std 1 when we started shooting. So, the pressure is not all that high.
Did you have to play the mediator between Kabir, Salman and Harshaali?
No, I always let them be. They communicated on the sets directly. I just watched from the sidelines because I let Harshaali hang around with them on the sets right from Day 1. So, she had a great rapport with almost everyone on the sets. She even had queries at times which Kabir sir answered patiently and lovingly. Today, Harshaali and Kabir's daughter Saira have become great friends.
How did Harshaali get the role?
Kajal: I had casually dropped in to meet casting director Mukesh sir (Mukesh Chhabra). He just conducted a basic audition with Harshaali. A few weeks later, he called us again. This time, the test was a lot more detailed; her body language and emotions were put to test. A few more weeks passed by. We were informed that she has been shortlisted for a Salman Khan film. Kabir Khan conducted some workshops with her and a few other kids. And eventually, they took five kids including Harshaali to meet Salman sir. I didn't go along. Then, we were told she has been finalised for the role.
It must have taken some time for that news to register?
Kajal: It did because we weren't expecting it.
Were you expecting your daughter to come out with flying colours on the big screen?
Kajal: Yes, because I know my daughter has a passion for facing the camera. If she doesn't do her homework, all I have to say is, "Harshaali, I will not let you act again." And everything is done with clockwork precision and in record time (laughs). When I asked her what she told Salman sir when she met him, Harshaali said: "I told Salman uncle that I want to be a superstar like him." I was stunned with her confidence. Before she started shooting, I asked her, "Baby. will you be comfortable doing sobbing scenes?" She replied: "Mamma, I will. If I don't do my part well, how would people watching the film feel Shahida's pain?"
There must be plenty of offers now?
Kajal: There are, but most are for TV shows. And I don't want her to do those. I don't want to drain her. A break is a must. And I'd be happier if she did few but good ad and film projects. I will be monitoring the movies that are offered. After working hard and getting this far in her career, I don't want her to do miniscule roles. The production house, the character and the length of the role will all matter. She's in Std 2 right now. After passing Std 5 or 6, I'll have to stop her from working. Once she's 18, and passes class 12, she can start again. Studies are a must, and I have drilled that in her.
Did she miss her classes while shooting for BB?
She missed quite a few, but we had her principal's permission. She had clearly told us that she can't miss her exams and she must complete her notes and homework. So, her father and I teamed up and made sure she misses nothing of what is taught in school. Sometimes, he went to school and fetched the notes, and sometimes, her teachers would tell me on the phone and send her worksheets by email. We covered up everything, and she passed with decent marks. She was in Std 1 when we started shooting. So, the pressure is not all that high.
Did you have to play the mediator between Kabir, Salman and Harshaali?
No, I always let them be. They communicated on the sets directly. I just watched from the sidelines because I let Harshaali hang around with them on the sets right from Day 1. So, she had a great rapport with almost everyone on the sets. She even had queries at times which Kabir sir answered patiently and lovingly. Today, Harshaali and Kabir's daughter Saira have become great friends.
Anupamaa
18