**Gals, guys & guns** (Shabbir Ahluwalia)

Apoorva Lakhia's Mission Istaanbul, shot extensively in Afghanistan and Istanbul, addresses the grave and serious issue of global terrorism. Screen talks to Shriya Saran, Nikitin Dheer, Shabbir Ahluwalia and Shweta Bharadwaj to know a little more about the action thriller.

Shweta: Shriya, I am curious, how despite being a big name in the South, did you took up this film, which is a male - dominated action thriller?

Shriya: However big a star is one in the South, Hindi films are always a big attraction. And then I took it up because it is a big banner film. Also the role of a glamorous investigative journalist was exciting and different and also something that I had never done before.

Shweta: Oh, so did you do a lot of homework for your part?

Shriya: Oh no! Don't we keep interacting with journalists all the time? I have always observed their mannerisms and imbibed it in my character.

Shweta: I wasn't that lucky. To play a RAW agent in the film, I underwent rigorous training with action directors Javed and Eijaz Sheikh. There are a lot of action sequences in the film so I had to be physically fit. Initially it was tough but I adored being in uniforms. I felt very smart.

Shriya: Yeah, you look very chic.

Shabbir: For a girl your role was pretty tough. It's not easy playing a RAW agent. I like Nikitin's role in the film too. In fact I like characters with negative shades. It is so much more fun.

Nikitin: I know! Playing a villainous character gives me immense satisfaction. I like my look, which is really stylish and sophisticated though the classy image in the film is however completely different from what I am in real life. It's at the end of the spectrum.

Shabbir: All of us are playing unusual characters in the film. I play the role of an Afghan terrorist. But Shweta, how did you bag the role?

Shweta: Oh, I know that though it is not exactly the ideal launch for a newcomer I am more than happy I did it. Imagine a girl from Delhi, barely 5 months old in Mumbai and acting alongside big stars. Suniel Shetty spotted me in an ad and asked me to audition for the role. I underwent a couple of screen tests and was later selected. My first scene required me to hold a gun and shoot five people.

Nikitin: I saw you handling a gun like a professional. Tell me was your dad in the police force or something?

Shweta: Oh no! I had never held a gun before in my life but I guess while watching films, we unconsciously imbibe such things. Nobody believed me because the shot was okayed in the first take.

Nikitin: Besides the fantastic script, I enjoyed the experience of shooting in Istanbul. It is so rich in culture. The architectural work, the great landscapes and the roadside food all added to the thrill.

Shabbir: But I can never forget the freezing cold. Though it was a welcome change from the sweltering Mumbai climate, we were all struggling to beat the cold. God! The temperature at night for most part of our stay was below zero degrees.

Shriya: Moreover, when you are in a different country, you tend to be more focussed, as there is no distraction around. I remember hanging out together after the shoot. Also our director, Apoorva Lakhia, used to give us a holiday once every ten days.

Shabbir: And how can we forget that half of the time our mobiles used to be switched off, as there was no network coverage in the area where we were shooting? We were completely disconnected from the world.

Nikitin: The unique thing about the film is that there are several daring action sequences. Every day was hectic and some sequences were difficult but the movie has turned out really well. Apoorva is a phenomenal director. I am sure the audience will not be disappointed. It is going to be a paisa vasool for everyone!