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'I want to romance Shah Rukh Khan onscreen'
"I come from an illustrious film family and I could never resist the call of arc lights. I grew up on a stable diet on Hindi films and always dreamt of romancing Shah Rukh Khan onscreen," says the debutante adding, "I am determined to make it big irrespective of the brickbats or bouquets that will come my way."
In a freewheeling chat with Swati R Chaudhary, the debutante talks about Himesh Reshammiya, Karzzzz, her first day on the sets and more...
How did you bag the role of Tina Munim in the remake of Karz?
Satish Kaushik [director], Himesh Reshammiya and Bhushan Kumar were looking out for a new face to play Tina Munim's part in Karzzzz. My dad (Indra Kumar) was planning to launch me then and they got to know about it and I was on board.
Did you do any groundwork for the role?
I was asked to watch the film to understand the nuances of my character and get a gist of my role. As a kid, I'd obviously seen Karz but I vaguely remembered it. After it was offered to me, I was watching it every second day to get an insight into the story.
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'For how long will someone cast me because I'm Indra Kumar's daughter?'
It's not like I'm piggy backing on my Bollywood lineage. Filmi connections are instrumental in giving you a platform but eventually you have to perform to survive.
For how long will someone cast me because I'm Indra Kumar's daughter, because I am a star kid? Ultimately, I have to manage to hold my own and unleash my acting prowess to survive.
Tell us about your character in the modern day version of Karz?
I play a stylised, modern day girl who is very possessive about her guy. We have retained the core idea so the innocence and chirpiness is integral to my character.
I was elated and overjoyed when this role was offered to me. Playing a hit character immortalised by Tina Munim is a huge honour and a greater responsibility.
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'The hullabaloo around Karzzzz refuses to die down, thanks to Himesh Reshammiya and his phenomenal music'
In a way there are risks but there are plus points as well. The remake of any successful film calls for comparison and critical assessment. As an actor, I have sincerely done my job and now it's for the audience to decide.
The advantages outnumber the disadvantages. The hullabaloo around Karzzzz refuses to die down, thanks to Himesh Reshammiya and his phenomenal music. Satish Kaushik is a director par excellence and then you have T-Series backing it. It's quite a lot for a newcomer and I couldn't have asked for a better launch vehicle.
As for comparisons with Tina Munim, I am prepared to take it in my stride. When you come from a filmi background, expectations naturally build up and tend to rise higher. I can only work hard and hope for the best!
Tell us about your first day on the sets?
My first day on sets was nerve-wrecking. I was surrounded by an ocean of people and I was scared out of my wits. I had my first day jitters like any other newcomer. As the shoot progressed and I gave my first shot, my nervousness subsided and onlookers applauded my shot.
Satishji explained me my scenes well and I just went with the flow. I had to let go of all my inhibitions before the camera. No one ever made me feel like a newcomer on sets.
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'It's a misconception that Himesh Reshammiya doesn't smile'
It's a misconception that Himesh Reshammiya doesn't smile. In fact, he even laughs. As a costar, he is very accommodating and cooperative. As a person, he is cheerful and easygoing.
In the beginning, we both didn't know each other well, so we only exchanged pleasantries but we gradually broke the ice. As days passed, we were bantering and joking with each other.
Any acting tips from co-star Urmila Matondkar?
I barely have scenes with Urmila, but nevertheless, I've learnt from her. It was a great honour working with an actress of her stature. I've grown up watching her films. Sharing the same screen as her was exciting enough. She made me feel very comfortable and at no point did I feel like I was working with a senior artiste.
What about your director Satish Kaushik?
Satishji himself is a fabulous actor so he knows how to extract performances. He never lost his cool with me or snapped at me if I didn't get a scene right. He is cool as a cucumber, lively and spirited. He was never unduly strict and neither did I feel scared of underperforming or not delivering in his presence.
Don't you think with Himesh Reshammiya and Urmila Matondkar in central roles, your presence would be sidelined?
My role is integral to the plot and even if it's short, at this point, I am only concerned about 'quality' and not 'quantity'.
My job as a newcomer is to deliver and not haggle over the length of my role. I have to make people believe in my character. I have to first prove my acting mettle and win audiences approval and adulation. The rest will follow.
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'My favourite part in the film is my introduction scene'
It has to be my introduction scene. Hands down! That's the first time I'm revealed onscreen, just before the song Tera Chera Mashallah. I can't divulge much about it.
How supportive was your father Indra Kumar of your decision to act?
I was always in awe of the Hindi film industry and the glam world. I belong to an illustrious film family so I always grew up watching films and dreamt of being an actress. I always wanted to act. My parents were more than supportive of my decision to act.
I have done an acting course from the Kishore Namit Kapoor Acting institute. I have training in Indian classical and western dancing.
Acting runs in my family. I had to romance the arc lights some day. I am determined to make it big irrespective of the brickbats or bouquets that will come my way. And it's my dream to romance Shah Rukh Khan onscreen.
What next?
I have signed a contract with T-Series until Karzzzz releases. So at the moment it's just Karzzzz for me. I am elated and anxious and I need everyone's good wishes. I will start shooting for my dad's film early next year.
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