Daisy Shah: I am proud to be Salman Khan’s protege, grateful for it

Race 3 actor Daisy Shah says that she no longer gets bothered when people say that Salman Khan launched her in the film industry; instead she feels proud to be called his protege.

Actor Daisy Shah might have done just a handful of films, but she isn’t complaining. After being an assistant choreographer to Ganesh Acharya for a decade, she made her Bollywood debut in 2014 with the Salman Khan-starrer Jai Ho, and followed it up with Hate Story 3 (2015). However, it’s her upcoming release, the multi-starrer Race 3, which Daisy is most excited about. She is hopeful that it will “let the audience see me in a different avatar.” In a candid conversation, she talks about her journey so far, career dilemma, turning down Bodyguard, and more.

Actor Daisy Shah will be seen in the upcoming film Race 3, also starring Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez.

To be one of the leads in an out-and-out commercial film like Race 3… has it been a long wait?

You can say that, but everybody has their own journey. Some make it real soon; some make it later. I took a little time, but eventually, I’ve reached my destination. That’s the goal, isn’t it?

You’ve been around for quite some time. Why didn’t many filmmakers cast you in main roles?

I would not blame anybody; there’s no point. My debut was delayed because it was my decision and my choice. And I believe in leaving things to time and, then, everything gets perfect.

Were you not sure of the career path you wanted to follow?

I was very uncertain of what I wanted to be after being an assistant choreographer. The next step would have been to be a choreographer. I like dancing but when it comes to conceiving steps, I can’t do that — brains and dance don’t really match in my case. I also realised that if I get into some other field, I’d have to start from scratch, which would have again taken another 7-8 years.

So, how did acting finally happen?

Being in the industry for so long, the next stop for me was modelling and thankfully, I got in touch with (actor) Salman Khan while shooting for Dabanng (2010). Later, he even offered me Bodyguard (2011), which I refused because of my own reasons. It was really gracious of him to ask me again for another film — Jai Ho and, now, Race 3.

Did you regret refusing Bodyguard?

Not really. I was offered Hazel Keech’s role (who played Kareena Kapoor Khan’s best friend in the film). I gave my reason that I come from a dancing background, which that role had nothing to do with. Though it was a really prominent role, when it comes to portraying talent, that particular character had not [much] to perform.

How do you react when people say that Salman Khan launched you in the film industry?

I don’t bother. I honour their words. I am proud to be Salman’s protege and am very grateful for that.

During the phase when you struggled, were there any casting couch incidents you faced?

I wouldn’t deny that it doesn’t happen but, luckily, I haven’t been through it. I’ve never needed a casting director, honestly.

After Race 3, are you hoping for more work to come your way?

I can’t say that more work will be offered, but as a person and actor, I hope that more doors open for me and people look up to me as someone who can deliver.

Interact with Monika Rawal Kukreja at Twitter/@monikarawal