It’s not even been a month since Badmaash Company released and you’ve already started work on your third Yash Raj venture with a newcomer called Ranveer Singh.
I have been working on this film for a while. It was rumoured to be titled Shaadi Mubarak, but that’s not the case. Apart from that, I’d really like all of you to wait for the release.
In the film, you, as Shruti and Ranveer as Bittoo, run a marriage bureau. The story seems inspired by YRF’s own TV show, Rishta.com.
(Laughs) Why would people want to watch us on the silver screen if they have already seen a similar version of us on TV? Moreover, we are wedding planners in the film and not running a marriage bureau. I sincerely think it’s not right to compare unreleased films with other movies or, in this case, TV shows, till people actually watch them. And when they do, comparisons can be made, if any. Till then they are really uncalled for.
You had high expectations from Badmaash Company. Were the reviews disappointing?
I’ve had faith in the film from the time I read the script. I would have loved if the reviews were as great as the box office collection was. Having said that, I don’t think it was ever written off by anyone.
Do reviews matter to you?
Reviews matter to that person who spends Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 to take his family to a film on a weekend. He reads the papers before watching the film to find out whether the film is worth his money. So it matters to me because it matters to that man. Having said that, I personally treat reviews as one person’s opinion, and opinions will be varied on a Friday. I respect the critics, but I go with the box office collection, since to me, that is the voice of the audience. And the audience is whom we make films for.
Do reviews matter to you?
Reviews matter to that person who spends Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 to take his family to a film on a weekend. He reads the papers before watching the film to find out whether the film is worth his money. So it matters to me because it matters to that man. Having said that, I personally treat reviews as one person’s opinion, and opinions will be varied on a Friday. I respect the critics, but I go with the box office collection, since to me, that is the voice of the audience. And the audience is whom we make films for.
How is work on Patiala House coming along?
Working with Nikhil Advani has been a lot of fun. I like the manner in which he presents his actresses and his general attitude towards the treatment of a female protagonist. We are currently shooting for the film in London. We just finished a schedule in India, so we had all the time to bond. I hope our off-screen camaraderie translates well on screen too. We have another three to four weeks of work left on the film.
You have, in the past, and currently, been working with a lot of senior actors. Is it easier to work with them or do you prefer working with actors your age?
Working with Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar has been a learning curve for me. It’s through them that I have been able to get an insight into the industry, I have learnt to be cautious in my dealings and about how the industry used to work earlier and how it has changed over the years. But don’t get me wrong, it’s not like a walk down memory lane with them all the time. Akshay has such a great sense of humour and is so straight-faced when telling a joke. He has everyone in splits, on the set, most of the time. Whereas, Shahid and Ranveer have been like pals and we’ve all hung out a lot when not facing the camera.
Deepika Padukone, Asin, Sonam and you almost started out together. How do you rate your contemporaries?
I have done just two films and I am still learning about the craft with each project. Apart from that I don’t wish to rate anybody because firstly, it’s not my place to do such a thing and secondly, because I only like to mind my own business and concentrate on my work. That’s the only way I know how to work.
Do you feel that the rumours of the three-film deal with YRF has restricted filmmakers from approaching you?
It’s so refreshing to hear someone from the media debunk the three film deal! You know, in all honesty, I’ve always tried to clarify such rumours, but to no avail. I think, as an actor and especially as a newcomer, it was hurtful that nobody was willing to check their facts before making such assumptions. Adi never forbid me from doing any non-YRF films, or else, how would I be here in London shooting for Patiala House?