There is no comedy around the main issues in the film. The backdrop of the movie is a serious topic. However, the situations that lead to it are funny. I feel that when you tell a story in a light-hearted manner, the audience is more responsive rather when you burden them with preachiness
You are de-glam in the film. Is this a trend and whyIJ
Cinema is becoming more realistic and content-driven. I feel that the terms ‘glam’ and ‘de-glam’ should no longer be used because ultimately, as actors, we need to be true to the character we play. At times, we need to wear a mini-skirt and at other times a salwar-kameez. These are real movies with real people.
How was it to work with Subhash KapoorIJ
Subhash sir is very good with his material. He knows his content, story and characters well. Guddu Rangeela is a typical Subhash Kapoor film.
What challenges did you face playing Baby in Guddu RangeelaIJ
The biggest challenge was that I have grown up in a gentle environment and here I was dealing with two typically Haryanvi ruffians. The shoot locations were very tough. I was constantly getting bruised! However, it was fun to play a character far removed from me in real life. The other challenge was because Baby was to pretend to be hearing impaired, I was not supposed to react to any sound. It was difficult for me to block sounds completely. Subhash sir sent me to workshops so that I could observe the hearing and speech impaired people.
How was the experience working with Arshad Warsi, Amit Sadh and Ronit RoyIJ
Arshad is an effortless actor and a generous person. I’ve worked with Amit before in an advertisement. Ronit Roy is someone who gets into the skin of the character. When you have great actors working with you, it becomes much more exciting.
Your Father’s Day ad with Dilip Tahil was amazing! Did you always want to work on awareness projectsIJ
Absolutely! I didn’t even take 30 seconds to accept that ad offer. I have a very Utopian belief that I can change the world. Children need to be nurtured, protected, loved and empowered. Real honour, I believe, is in empowering the child, not in silencing her.
You come from a royal family. Has that ever been a hindranceIJ
My family has given me a huge amount of freedom. In fact, I took up the offer of the Father’s Day ad because I have been empowered as a child. I know that my family will always be there for me.
Despite being a trained dancer, we have not seen you doing any dance movie. Have you consciously steered awayIJ
I have always done content-driven cinema, except for the movie Boss. When you are doing such movies, you can’t suddenly break into an item number! Also, most people in the industry do not know that I am a trained dancer. However, I have recently shot for a dance number for an upcoming movie.
How was IIFAIJ
The IIFA is amazing! It gives you an opportunity to connect with fans. The best part of the night this year for me was my performance.
Being an actor, are you open to doing anything that your character demandsIJ
I am totally uninhibited in front of the camera. Because of that, I have to be very careful about who I work with so that I am not made to do an unnecessary scene which shows me in a bad light. I am not afraid to do an intimate scene, because intimacy is natural to life. However, it should be done in the right manner. I believe performance is one thing and being an object is another. I am not ready to be an object.
Guddu Rangeela is your first release this year. What other releases are lined upIJ
Wazir with Amitabh Bachhan, Farhan Akhtar and John Abraham is coming up. Then there is Fitoor with Katrina, Tabu and Aditya Roy Kapoor and The legend of Michael Mishra opposite Arshad Warsi. I have also signed a film with Abhinay Deo.