Tiger Shroff, who took a gap year for his second release, tells A Mishra that he was training in Kalarippayattu
When his first film was released, he amazed everyone with his action and people started comparing him with Hrithik Roshan after seeing his dance moves. At the age of four, Tiger Shroff started watching films of Bruce lee. Though he claims that he did not become an actor because of Bruce lee but yes, his passion for action started from there. “I used to watch the movies of Bruce lee and I got my inspiration from there. I never intended to be a film star just because I wanted to become like Bruce lee but when I got the chance in Heropanti, I had to prove that I could do it,” said Shroff during his promotional event in Delhi.
During our conversation, the actor accepted that becoming an actor was not his first choice. “I always wanted to be footballer,” Shroff shared.
Talking about his film Baaghi, the actor agrees that the role was physically demanding and very painful. And it comes two years after his rather smashing debut in Heropanti. “I think to make a film like Baaghi, it requires a lot of effort and plenty of time to prepare for the part. We wanted it to look real and perhaps that is why it took two years,” he said.
Shroff’s penchant for action and martial arts is not a secret but he did dispell the rumour of holding a fifth degree black belt in martial arts. He clarifies, “I have learnt four-degree martial arts and all of them were very different and difficult. It is a misconception that I am a fifth-degree belt taekwondo. I was a chief guest at some event and they gifted it to me.”
No matter how dangerous a stunt is or how demanding a shot, the young actor like sot keep it real. He has a strict no-stunt double policy since day one. We asked him why and with a sheepish smile he said, “I work very hard and I don’t think anybody’s body language can match with any other person because everybody’s body language is different. like the way my body moves, I don’t think someone else can move their body or vise-versa.” Doing an action sequence doesn’t scare him. “In fact, I enjoy doing it,” he added.
It is the first time that he is sharing screen space with Shraddha Kapoor whom he has known since his school days. “Shraddha and I know each other from our childhood because we studied in the same school. She is very talented and hardworking. She is very happy and positive girl. Even after giving back to back blockbusters, she is still simple and was very easy to work with.”
Being a star kid can be pressure sometimes, but Tiger wants to carve his own identity. “Of course there is a pressure that comes with being a star kid but I do not let that affect my work. I take inspiration from that and it pushes me and helps me to work harder. I walk that extra mile to make my own identity, different from my father,” Shroff wrapped up.
photo Pankaj Kumar