As I enter the conference room in the Dharma Productions office, I am greeted by a casually dressed Shraddha Kapoor with a warm smile and a firm handshake. Sporting a pair of geek-chic glasses and a bright lip colour, the young actress looks stunning as ever. While I am too busy ogling at her and wondering what’s the secret behind her flawless complexion, she startles me by asking, “So did you like my look in Dance Basanti?”
I replied, “I think like would be an understatement. You look quite hot in it. And all my male friends have been swooning over you ever since they’ve seen your brand new sensuous avatar.” “Oh my God! Really?” she blushes and then starts giggling. Realizing that I’ve caught her in a good mood, I throw my array of questions at her. Here are the excerpts from my freewheeling chat with Shraddha Kapoor.
Team MissMalini: (Team MM): How did you end up being a part of a sensuous dance number in Karan Johar’s upcoming film, Ungli?
Shraddha Kapoor (SK): One fine day, Karan called me to tell me about this song. Then when he made me listen to it, I was like, ‘This is such a cool song’! It’s so catchy and peppy. He even said that he wanted to portray me in a never-before-seen avatar. I loved the idea! I hope everybody liked my sensuous avatar in Dance Basanti. I see a drastic difference when I see myself in the song and compare it to my previous on-screen appearances. It feels nice to have done something so different. I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of it. Manish (Malhotra, the fashion designer) gave me a lot of glamourous outfits and the make-up and hair that I sported throughout this number was also quite stunning.
Team MM: While you are the girl-next-door of Bollywood, Emraan Hashmi has always been B-town’s wild child. How was it working with him?
SK: Working with Emraan was an amazing experience. He is so talented. He has his niche following and is distinctly known as Emraan Hashmi. He has established himself so strongly. It was a delight to share screen space with him. He was extremely easy to work with. He carries a very positive energy. I’d love to work with him again.
Team MM: This is the first time we’re seeing you in a Dharma production. When can we hope to see you playing a lead role in a Karan Johar film?
SK: I am just in one song in this film. So I am not really a part of the movie as such. I’d love to be a leading lady in a Dharma movie. I hope Karan offers me a Dharma film.
Team MM: The pace at which you are bagging projects under big banners, that day isn’t far. Moving on, how has life been post the success of Haider?
SK: My celebratory mode is definitely still on. The success of Haider was followed by Diwali and now, I am enjoying the compliments that I’m getting for this song. Talking about Haider, it feels immensely wonderful when people appreciate the patience and hard work that I had to put in during its making. It feels good when your efforts pay off and you get noticed. Being an actress was always my childhood dream and I’m glad I didn’t give up on it easily.
Team MM: After Dance Basanti, you’ll be next seen in Remo D’Souza’s ABCD 2, dancing away with Varun Dhawan. Tell us a little about it.
The dance that I am doing in ABCD 2 is an altogether different level of dancing. We’re in the middle of shooting the film and it is one of the best experiences of my life. It has completely changed by life. I’ve had a partial muscle tear injury and I have still continued giving my heart and soul and blood and sweat to this project. I love dance too much. I don’t know if I am good at it but you guys will know once the movie comes out.
Team MM: In a nascent stage of your career, you’ve already worked with several ace filmmakers. Who are the other directors in your wish list?
SK: There are quite a few of them. I’d like to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Karan Johar, Aditya Chopra and many others.
Team MM: Now, coming to your personal life, you recently affirmed that you are ‘just friends’ with Aditya Roy Kapur. Does that mean you’re currently single?
SK: Yes, I’m absolutely single.
Team MM: Define love in your words.
I don’t know what love is. I think, sometimes we confuse love with attachment. According to me, love should be free-flowing. It should make you feel free. What our generation does is, it binds you by being possessive. The only kind of love that I’m enjoying now is the love from my parents. That love is unconditional. It’s the best kind of love.
Team MM: Lastly, describe yourself in three words.
SK: Unorganized, adventurous and patient.