They are all set to make a mark with Fugly! Team MissMalini had earlier spoken to Arfi Lamba and now, a day post the release, Vijender Singh and Kiara Advani talk to us about being debutants, working with Bollywood biggies and everything else Fugly! Here’s what they had to say:
Team MM: As newcomers in the industry, what is the one thing that you absolutely did not expect when you started filming?
Kiara: I think every day and everything that we did on sets was a new experience and completely unexpected. From workshops to canning some of the toughest emotional scenes, every day was full of surprises for me. At least a couple of times during shooting, I would be like, “Oh! I didn’t know I could do this,” or “I didn’t realise this would turn out to be this way!” Fugly is not your typical serious, drama-ridden film but it has a lot of intensity and twists that made me, as an actor, reach totally into the depths of my character.
Vijender: There was a lot I didn’t expect then. But now, after reading the reviews, I did not expect that people not only from the industry, but also outside the industry (like my fans) would welcome me and accept me as an actor. They have always seen me in boxing rings or modelling and endorsing, but a feature film is what I think they wouldn’t have expected from me. I am very happy with the response.
Team MM: What has been the biggest challenge you faced while shooting for Fugly?
Kiara: When I auditioned for Fugly, I was given a six page character sketch for Devi. Devi is a Delhi girl who says it as it is and has a lot of guts. If she realises someone is messing with her, she gives it back. In that sense, Devi and me are alike as we don’t sit around and stand nonsense. But for me, to shed my South Bombay upbringing and get into Devi’s devil-may-care, casually abusive Delhi personality was a challenge. During workshops, Kabir, our director, made me look into his eyes and abuse him in shuddh Hindi so I could understand Devi better! That was a turning point for me because I may have been mortified at first to be doing something like that to my director and guru, but it did help me get rid of any inhibitions I might have had. I did a lot of homework to get into Devi’s skin. I guess it worked, because while doing our city tours, one journalist happened to ask me where I stay in Delhi. That for me speaks volumes of the authenticity I have got to the character.
Vijender: My biggest challenge was patience. As a boxer, once the bell rings we are on it and then there is no stopping! But as an actor, you have to be more patient. Retakes happen, scenes get delayed, it is all a part of the process. It teaches you a lot.
Team MM: How has the response from the industry been during your promotions?
Kiara: It has been absolutely overwhelming! Everyone is talking about Fugly and the music. The atmosphere right now is crazy, excited and super anxious. Whoever has seen the movie is full of praises and only has good things to say. So fingers crossed, touchwood and all of that! Fugly is a labour of love, hard work, a lot of dedication and it is a film for the youth! So now it is up to the audience to go watch it!
Vijender: As is I said, surprisingly warm & welcoming! I did not expect so much support. Akshay Kumar & Salman Khan have supported me the most and have inspired me throughout. I’m grateful to them!
Team MM: Tell us your experience while shooting for Yeh Fugly Fugly Kya Hai with Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan?
Kiara: Akshay Sir is the most punctual and dedicated man I have ever met. He arrived on the sets 5 minutes early and within no time, he learnt the rap lyrics to the song and had already given a perfect first take. There’s so much to learn from him – discipline, focus and an ease with the camera. Salman Sir is someone I have grown up watching, and I have always felt starstruck around him. Whenever he walks on set, there is a certain energy in the air and he leaves everyone in awe of him. He is my mentor and he has always told me to keep working hard. It was an out of the world experience for me to watch two amazing superstars dance with such swagger to Yeh Fugly Fugly Kya Hai – a song from my debut film! I couldn’t have asked for more It’s way more than a dream come true!
Vijender: What can I say about this? You imagine, your first film and you are sharing the screen for a whole song with Bollywood’s superstars. It is a dream come true for any actor so it is definitely more special for me as a debutant!
Team MM: Give your fans a reason why they should not miss out on Fugly.
Kiara: Fugly stands for Fight The Ugly. It’s a fun film with a strong message. It has everything you need today in a film – friendship, love, masti, drama, comedy, great music and good content. You can relate to the characters and what they go through as a result of a dysfunctional society. It is something that could happen to any of us in real life!
Vijender: Because your favourite boxer is making his Bollywood debut! (laughs). On a serious note, we have worked very hard for this film, only for the audience. We would love it if they watched Fugly and appreciated our efforts!Have you watched Fugly yet? Read our review and give us your review too in the comments below!