"I’m relieved"

 

What’s your state of mind after the success of CityLights?
I am happy that it worked. More so because it was my debut film. People had some many expectations from this film. I’m relieved we didn’t disappoint.

What compliments you received for your performance in the film?
I got a lot of compliments. At one screening of Citylights, Alia Bhatt came and hugged me and cried. Her hug spoke thousand words. Everyone says that young actresses don’t get along. But she is so different. She is down to earth. Vidya balan is a huge inspiration in my life. She came and told me I couldn’t have had a better debut. Shabana Azmi also praised me.

How was it facing the camera for the first time?
Giving the first shot and facing the camera was not scary. I had done many commercials before. To perform with Rajkumar (Rao) and in front of Hansal Mehta sir was scary. Keeping the boyfriend bit aside, Rajkumar is a superb actor. He is one of the best actors we have in our country right now.

What kind of films did you watch during your growing years?
I’m from Shilong. So it was a very western upbringing. I have grown up watching English films. Titanic and Pretty Woman were my favourites. The first Hindi film I saw was Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.


How did you and RajKummar meet?
We met after his first film Love, Sex Aur Dhoka. I was approached for a film with which he was associated too. It wasn’t love at first sight. We became friends. And then over a period of time we started seeing each other. What attracts me towards him is his dedication for work.

Does he advice you about films?
No, he doesn’t guide me. He has his career to settle too. It’s my first film and I have long way to go.

Were you comfortable doing an intimate scene with him in the film?
It was difficult for me. There are people behind the camera who are watching you. I told Hansal sir my concern and he told everyone to leave the set. There were only the DOP and couple of others. That’s how we shot the scene.

After your first success, are you ready for this new journey in Bollywood given the cut throat competition in the industry?
It’s a cut throat competition everywhere. You have to do your own work. And you cannot concentrate on what others are doing. I don’t want to concentrate on other people’s work. My energies will get drained out thinking what they are doing and what they are not. Coming from Shilong, having no film background and getting a break in Hindi films is a big thing for me. I am happy in the space that I am in right now. I’m just going to be grateful to god for whatever he has given me till date.

Who is your favorite actor and actress?
I love Sridevi. She’s amazing. I love Parineeti too. How good is she at her work! And I’m a big fan of Salman khan and Shah Rukh khan.


Have you signed any project?
I haven’t signed anything. I want to come back with something equal to CityLights. So I am going to be little careful. Right now I just want to relax.