Sugar and spice and everything nice -- that’s Shraddha Kapoor for you in a nutshell. But beneath the velvet corset lies a spine of steel that has been tampered to withstand all kinds of pressures. She might bend but she won’t fall apart and certainly not rust. She’s taken whatever life has thrown at her with an infectious smile that isn’t a mask but reaches her eyes as well. She’s endured early rejection to emerge as one of the leading fillies of the film industry. Baaghi is her fifth film in a row that’s inching towards the 100 crore mark. And mind you, she’s done films only with newbies and not with established stars. Her inherent grace and charisma played a large part in driving the public in droves to the theatres. She’s constantly evolving, constantly learning, constantly trying to excel herself. In Ek Villain for instance, she made the world take notice of her mellifluous voice in the unplugged version of Teri galliyan and in Baaghi, she showed she’s ready to kick some serious butt too. She’s a girl; she’s a woman and possesses enough moonlight magic to qualify as an enchantress too. Presenting to you box office goddess in the making, Shraddha Kapoor at her candid best…
Baaghi is your fifth hit in a row. Have you finally cracked the secret to box-office success?
I have no clue or secrets. My first two films, Teen Patti and Luv Ka The End, had fared badly. So I really have no formula to share. When I say yes to a movie, I ask myself if I’ll be happy shooting for it and will I look forward to going on the sets every day. Because you dedicate a few months of your life, sometimes even years to making a film. My first film took two and half years to complete.
Can you now say that your career has hit a purple patch?
I can’t say this about myself. I can’t say, ‘Mera time chal raha hai’. I’m just happy to be shooting, making a film and coming back home. It definitely feels good when my films do well because you put so much effort while making them. Truth is, I don’t have a life apart from my work. Whenever I get free time, I spend it with my family at home or I meet a few friends. I don’t watch TV. I hardly read the newspapers or magazines because I don’t have the time. Life’s already full of so much information as it is. My life just revolves around films.
How do you keep yourself informed about world affairs?
I wish I was more aware because sometimes when people ask me, ‘Did you hear about what happened?’ I’ve no idea. I quickly digress with the regular, ‘Oh! I was shooting’ excuse. I’m good with Instagram because I love photographs. But when it comes to Twitter and Facebook, I guess I need to pay more attention to these. I miss out on so many tweets because I just don’t pay attention. There’s no time for anything else because if you’re shooting for 12 to 17 hours a day, the only time you have is to eat your food, say good night to mummy and daddy and go to sleep.
Don’t you have friends who could keep you in the loop about everything?
There’s no one in my life who gives me updates about anything. I’m clueless about matters in the industry as well. My friends keep asking me for gossip. But I don’t know anything. In fact, sometimes they tell me the latest gossip and oddly enough, I’m the one saying, ‘Really? I didn’t know that!’ I’m so disconnected with the industry
I work in.
What’s the latest rumour you’ve heard about yourself?
I’ve heard nothing. I know rumours keep happening, there’s always something brewing. But I’m just not aware.
How was the experience of working with Tiger Shroff in Baaghi?
We’ve known each other before Baaghi. We studied in the same school. He’s one of a kind. He’s unique. What Tiger can do no one can. Yet he’s also humble. When you’re talented you tend to develop a sense of pride. But he doesn’t even have that. He’s so unsatisfied with whatever he does, he’s always disapproving of himself. He’s always trying to be better. That’s the most inspiring part. He has no competition; he’s amazing. I can never even dream of doing all that he can.
Yet, you managed to push your boundaries and did your own action in Baaghi…
Yes, I tried. The script had it all written. There was much that I could do. I got excited with the opportunity of doing action. I’ll be happy if I get more action films.
Do you feel insecure when other actors do well?
No, never, I feel happy for them. I don’t like it when Indian films don’t do well. Our industry should flourish. People should watch our movies. I feel happy when content-oriented films do well. I enjoyed Kapoor & Sons. I haven’t watched Neerja, Airlift and Nil Battey Sannata. But I watched Fan. Shah Rukh Khan was so good in it.
Do you want to work with the Khans now?
Of course, I do. Who wouldn’t want to? But I want to have a good role if I am to work with them. It should be a memorable character. Like Aishwarya Rai’s in Devdas with SRK or Aishwarya’s in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam with Salman Khan. Or even Urmila Matondkar’s in Rangeela with Aamir Khan.
Would you like to be part of a remake?
I believe classics shouldn’t be remade. We shouldn’t touch films like Pyaasa. Although I must say that Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas is one of my favourite films. It’s rare to do justice to a remake. Remakes are tricky. As an actor though, I’d like to believe I can do anything. I’d love to work in a remake of Chaalbaaz.
Do you have any insecurities as an actor?
I’m afraid that the audience will stop loving me.
Do you fear failure? How did you handle it in the early phase of your career?
Yes, I’m afraid. But I also know that good things come after the bad. I’ve experienced it. The good thing is, when the initial films flopped I didn’t feel any pressure because there wasn’t anything to compare to. But now, after each success, my nervousness is increasing. I remember the Thursday night before the release of Baaghi, I was nauseous. I experienced the same feeling before the release of ABCD2. Every new film adds pressure because you’re concerned whether people will like it or not. Will the audience like me? Will I be rejected? There are a lot of questions that plague you. So I guess, it’s tougher now than it was in the early days. Now I’m dealing with expectations. People want to see you do better work with each film. They want to see something new. To live up to those expectations becomes your responsibility. You create that pressure for yourself. But I’m trying to do good films.
What helps you say yes to a film?
Of course, it all starts with the script. When I first read a script I ask myself will I go to the theatre and enjoy this. Will I enjoy playing this character? Will people like to see me in this role?’ And then there’s the most important question. Will I be happy doing this film? Will I be happy waking up at 4 am and shooting for the next 17 hours, dedicating myself to one character every day with endless rehearsals, doing everything to make the character come to life? Once you say yes to a film it becomes your life. It’s like saying yes to a new but unknown journey. And then giving all your time to it. I don’t know if the film will do well. No one knows the fate of a Friday. I guess even with Baaghi we received more than what we expected.
Were you disheartened by the mixed reviews for Baaghi? Or does that not matter in comparison to box-office success?
Of course, you want everyone to love your film. You want everyone to say good things about your work. But if critics haven’t liked it then we will try to do better next time. But there is no bigger critic than the audience. They’ll watch a film only if they enjoy it. So many people went to watch our film. And they had a good time. That means it must’ve had something good to offer.
How would you describe yourself?
I don’t know how to say good things about myself. People can do it. I can’t. I’m hardworking and passionate about what I do. I can face any challenge. I’ve come this far on my own. That’s something I feel proud of.
Are you looking for films that could win you awards?
I’m excited about Ok Jaanu, Rock On 2!! and Half Girlfriend. I’m excited about my roles in these films. They are different characters. I would love to do a film that wins me awards. But I’m not been offered anything like that.
As an actor what are the areas you wish to improve in?
In every department… singing, acting and dancing. There is no end to improvement. I want to be the best at whatever I do.
Ok Jaanu has you paired with your Aashiqui 2 co-star Aditya Roy Kapur. Will the expectations mount?
Aashiqui 2 has become a cult film. It’s been three years and people still call me Aarohi. If you Google Aarohi Kapoor, the search throws up my pictures. There are huge expectations. I’m nervous but I’m also excited. People loved our pairing because of the story and the characters. It feels awesome to be back shooting with Aditya. It’s better this time because Ok Jaanu isn’t as intense or serious as Aashiqui 2. It’s a fun film.
Was there any discomfort considering the two of you were allegedly a couple at that time?
No, we were never a couple. It was just a rumour. People got carried away with Aashiqui 2 and started believing we were a couple.
How was the experience of working on Rock On 2!! with Farhan Akhtar?
It’s a different role and film. It’s superb shooting with Farhan. It’s a dream come true for me because when I saw Rock On!! in 2009 with my parents, I’d said that if they were ever to make a sequel, I’d be in it. Can you believe that? It came true. (Laughs) That’s the power of the Universe. When you ask for something with all your heart and soul, the Universe gives it to you. I shared this with Farhan, Arjun (Rampal) and Purab (Kohli). They were amazed as well. I was fascinated with the idea of working with Farhan because I’ve loved him since Rock On!! I loved him in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag too. I love the fact that he’s so talented. He’s carved a niche for himself. He’s a lot of fun on the set and he’s equally inspiring. He’s the perfect blend of both. I felt inspired every day by just being around him. He’s passionate about his work. He inspired me to have the same zeal about my work as well.
There’s also speculation that you’re dating Farhan Akhtar?
There’s a limit to everything. You can’t just cook up anything you want to write about. You have to consider people’s sentiments; you have to think about the people involved. That’s what I feel.
Isn’t it boring to be single at this age?
No! It’s exciting when you’re shooting for a film you love, when you have these different stories that you can be part of. I’m happy being single.
Do you view a relationship as a distraction?
No, I don’t view it as a distraction. But it’s important to be with the right person. It’s a beautiful feeling to be in a relationship.
What kind of men do you feel attracted to?
I don’t get easily attracted to guys. There has to be something out-of-the-box or out-of-the-world about them. You give your heart and soul to a relationship. And I don’t get attracted easily.
Are you a difficult girlfriend?
Yes, I’m a demanding girlfriend because I will want to keep talking to that person, keep messaging him and I’ll want to keep meeting him. Funnily though, I wouldn’t have the time to do any of that.
How can a man win your heart?
Just be yourself. Don’t change who you are. Don’t try to be someone else. Don’t try to show all aspects of your personality all at once. Everyone has good and bad qualities. Nobody is perfect. Perfect banne ke chakkar mein sab gadbad ho jaati hai.
Heard that you’ve bought a house for yourself?
Yes, it’s in the building adjacent to my parents’ (Shakti and Shivangi Kapoor) house, in the same compound and on the first floor. It’s a two bedroom, hall and kitchen, a small cute house. I love it. But I’m not moving out of my parents’ house. I love living with my parents. I’ve bought this house as an investment. It’s for my meetings, fittings, readings and other work related stuff. I don’t want to take over my parents’ house all the time. It feels good to own a house. It feels like your hard work has paid off. It’s a high. The next thing on my wish list is to buy one more house. I want to follow in my dad’s footsteps. He invests only in property.
Who takes care of your investments?
My father. I don’t know anything about my income. I misplace cheques all the time. When I’m handed a cheque I just throw it into my bag and forget about it. I end up changing bags and then a few months later this cheque will appear out of somewhere. It’s because I’m focussed only on my work. That’s why I’m glad that my dad takes care of my finances.
Whom are you closer to – your mother or father?
I’m close to my mom in a way like she’s my best friend. Dad is the person who makes me laugh the most in the whole world. When someone offers us a film together we’ll jump at it. My father is a legend.