What was your first reaction when you heard that Rock On 2 is going to be made?
The instant reaction was obviously that of excitement because Rock On was my debut film. Strangely, I was a 19-year-old teenager when I played a mature part in Rock On; and now years later it’s going to be an even more mature character! However, my director Shujaat Saudagar and Ritesh Sidhwani gave me a different perspective. I took it up as a challenge. That’s what actors do – take up these kinds of challenges and see that you pull it off because it shows your acting abilities.
Did you consider refusing the role?
I am so selfish – I will not be able to see any other girl play my role in the sequel of my debut film. I am always very practical about my decisions but this time it was not a business decision; it was an emotional decision for me. This film is very special to me. The role is really a part of me. I don’t know how to explain it ...I have brought life into that character.
Were you comfortable about accepting two new entrants Shraddha Kapoor and Shashank Arora to your original team?
The more the merrier. We all shared so much during Rock On, it’s just natural to want to be warm and welcoming towards somebody who is a new team member. They were welcomed by us with open arms, and we all had great fun together. I think music really brings people together.
How well did you bond with Shraddha Kapoor?
Pretty well. She is close to my age. It’s funny that I am younger than her but I am playing the more mature role. We are alike in age so it was easier to gel with her. She doesn’t have any hang ups and that really helped us to bond well. I like to have a happy atmosphere on the set.
What was it like to reconnect with the cast, especially Farhan Akhtar who was your first leading man?
It was like meeting your long-lost friends once again. Over the years we could not meet often because everybody was busy. But the minute we came back it was like as if nobody had lost touch. It was spooky. I will tell you an incident. Farhan and I had some very intense scenes to shoot together. Now he has a great sense of humour and we were sharing a joke before the shot. At one point of time it became so funny that every time we looked at each other we would burst out laughing.