I thought Karan sir called me by mistake: Kiara Advani on getting a call from Karan Johar

When four directors — Anurag Kashyap, Dibakar Banerjee, Zoya Akhtar, and Karan Johar — came together to make an anthology of short stories, they created something magical with Bombay Talkies. Four years later, this quartet is reuniting for Bombay Talkies 2.0. While Karan’s last short film dealt with homosexuality and the stigma around it sensitively, this one will be a refreshing take on love and lust in relationships.

Kiara Advani who’s been signed on as the lead, talks to us about getting a chance to work with KJo and why she couldn’t believe it in the beginning...

Are you excited about being in a Karan Johar film?

I’m very excited to work with Karan sir. He was on the top of my wishlist of directors, so I can’t explain what this means to me. I still can’t digest the fact that I will be directed by him. I have always loved his work. The reason I wanted to become an actor was because of his cinema and the way he told his stories of love and relationships. I loved the worlds he created, so now I cannot wait to go on that set and absorb everything. This journey will be too special now. 

How did everything fall into place?

I got a call from Karan sir when I was home. Suddenly, my phone flashed ‘Karan Johar’. I was a bit confused at the time. It took me a second to believe that it was actually happening. I thought that he’s called me by mistake, so I answered and he was like, ‘Hi Kiara, I’m doing Bombay Talkies 2.0’, and he told me the premise of his film but I couldn’t understand whether he was really offering me the part. He just told me that he felt I suited the role because I can look vulnerable and innocent. I was like, is it really happening? It was a surreal moment. I even asked him directly if he was offering me the film and he laughed. I immediately told him I’m doing it. He called me to his office for a narration and it was hilarious.

What was your first reaction after the narration?

I was laughing uncontrollably. This was one of the funniest narrations I’d ever heard. It’s a very challenging role, but Karan sir’s directing me and the fact that he thought I can do the part gave me a lot of confidence. 

What is your character all about?

I want people to see it. In a nutshell, I would say that every single woman will be able to relate to the character because every girl goes through this unsaid feeling — one of those situations that’s left unspoken. It’s also told in a funny and interesting way. 

You are teaming up with Vicky Kaushal for the first time. Did you guys do workshops?

Vicky and I haven’t done any workshop but we have met a couple of times, because of the fittings and all. Karan sir wanted it to be spontaneous so he just asked us to go on the sets. Comedy, again, is serious business. I am excited to work with Vicky as well. 

When are you starting the shoot?

I’m starting this tomorrow and it will go on for about a week to 15 days.