MUMBAI:
Ever since Tiger Shroff stepped foot in Bollywood with his film Heropanti (2014), he has been on the radar, perhaps less for his acting credentials and more for his eccentric looks. That is not to say that his stint in the film isn’t worth the applause it has received from both critics and the film fraternity.
Having been recently honoured by the Kukkiwon — World Taekwondo Headquarters in Seoul for the stunts he performed in Heropanti, Tiger is on the road to becoming the next daredevil of Bollywood.
But as Tiger gears up for more daredevilry for his second film with director Sabir Khan, he aims at ensuring that he is not dubbed as a one-hit wonder or, given he is the son of veteran actor Jackie Shroff, someone who lives in his father’s shadow. Here are excerpts from his recent interview about winning accolades as a martial artist and acting mantra.
How do you feel about being honoured with the fifth degree honorary black belt by Kukkiwon?
I’m very happy, especially since this is an organisation established by the South Korean government. It’s a very special honour because before me, it was given to Shahrukh Khan and Akshay Kumar. I am so new and raw compared to them and yet, they thought me worthy of the honour. Wow!
How have you evolved as a martial artist?
I’ve been a disciplined student of the martial arts since childhood. To me, the discipline required to practice the martial arts is not just about spending time practicing my moves. It’s a whole way of life. My discipline extends to how I live my entire life. I like to wake up early in the morning and go through the day in a disciplined way. More than that, I like to keep my thoughts free of negativity and clear of ugliness. To me, that’s real self-discipline.
Are you way too restrained for your age?
You mean I am boring? Haha. So be it. I’d rather be true to myself and not let my parents down than live up to an image of someone who is hot and wild. That would be tantamount to lying to my own self. It’s very important for me to be truthful in what I do.
Is your father (actor Jackie Shroff) as disciplined as you?
In many ways, he is the opposite of me. He is... what’s the word...’bindaas’ — oblivious to all forms of social restraint. He has agreed to listen to me finally, but only because he needs to get into shape for his role of a boxer in the Hindi remake of Warrior.
Tell us about your second film. Do you think you have improved as a performer since your first film?
I am teaming up with producer Sajid Nadiadwala again and director Sabir Khan. This time, we have to take the action further than it was in Heropanti. I will know if I have performed once the second film releases. I know I have a long way to go. I look at Hrithik Roshan as my role model. When I see him on the screen, I feel motivated. That is the kind of personality and performing ability I would like to develop.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 26th, 2014.
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