After flop films, I could’ve disappeared: Shraddha Kapoor

The young actor speaks about her journey, her films and future plans.

MUMBAI:

Shraddha Kapoor, who began her Bollywood journey with films such as Teen Patti and Luv Ka The End, made it big with Aashiqui 2. The actor, who is currently loving all the attention she’s getting with her latest release Ek Villain, says she has no regrets about her past choices.

In an interview, the young actress speaks about her journey, her films and future plans:

Ek Villain has gotten a lot of attention from the public and press, how do you feel about that?

I was more excited and nervous about Ek Villain than Aashiqui 2. The buzz after the promos was very strong. The director, Mohit Suri, and I both had to prove ourselves after Aashiqui 2.

So isn’t that good?

It’s wonderful! My only regret is that I’ve found myself cut off from my family. I’m in and out of my house with barely time for a hug for my parents. I communicate with them more on the phone than in person. Every time I leave the house, I get a hug from my parents, saying they are proud of me. That keeps me going through the whole day. Just to see them glowing with pride when they look at me is my biggest reward. Every child wants to make her parents proud. If I have succeeded, I am blessed. To see them smile makes my day.

Aashiqui 2 was almost like a debut film for you; So Ek Villain was crucial yes?

Yes, if you look at it that way then yes, Ek Villain is like the post-debut film. But I did three films before Aashiqui 2. And I am proud of all of them. If I hadn’t made my debut in Leena Yadav’s Teen Patti, I wouldn’t have done Aashiqui 2. Teen Patti gave me a taste of failure, after which followed all the rejections. I was replaced in some films. Of course a lot more people saw me in Aashiqui 2 than Teen Patti. I had a fab role in it. My character in Aashiqui 2 got me so much attention.

How different was it working in Ek Villain as compared with Aashiqui 2?

In Aashiqui 2, we were one small family working hard to make a name. That film changed our lives on one Friday.

Did it make you affluent?

If you mean money-wise, then I am just getting there. Though I’ve to admit in Aashiqui 2, I wasn’t paid anything close to what I got for Ek Villain. Emotionally, Aashiqui 2 made me very rich. And that’s the best wealth money can’t buy.

Do you feel you’ve changed after Aashiqui 2?

I am grateful for what I’ve received after Aashiqui 2. After the first few flops, I could’ve disappeared. Nowadays, I love the way my name comes up in projects. But I don’t get flattered when my name is announced without me confirming the projects. Premature announcements tend to confuse the trade. It also creates ill-will and bad blood. I am not one for false news reports at all. Good or bad, untrue reports embarrass me, no matter how flattering. And gossip about my personal life just makes me so sad. They are so unfounded.

Are you very particular about your image?

Of course, and why not? I would like to be known for being someone who says and does things that she means. So before you ask, the only forthcoming projects that are certain are Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider and Remo D’Souza’s ABCD 2. I’ll be shooting ABCD 2 in Las Vegas.  

Published in The Express Tribune, July 7^th, 2014.

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