I receive a lot of love from Pakistan: Anushka Sharma

The Bollywood actress says her love for Pakistani fans remains unaffected by cross-border tension

ISLAMABAD: Following a film debut many would dream of, it seems that 'Rab' had destined Anushka Sharma and Bollywood to become the ultimate 'jodi'. Six years and a number of versatile roles later, The Express Tribune talks to Sharma as she ventures into production with the upcoming NH10.

The thriller, which also stars Anushka as the female lead, revolves around a couple whose road trip lands them into trouble. For her, it was the film’s script that made her try her hand at production. “I loved the script. I wanted do it sooner but I was busy with other films and I don’t like to sign movies that I would blench from. As they say, Daane daane pe likha hai khane wale ka naam, [so, it happened when it had to happen],” she states.

 



The Bollywood starlet is currently dating Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. SCREEN GRAB

Being one of the youngest producers in an often unforgiving industry would expectedly mount pressure on an individual, but Anushka remains unfettered. “I’m not nervous because I have faith in the film and the people who have made it. I’m just nervous to be rat pack, [which is what happens when] a film is coming out and you want people to like it,” she says. “But that kind of nervousness will always be there no matter how much you get to hear about the film till it finally comes out. More than nervousness, it’s excitement,” she adds.

Confident in NH10’s ability to rivet the audiences, Anushka says, “This is actually going to be my best film. It’s a unique story and it’s gritty. It has got all the elements and it was exciting for me to play a character I’ve never done before.”

 



PHOTO: facebook.com/AnushkaSharmaOfficial

Of the opportunities production paves the way for, she notes, “As a producer, you have to back good cinema. Production gives you the opportunity to introduce talented people to the industry, such as Navdeep Sigh, NH10’s director, and Karnesh Sharma, the film’s writer. It’s also commercially viable to produce a film like NH10.”

The film, which promises to be action-packed, required Anushka to perform stunts. “I was trained to perform the scenes because we wanted to give them a real, believable feel. We shot the film in Rajasthan at real locations, such as forests and amid storms. The film’s schedule was hectic and time-consuming.”

Although her contemporaries, such as Deepika Padukone, shot to instant fame after their debuts, Anushka admits she didn't get a lot offers after her first film Rab Ne Ban Di Jodi against Shah Rukh Khan. “I did get a massive launch but it didn’t translate into lots of films coming my way right after my first film,” she states. “In fact, I had to wait and I’m actually glad that happened because I got into the industry just wanting to be an actor. I got the break I needed to gather my thoughts and now, here I am.”

 



Anushka Sharma with Bollywood megastar Aamir Khan. PHOTO: IANS

As she looks back at her career she feels fortunate to have come such a long way. “I’ve been in the industry for six years and, when I joined, not many people were fortunate [enough to make it big],” she says. “Today, I think I’m heading in the direction where I just want to be a part of big films with unique stories, good commercial films and certainly, films such as NH10.”

With Pakistani television dramas thriving in India and an ascending local film industry, one wonders if artistes from the Indian entertainment industry would be willing to work on this side of the border. “I’d definitely think about such offers,” says Sharma, adding, “As a creative person, I’ll definitely be a part of [a Pakistani project] if it’s exciting.”

It turns out Anushka loves Pakistan music. “I think Coke Studio Pakistan is phenomenal. It’s brilliant and I’m a huge fan.”



PHOTO COURTESY: ashemag.com 

Anushka says she would love to visit Pakistan as soon as an opportunity comes by. “I would love to visit. I receive a lot of love from Pakistan and I’ve got so many fans and even friends there,” she shares. Artistes often find themselves stuck amid the volatile relations between Pakistan and India, but Sharma’s love for her Pakistani fans remains unchanged. “The love Pakistanis have for me and I have for them is something that is unaffected,” holds the actor, as she awaits the release of her films Bombay Velvet and Dil Dhadakne Do.