‘RAHMAN SUGGESTED I SHOULD CUT AN ALBUM’

(Photo:green prom dresses)

Do you enjoy doing film promotions?

Yes, it is hectic but I enjoy doing it. It is a high adrenaline rushing one month since we are promoting the film. I’ll miss it when it gets over. I need some energy.

How close are you to your character Alia in Shandaar?

There are a lot of moments when I feel close to my role. She is a bit of a zoner, a dreamer. A lot of her characteristics are fictional like she is an insomniac. She doesn’t mind being alone is some random place. She doesn’t need to many things in life. I can also be good by myself but not as much as she is. Apni hi dhun mei khush hai – the saying is apt for her.

What lessons have you learnt from your parents and from your job?

One thing that I have learnt seriously from my father Mahesh Bhatt is to be punctual. This is one thing that takes people far in their life. People start trusting you with regard to your work and appreciates you.

I have realised to be patient and composed on the sets. Also to respect everybody whatever job they do.

Did Shahid pamper you on the sets?

He doesn’t treat me like a child but as an adult. He is protective and caring. He sees whether I am eating or drinking properly. He will shout at me and say, ‘You’re not eating enough.’

When it comes to work out, we motivated each other. He is disciplined and focussed on his diet. I, too, am focussed about my health, especially for the past one year, I’ve been taking care of myself.

Don’t you think there is too much focus on looking beautiful?

More than looking good, it is about feeling good from the inside. Anything in excess is not healthy, even if it is working out, I’ll try to curb that. Internal fitness is important.

Do you repeat your dresses?

I do repeat shoes, a pair of shorts and bags. In terms of appearances, I don’t think it is fair to repeat orange prom dresses. But the fashion side of it, I enjoy and don’t feel pressurised. I look forward in trying out new looks every day.

Does Vikas Bahl nurture you or does he give you your creative space?

He gives a lot of creative space. He is clear about what he wants you to do and let you be yourself. What he doesn’t like you to do is to look arrogant with respect to my character. There were instances where he suggested that I don’t to appear too sweet. Usually, we are on the same page. He is the most unique and interesting persons I have worked in my life. His head is in a different world.

Do you remember any interesting incident that you can recall while shooting?

There is a scene where Shahid and I were in under a waterfall and the temperature was around -5 degrees. My bikini scene was shot in October when it was cold. We enjoyed shooting the film and in the spare time, we played games, chatted, and so on.

A decade back, most actresses flaunted bikinis for only big production houses. Do you have such apprehensions too?

I’ll do bikini shots only when it is required, not just for the heck of it. My character is of a bindaas, chilled-out girl who is comfortable in her skin. Even when I am walking in the bikini, it is not a ‘oh-look-at-me’ scene. She is just taking a stroll at the beach.

You have said that you wish to do a biopic on Nazia Hussain…

I relate to her as I share the passion for singing. She was an iconic singer, but we lost her young. I feel closest to her.

Would we see you cutting an album in the future?

I am not a playback singer, but cutting an album is a dream. AR Rahman suggested that I should cut an album. It is the first time that I fully sang for him in Highway. If somebody of that stature suggests you, then it does make for a consideration. How far will I go, that I don’t know. All my firsts has been very big. My first film with Karan Johar and song with AR Rahman.

People compliment you as cute. Do you see this as an understatement to your beauty?

Cute is nice and doesn’t fade away with time. It has a direct communication to your personality. I would like to be known for my personality rather than just a beauty.

Preity Zinta said Alia Bhatt is mini-me…

I did play her younger version in Sangharsh, so technically she is right. I don’t deny that I am her mini version.

There were very strong female characters in Mahesh Bhatt’s films. If he remakes any, which one would you opt for?

I love Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin and Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke. Arth is a film that can’t be remade. Women were given high regard in his films and life in general. I’ve been brought up like that.

My father believed in it. Even in Saransh, my mother’s role was strong, so was Pooja’s in Tamanna and Sadak. For me, doing women-centric films are normal.

You have been linked to your co-actors. How much does it affect the star persona? How does your family react to such news?

It takes away from your work and I don’t like talking about it. My parents are the most liberal people who have been in the industry for years and therefore, don’t give importance to such rumours.