Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; December 25, 2018)

This year, he entered the big league with the successful Baaghi 2. When you meet him, you realise that beneath the guy-nextdoor image, Tiger Shroff is a dedicated professional, who will not shy away from hard work. His fitness levels, mastery over martial arts and his skills on the dance floor are the result of dedication and tireless practice. In an interview with BT, the actor opens up about how his hard work and discipline are finally paying off. Excerpts...

Did you expect Baaghi 2 to be such a big success?
No, I did not. My debut film Heropanti (2014) established an image for me — that of an actor who can dance and do action scenes well. Luckily, people identified with me, too. The film was received well, but I was very raw. During the process, I learnt a lot about filmmaking and the craft, which was my motivation to work twice as hard for Baaghi and its sequel. The Baaghi franchise presented a different side to me; it showed that I was an actor who had potential. People are still talking about the climax scene of Baaghi 2 and we’re already in the process of making the third instalment, so I am grateful for the success this franchise has brought me. It’s important that I am not labelled just as Jackie Shroff ka beta. The pressure of being a superstar’s son is too big and I felt that the sooner I come out from my father’s shadow, the better.

Do you feel producer Sajid Nadiadwala has played an important role in your career?
I think he has played the most important role in my career, because he gave me my biggest hit, Baaghi 2. I owe him a lot and I feel he is the best at what he does. We have worked very hard for these box-office numbers. We were always confident about Baaghi 2, but the numbers we achieved was something we did not expect at all. Sajid and the entire team rejoiced, and I was thrilled because I felt that my work was appreciated.

When you say there is a lot of hard work that goes into achieving these numbers, what sort of challenges are you talking about?
I feel that everyone in the industry is hard-working and committed, but when hard work marries good content, the result is flattering, like we have seen with the numbers that our film made. It’s a magical combination. Recently, there have been interesting content-rich films like Stree and Badhaai Ho, where I feel the content and commerce worked great together. The audience cannot be fooled. Our job and responsibility is to give them a good product and not cheat or lie to them through our films. So, when I say hard work, I feel it is important to rehearse certain portions again, if you feel it is not up to the mark.

Do you feel you are in a position to choose better scripts now?
Honestly, I don’t see myself in that position yet. I am still new, but I have complete faith and trust in my instincts. If someone shares a script with me, I will not commit to him if I am not able to envision myself in that character. I have to choose a character, which the audiences will identify with. I have the freedom to choose what is good or not good for me. I know my strengths.

What would you say is your USP?
I think the appeal lies in the kind of films I do. Like in Baaghi 2, I had to bash an army of 300 people, which ideally audiences will not digest. But, the way it was executed, I got the feedback that the audiences liked the climax a lot. So, I feel I am good with action scenes. The fact that the family audience has enjoying my dancing and action, also says a lot. Many people ask me to teach them my dance moves and this really motivates me.

In 2019, you have a film with Hrithik Roshan, then a sequel to Student Of The Year and Baaghi 3. Do you feel the spotlight will be on you in the coming year?
Student Of The Year (2012) launched three stars and they are doing exceedingly well right now. So, there is that added pressure to perform and make the sequel a success. The film has great music, the gloss, glamour and newcomers, who don’t look like they are first-time actors. With Hrithik sir, I am living a dream, because he is the best. Whenever I see my work with him on the playback monitor, I can’t believe that I am working with my idol. I can only thank God and the world for my lucky stars.

You had a dream launch (with Heropanti), but eventually, like all other actors, you had to survive on your own. Do you think the fact that you branded yourself as an action hero, helped in establishing a distinct space for yourself?
I knew that I could not be known only as Jackie Shroff ka beta. And I am happy that I chose a genre that audiences accepted me in. I got a chance to express myself. Also, I am enjoying the zone I am in right now. My body is young and I love to do action scenes. But Student Of The Year 2 will possibly change the way people perceive me.

How has success impacted your life? Do you see any changes in your persona and the way you approach your career?
When the numbers came in for Baaghi 2, I was on cloud nine, jumping with joy. It was too good to be true. My parents were on top of the world, too. My father does not react much, but I could see his happiness. I slept peacefully after a long time and the anxiety I had felt for so long was finally over. But again, it’s doubled my hard work and the pressure on me has increased, because now, I have to deliver more and live up to the audience’s expectations.

There are talks of you being in a steady relationship with Disha Patani. Any plans of getting married, any time soon?
I am married to my work (smiles).