Deepali Singh (DNA; May 18, 2019)

On the day that her debut film Student Of The Year 2 (SOTY2) raced past the Rs 50-crore mark, Tara Sutaria was busy doing a photo shoot with another newcomer, Ahan Shetty, for their forthcoming film, the Hindi remake of the Telugu hit RX 100. “I just got off the phone with our director (Punit Malhotra) and Tiger (Shroff),” said the 23-year-old with a smile. It’s been eight days since SOTY2 released and the actress says the feeling is surreal. “Everyone is so happy with the response to the movie and I hope the love keeps coming our way,” she said. Over to the chirpy youngster who has two more projects in her kitty...

While there have been some positive reviews, there has been some criticism also along the way. How do you respond to the brickbats?
I feel constructive criticism should be welcome, especially the line of work we are in. There is always some feedback with every film, whether good or bad. I think there is a lot of learning to be taken from the criticism. I’m glad it’s there and it's absolutely welcome.

What has been your takeaway from your debut film? 
To keep it real. On sets or off, it’s really important to be yourself. The minute you’re not, it will show in your performance.

So, what’s the real Tara like?
Quite contrary to what people think about me! I’m goofy, clumsy and I think, I have a great sense of humour (laughs)!

Both your upcoming films, Marjaavaan and the remake of RX 100, are love stories…
Marjaavaan is dramatic, violent, and an emotional drama. It’s a completely massy film. The remake of RX 100 is, again, a different space for me. We have just begun work on it and I’m excited about it.

Speculations are rife that something is brewing between you and your Marjaavaan co-star Sidharth Malhotra.... 
From the day we met, people have been talking about our chemistry. Considering our film is a love story, it's amazing that we have that bond and we share a great friendship. Everyone knows we are neighbours. We hang out often. We share a lot of similarities as well.

So, you're not dating him?
He's super cute and sweet and I'm sure he will make for a great boyfriend, but I'm single!

In the remake of RX 100, you will be the senior, while Ahan is the newcomer...
Oh God, ya! We get along on so many levels. He's literally like me, it’s just that he’s a boy (laughs)!

All these films fall under the commercial, massy zone. Do you want to explore smaller, more niche projects as well? 
Cinema has no boundaries these days. All kinds of films are doing well. I'm constantly thinking about what I want to do next. There are so many people I want to work with. It's a great time, as a woman, to be a part of this industry. Women are directing, producing, writing and acting in movies. I want to work with all these women.