Actor Kiara Advani says she is exactly where she wanted to be at the start of her career five years ago
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 14, 2019)

Back in 2014, when Kiara Advani debuted with Fugly, she clearly didn’t have a dream start. But then, M S Dhoni - The Untold Story (2016) made people sit up and take notice. Yet it’s only now, five years after her debut, that the actor’s career seems to have taken off. After the big money-spinner Kabir Singh, she has Good Newwz coming up followed by half a dozen other biggies. “I think 2019 is the year of dreams coming true. One by one, I am ticking off my big dreams and bucket list goals. There is lots more to go but it has already started,” says Kiara. Excerpts:

This year has clearly been a breakthrough one for you. Do you agree?
Yes, it has definitely been a breakthrough year. Five years ago if someone had asked me, ‘Where do you see yourself in the next five years?’, I think this is where I’d see myself. I feel I’ve done something right in my journey till now. For me, personally, every film has been a turning point as I have learned from each film — whether they’re successful or not. I’m proud of all of them and I’m also grateful for all the love that my commercially successful films have got. That motivation makes me hungrier to do better and reach out to more people.

In terms of your filmography, life is packed. Right?
I am in a very happy space where work is giving me joy. I’d always dream of a day when I am so busy with work that I have to ask my manager for dates (laughs). And that’s what’s happening now, so I dare not complain. Right now I’m just so happy to go to work. There’s a drive in me to be the best. But I feel it’s just the beginning.

Do you have any road map in mind vis-à-vis future?
I’ve always gone with the flow but the aim is to be the best version of myself and for that, I don’t want to leave any stone unturned. If I’ve to give my 500% then that’s what I’ll do. And that’s the goal. That drive or hunger should never change. I don’t ever want to feel a sense of complacency because there’s no room for that.

You are readying for the release of your second film this year, Good Newwz. How did it work out?
I remember Raj [Mehta; director] called me to the office to narrate the script. During the narration, I felt every single emotion that we know of. I think it is one of the strongest scripts I have come across. It’s hard to believe that it is Raj’s first because I feel he is going to get so much love for it. You know, when you are working on a film, there is a certain energy which makes you feel that something right is happening and something special is being created. From the narration itself, I knew this is a huge opportunity for me and it’s a beautiful story to be a part of. Plus, working with the three legends [Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh] was just a dream come true.

In Good Newwz, you are working alongside Akshay Kumar, who launched you in Bollywood with Fugly (2014)...
Working with Akshay sir was very special, also because he launched me in the industry. Post this, there is Laxmmi Bomb wherein I am paired opposite him. So, it’s like life has come a full circle — from where I started to now. I think our equation has evolved. For me, it was a huge moment when I got to know that this film has such an amazing star cast. There is so much to learn from them. Diljit [Dosanjh] is such a fine actor and is absolutely hilarious.

So, would you say this film served as a great learning experience as well?
Absolutely! On the set, I felt like this sponge that is absorbing everything around me. Whether it’s the energy that they bring in, the tricks of the trade they know, the way they approach characters or just their energy and enthusiasm, it was all amazing. In this entire experience, I have learnt so much about the genre of comedy, too, since it’s my first stint with comedy. Now, going forward, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Indoo Ki Jawani are also in the similar genre. So, yes, I’ve learnt a lot by working with such incredible actors.

Your earlier release this year, Kabir Singh, came under a lot of criticism as did your character Preeti.
I think everybody is entitled to an opinion and it is fair, too. There was a section of the audience that was deeply disturbed by certain scenes in the film or certain characterisation aspects. If I had to give my view, it is conflicting because on one hand, I have a personal viewpoint, but as an actor, I can’t judge the character that I am playing. As an artiste, I need to believe in the character’s thoughts and what she is doing.

What’s your personal take on the characteristics of Preeti as well as Kabir?
For me, it was a challenging part that, I feel, was beautifully connected with the love story. I may not agree to what’s happening or how she is reacting to it, but it’s just a part and I’m not playing myself. Personally, I may not agree with certain scenes and they may make me uncomfortable. But those things were there to also make you uncomfortable as his character [Kabir Singh] was flawed. I didn’t look at him like a hero. For me, he was a flawed person with lots of issues. But that’s what his journey was. Plus, at the end of the day, it’s all fictional. However, whether it’s right or wrong, everyone is entitled to their opinion. It’s good that it was debated upon and I leave it at that. I looked at it as a film and a fictional story, wherein nobody is telling you to be like any of them. I have moved on now.

Recently, you were linked with Sidharth Malhotra
I take it all with a pinch of salt as I know it is part of the business. Rumours are bound to happen as it comes with the territory. I have a personal life and I’ll have one. The idea is to strike a healthy balance and I am maintaining one (smiles).
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‘Kareena is sabki favourite’

“When it comes to Kareena, I think I have had a girl crush on her forever. She is probably one of the reasons why I wanted to be an actor. Be it her iconic characters such as Poo [Pooja in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...; 2001) and Geet [In Jab We Met; 2007] or her song and dance, I think she is not ‘just apni’ favourite, but sabki favourite (laughs). She is just so chilled out and effortless. For instance, Bebo is never in her vanity and always sits outside. Also, she is so comfortable in her own skin that she makes you also feel comfortable around her.”