The actor believes her two consecutive hits last year have dramatically changed her life
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 8, 2020)

It was a slow start, but her Bollywood career has taken off in full throttle since Kabir Singh, followed by Good Newwz (both 2019). And Kiara Advani has a packed 2020 — Laxmmi Bomb with Akshay Kumar, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Shershaah, and Indoo Ki Jawaani, which she headlines. We get talking to the 27-year-old. Excerpts:

It’s a new phase in your career, with two hits behind you. Do you feel the difference already?
It’s like a special high. It’s gratifying that everywhere I go, whoever I meet, I can feel the difference. People come up to me and talk about my movies, my work. In turn, they look at me and see the changed energy. I think that comes from appreciation for your work. That’s what an artiste wants!

Are you more confident about your choices now?
I believe so. Whenever I did anything, be it Lust Stories, Kabir Singh and then Good Newwz, I took brave steps. It gives you more confidence definitely. The minute you are appreciated, your belief in yourself goes up.

It’s observed that once actors find success in a genre, they tend to stick to it and prefer not to take many risks. Is that happening with you too?
I am aware of that. Today, when I look back, I keep thinking I still have got to be that girl who is free with her choices. I never strategise, never calculate my decisions, and go with the flow. That has led me here. I trust the journey, and hope to continue. It does become (different) the minute you are aware of where you stand in the industry... I just want to be able to do every single thing I can, to the best of my potential. I don’t want to lose out on anything!

You have four releases for 2020. But are you being very choosy about what you say ‘yes’ to?
I haven’t been choosy about all of these films. I was thinking about it the other day — in 2019 I had a Kabir Singh, then Good Newwz, both different. How many actors really get the opportunity to have two extremely different characters, both equally loved? People believed I was Preeti, and also the minute they saw me in Good Newwz as Monika! I’ve always wanted to be versatile and not stereotyped, which is what happens in the film industry. This year has a lot of firsts for me. It just happened.

You are also set to be seen in the digital film Guilty. What made you say yes to it?
It’s a subject which is bold, topical and about women’s empowerment. It’s a first for me. I do not see a single trait of my own personality in that character. I’m happy it’s going to be my next release after the hits I had in 2019. Then, a new genre awaits me in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which is going to be my first franchise. Then comes Laxmmi Bomb. Indoo Ki Jawani will be my first woman-centric film.