Medha Shankar knows that having a Vidhu Vinod Chopra film on one’s résumé is a matter of pride. To the actor, who features in the Vikrant Massey-led 12th Fail, the movie represents the director’s belief in her potential. What adds to her joy is that the filmmaker’s long-time collaborator and friend Rajkumar Hirani also appreciated her talent, consolidating her position as the film’s leading lady.

Shankar recounts that things started rolling when she got a call from VC Films, telling her that Chopra wanted her to do a screen test.

“In February [2022], I did a screen test with Vidhu sir, Vikrant and the team at sir’s office. Since Raju sir is his close friend, Vidhu sir sent my [audition tape] to him and Abhijat Joshi sir. He wanted their opinion. I was told Raju sir was very happy with the screen test. Later, when someone introduced us at Vidhu sir’s birthday party, Raju sir said, ‘Of course, I know her. Her audition was so good,’” she recalls.

The actor is equally grateful to Chopra for having unwavering faith in her. She says he made her believe in her skills, even making her go behind the mic for the song, Bolo Na.

“Initially, there was no scene where I was supposed to sing in the film. One day, after a script-reading session, Vidhu sir came up with the scene. The next day I was given 30 minutes to prepare for Bolo Na before I sang it in front of Shantanu Moitra [composer], Swanand Kirkire [lyricist] and Abhijat sir. Then weeks later, we did the recording. Vidhu sir has outstanding knowledge of music and guided me.”