Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 5, 2020)

BAAGHI 1: From the chase to the finish
The market chase sequence was tricky. We could not have too many rehearsals since we were shooting on the streets of Bangkok. We reached the location, figured out the obstacles and improvised there and then, deciding that I could run along that wall, jump from this point to that, manoeuvre my way through the bustling crowds without inconveniencing anyone, then, suddenly, spring an attack. It was literally action on the run. The climax threw another challenge —to reach the antagonist, martial arts expert Sudheer Babu at the top of the building, I had to take on opponents from different nationalities with their own specialised skills on each floor. With several fighters coming at me all at once, we had to choreograph the fight in such a way that they looked fast, clean and as graceful as possible. There was a lot of give-and-take with fighters as I had to anticipate their reactions to say, a certain kick of mine, and retaliate accordingly. And it was all happening on the spot!


BAAGHI 2: Sweating it out in Krabi
The biggest dare in this film was undoubtedly the climax because it was set in a jungle. We were shooting in the hot and humid Krabi and it got really sweaty and sticky. My fighting style also was a lot fiercer in Part 2, necessitating contact with the fighters while brandishing weapons, like guns and knives. For certain shots, I had to swing from a rope while balancing a heavy gun on my right arm and maintaining posture. For others, I had to go for the kill with a gun in each hand... Phew!


WAR: When Krrish met Baaghi…
My introduction sequence was two-and-a-half minutes of continuous fighting so I had to remember when to crash through a sheet of glass, how to fall and where to jump onto someone, pulling the chandelier after me. And all this was done in one single take. In the climax, I was fighting my hero, Hrithik (Roshan) sir, so the pressure mounted and how! It was literally Krrish vs Baaghi.

BAAGHI 3: Superman in Serbia
Every action sequence upped the ante. It got even scarier because we were doing everything live, with real weapons, tanks, helicopters and cars. I ran through 97-98 blasts; explosions happening behind me, on the sides and also in front of me. The wind made it more unpredictable as the flames could suddenly turn towards me. Plus, we were shooting in minus 5 degrees and I was running bare-bodied. The local Serbian crew, who were used to the sub-zero temperature and were still all bundled up, would look at me with awe, wondering if I was a man or a beast. It was truly a superhuman feat!

While we were filming, the adrenaline rush kept me going, but once I returned to my hotel room, I had absolutely no energy left. My team would put me on the bed and for an hour, I wouldn’t have the strength to move a muscle. Then, somehow, I would roll into the bathroom, take a hot water shower and then, go in for physiotherapy every day, before calling it a night. It was immense hard work and sheer torture because we were racing against time. We shot 150 days of action in just 70.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 28, 2019)

After his last outing in the teenybopper romance, Student Of The Year 2, Tiger Shroff is back to his forte —  action — with War. Not only that, for the first time, he shares screen space with his idol, Hrithik Roshan, who incidentally plays his mentor in the film. “It was a learning experience. This was as close to him as I could possibly get,” exults the Heropanti hero. Here, he tells us why action is his favourite genre, working with the Super 30 star and how he tried to impress him between the shots.

ACTION HAS GIVEN ME IDENTITY
Tiger, who has created a niche for himself as the action hero with the Baaghi franchise, says it is his favourite genre. “I am blessed that action has given me an identity —  I get to reach out to a lot more people. The audiences have accepted me because of this genre, so I’m really lucky filmmakers are choosing me to do action roles,” he smiles.

SLEEK AND URBAN
The 29-year-old says that whether it’s Baaghi or any other action film that he’s done, the characters he played were massy with punchlines. “War also has action that will appeal to the masses, but it’s sleek, cool, urban and international. I haven’t dressed or performed like this in any of my films earlier. My character is raw, real and vulnerable,” he elaborates. 

HUGE CANVAS
Comparing his face-off with Hrithik to Hollywood films, Tiger says that it’s like Mission Impossible Vs James Bond or Superman Vs Batman. “It’s the biggest battle. Director Siddharth Anand and the producers have gone all out filming at exotic locations. An entire bridge was shut down to film a chase sequence where I’m running after Hrithik sir, we also shot on icebergs in Finland. We have fought on land, ice and air, it will be a visual spectacle for the audiences,” he enthuses. 

DANCING THROUGH EVERY FIGHT
Talking about his prep, the SOTY 2 actor tells us he and Hrithik had good rehearsal time before major action set pieces. “Both of us are dancers, we know each other’s rhythms and bodies. Through every fight we were sort of dancing with each other — it was so well-coordinated. We had a great give-and-take relationship. I couldn’t have asked for a better dance partner/action hero,” smiles Tiger.

CHALLENGE WORKING WITH MY HERO
Recalling the day he was approached for the film, Tiger says, “When Adi sir (Aditya Chopra) and Sid sir offered me the role, I was jumping inside but couldn’t show my excitement at getting an opportunity to work with my hero. Even when we started shooting, I couldn’t believe it. I was also under a lot of pressure because the reason I do what I do was in front of me and I had to perform and try to match him scene-by-scene. For me, that was the challenge, and at the same time exciting,” he says.

HRITHIK IS A GIVING ACTOR
Tiger can’t contain his excitement at working with his hero. “I watched how he works, how much attention he gives to details for every shot. Now, I realise why he is so perfect in everything. He gave me ideas to better the film or my character, which was very sweet of him. He used to direct me in some shots. I am grateful that he is such a giving actor to even his co-actors,” he gushes.

NO INSECURITIES
While ego hassles, insecurities and fights are associated with two-hero films, Tiger says in their case there was no room for it. “Hrithik sir is already an established hero. He is at another level and there wouldn’t be any sense of insecurity. I have been inspired by him my whole life, ever since I was in school. For me, standing in the same frame as him was a victory in itself,” he clarifies.

MATCHING STEPS WITH THE DANCING SENSATION
Recently, the makers released the song Jai Jai Shivshankar, which has the two actors dancing to it, and Tiger says shaking a leg with Hrithik was a dream come true. “I learnt dancing by watching his songs when I was younger. Every night, I used to watch one of his songs before going to sleep and by next morning, I would get his steps, though not to his perfection. As I said, I used to idolise him and his dance especially,” he shares. So much so that in between shots, Tiger would perform on the Kaabil hero’s old songs. I would do a step and ask him to guess the track! This way I performed all his songs,” the actor laughs.

WILL JUMP AT WAR 2
Post War, Tiger has Baaghi 3 and Rambo in the pipeline. While he will start shooting for the third instalment of Baaghi soon, Rambo will go on the floors in March next year. Ask him if he is open to doing any more multi-hero films and he says, “It depends on the script. But, if there is a War 2 happening, I will jump at it.”

Hairstylist Amit Yashwant shares his journey from being a local barber for farmers in Ratnagiri to Tiger Shroff's main man
Anju Maskeri (MID-DAY; June 16, 2019)

As a local barber in Ratnagiri, Amit Yashwant had to limit his creativity and desire to experiment. His clients, mostly poor farmers and land tillers, weren't interested in undercuts, razor fades or pompadours. The haircuts had to be short, functional and easy to maintain. "I had to visit neighbouring hamlets looking for customers because there was no culture of even visiting barbershops," says Yashwant, who started cutting hair after flunking Std VII. While a haircut would cost Rs 10, a shave was offered for Rs 5. The earnings were negligible, but enough to sustain his interest in the profession. "It's the only thing I was good at. So, I would try to get my hands on Marathi newspapers and magazines to find out about trending haircuts," he says.

This was in 2007.

Cut to present.

Yashwant still travels for work, but in Mumbai's hip and sophisticated circles. His clients include actors Tiger Shroff, Disha Patani, Nidhhi Agerwal and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, among others. He even runs his own salon in Khar called Manemaniac Hair Studio that's frequented by lifestyle influencers and celebrities. If fame is coming thick and fast, it's because he did not allow the years of rejection to get the better of him. "When I moved to Mumbai in 2008, I could not speak a word of English. Due to this, no salon in the city wanted to hire me," he says. In Mumbai, it's a different matter that Yashwant is still more comfortable speaking Hindi and Marathi than English, but his initial awkwardness with the language has been ironed out. "Ironically, I had a smoother time negotiating Londoners while studying at Vidal Sassoon Academy than I did in Mumbai," he laughs, adding that most of the communication was through actions and diagrams. It's here that he got his hands dirty, learning bobs, crops and shaggy pixies. "The Indian climate impacts hair to a great extent. We tend to have frizzy, thick and more voluminous fuzz than Westerners," he says. The moolah for his stint at the famed UK institute was acquired after saving up, bit by bit, from working at salons in Jogeshwari and Ghatkopar. In Mumbai, Yashwant had to learn how men coif themselves with gels and waxes. He also extended his skills to grooming women.

Looking back, if Yashwant had to pick a turning point, he says it would be meeting his mentor, Dhruv Abhichandani, who works as the artistic director at Ghatkopar's Drama Salon. He was one of the few who saw the potential in Yashwant. "The first time he saw me cut hair, he thought I was terrible. My techniques were outdated and needed tweaking. So he set about teaching me." If it wasn't for Abhichandani, who signed him up for hairstyling courses at reputed institutes, Yashwant says he would never had the confidence to go to the UK.

At the Ghatkopar salon, the young stylist got his first celebrity client, Kunal Kemmu. By then, he had gained a small but loyal set of clients. At the time, the actor had long hair, which he would eventually chop off in favour of a short, edgy look. He had to snip Tiger Shroff's hair for his look in Baaghi. "Tiger loved his short-hair look so much that he decided to continue with it."

Today, Yashwant straddles haircuts at his salon and on movie sets. The latter is a greater challenge, he says. "When you come to my salon, I give you a haircut and my job is done. But at a set, I need to ensure that same look is recreated every day, at least for the next three months," he says. His team of stylists are people like him: hailing from small towns. "Many of them might not be comfortable speaking English, but come with robust skills. Language should not be a deterrent when you're cutting hair."

Tiger Shroff on the genesis of his screen alter egos, feeling like an outsider on the sets of the SOTY sequel and why he would like to be paired opposite Madhuri Dixit
Nishi Tiwari (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 4, 2019)

Tiger Shroff doesn’t talk much. Questions pertaining to the status of upcoming projects, him entering a franchise mid-way, and his father Jackie Shroff’s second innings at the movies are evaded with a vague “Sorry, I can’t talk about this right now”, “It’s always fun with a film like Student Of The Year”, and “I’ve always been proud of him.”

When he does open up, all bets are off, especially while revisiting his childhood and a dream that he gets to live out as an adult. It began when Tiger was four. While flipping through channels with his father one day, a chance encounter with Bruce Lee’s Enter The Dragon became his own rite of passage. “I was like, ‘Man, I want to be like him,’ After that, my parents enrolled me in a karate class and the rest is history,” he says, recounting his initiation into Mixed Martial Arts.

While it would go on to facilitate a successful career as an action star for the 29-year-old actor, Tiger reveals that it was the idea of a hero that pulled him in. “I always aspired to do heroic things, be it superheroes or larger-than-life characters like Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan. I have always wanted to be the stereotypical hero… Stand on top of a building or a mountain, face a helicopter or an army of baddies. These visuals keep flashing in my head. For example, if a person or a country is in danger, I want to be their last hope. That’s the kind of a vibe I look at and that’s what motivates me and really floats my boat,” he states in a matter-of-fact manner.

While he has successfully infused this concept into his screen alter egos who are outspoken and characteristically swoop in to save the day, Tiger has often described himself as a shy guy who leads a disciplined life. Ask him if the lines between the real and the reel ever blur, and he considers the question for a moment. “I try to live as clean and as good a life as possible, and I try to help as many people as I can along the way… At least as much as is within my power, so yeah, you can say that (it happens),” he says.

The actor who, along with debutantes Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria, has taken over from Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra in Student Of The Year 2, asserts that his priorities in life have been crystal clear ever since he was a student in school. “I was only focused on sports and didn’t pay much attention to studies. I used to go to school only to play sports. Ever since I was a child, I have been naturally gifted physically so every sports day, or at sports tournaments, I would always shine over my classmates. That’s something that got me a lot of popularity among my friends as well,”

Tiger reveals. After delivering hits with the likes of Sabbir Khan and Ahmed Khan, the actor is appearing in a Karan Johar production for the first time. Does it feel like a personal milestone? “It’s a superb feeling, it’s an amazing production house. Karan and Punit (Malhotra, director) are lovely people and so easy to work with. They are so efficient, it is inspiring to be around them. And I love the visuals they conjure up. Everything is so beautiful, and every frame is so full of colour,” the actor gushes.

But surely, it must be a different feeling to take over a franchise midway? “Well yes, I am an outsider and I feel like I am in alien territory,” he acknowledges, but is quick to add that he was lucky that his director made him fit in easily. “SOTY is Karan sir’s baby franchise and the expectations drove me to work hard. This is not my franchise like Baaghi, which is home ground for me. There is not much pressure to perform there but here I have big shoes to fill as well. The first film launched three stars. I must make sure that I don’t let their fans down,” he says.

While on SOTY 2, Tiger acknowledges that it is a departure from the hi-octane actioners that dominate his portfolio. “This one’s more of a love triangle with sports as the backdrop. There’s competition, dance, masala… It’s not like I am playing superman here, I also get bullied in college,” he reasons, noting that he’s done a “light” film after a long time. What would be a heavy film then, one wonders, and he explains, “It is something that is heavy on action and is very emotional… Or something like that. This (SOTY 2) is a fun film. It has emotions, but nobody is dying or anything.”

He may be kicked about the film but is in no mood to explore other genres. “Right now, I am very happy doing what I am doing, I am happy with my line-up currently,”

he insists. Speaking of upcoming projects, buzz is, the third instalment of Baaghi will have the climax set in a desert. “I don’t know about that. I haven’t had a narration yet,” Tiger says, suddenly short of words again. Mirror had earlier reported (September 20, 2018) that the actor is set to make his Hollywood debut with a Lawrence Kasanoff production. Tiger informs briefly that he is still in talks and hasn’t signed anything yet. And what’s the status on Hrithik v/s Tiger? “I have only one action sequence and a song remaining to do with Hrithik sir. There’s a lot of speculation going on about the story and stuff but none of it is true. Once the teaser is out you will get an idea,” he shares.

It’s the advent of unlikely screen pairings. While Disha Patani is opposite Salman Khan in Bharat, the latter will be seen romancing Alia Bhatt in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Inshallah. Ask Tiger who would be his unlikely co-star of choice, and he picks Madhuri Dixit. An incredulous reaction is met with a quip: “You said unlikely.” And in quite an out-of-character manoeuvre, Tiger uses semantics to get the better of you.

As told to Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 30, 2019)

In my next film (Ali Abbas Zafar’s Bharat), I play Salman Khan’s friend Vilayati, who shares his life journey with the protagonist. It is the biggest film I’ve been a part of. I had to prepare a lot, which involved multiple readings of the script. Each time I went through it, I found a new layer to my character.

Ali sir’s brief said that my character would have lighter moments, but they should not be treated or portrayed as comic. They should be an outcome of emotions which Vilayati goes through with (Salman’s) Bharat. Before I started shooting, I attended workshops to understand the character better. So far, my work has been dominated by caricatures and comedy. Here, I had to do the same thing but in a serious way. Ali sir’s vision for my character was crystal clear and I followed his instructions.

Practicing for the dance sequences, which I haven’t done much of in my earlier work, gave me a lot of confidence. It was not easy, but I worked hard at it. Working with a superstar like Salman keeps you on your toes. He not only made me comfortable on set, he gave me enough room to experiment and make suggestions.

Before this, (Vishal Bhardwaj’s comedy drama) Pataakha, which released last year in September, was a big challenge for me as an actor. Since the film (revolving around two warring sisters) was set in small-town Rajasthan, it was important for me to speak the local Marwari language with the right accent so my portrayal of Dipper Naradmuni, the nosy neighbour who is always instigating the sisters against each other, would appear convincing. I didn’t have a speech trainer, but every scene and every dialogue, penned by Vishal himself, was written in such detail, that it made the learning process easy. I just had to keep rehearsing till I got it right. It was difficult initially, because I had to match the accent with the expression, but once I got the hang of it, the performance flowed seamlessly. In fact, in many scenes a lot of what I have said and done was impromptu and instinctive.

I recall one scene which had so many layers. My character goes to meet Badki (played by Radhika Madan) and tries to convince her that her father loves the other sister (Sanya Malhotra) more. I had to play the Naradmuni subtly, without making my intentions obvious. I read that scene 30, maybe even 40 times, to understand it and then I just let loose. Today, it ranks among my favourite scenes from the film.

Vishal is democratic and leaves his actors free to perform, fixing the camera according to our movements. So an actor learns to be alert all the time. I also learnt how to cut kheera (cucumber) in a certain way for the film. Unfortunately, it didn’t make it to the final edit. Among other odd jobs, my character sold thinly-sliced cucumber to school children and I learnt how to do it like the street vendors, quickly and perfectly. Maybe I will use that skill at home now.

Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor’s Baaghi (2016) was another difficult role for me as I played the heroine’s father, a character that was years older than my real age. I streaked my hair grey and picked up a Punjabi accent for the part, besides observing people of that same age group and how they respond to distress situations.

My prep for Akshay Kumar’s Gabbar Is Back (2015) was very different. I played a police car driver named Sadhuram. When I started researching the character, I decided he would be an introvert, so that his outburst in front of senior officers would make an impact. That scene required some high-voltage histrionics after an under-played performance earlier.

Actress returns to Sajid Nadiadwala’s action-packed Baaghi franchise that she’d kicked off three years ago
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 12, 2019)

Mirror had reported earlier (January 24) that Tiger Shroff is set to kick off Baaghi 3 towards Mayend, and the climax of the action-packed film would see him either defend a city or take over a desert. Now, we have learnt that producer Sajid Nadiadwala is bringing Shraddha Kapoor, who had played the female lead in the first film three years ago, back to the franchise.

“Just like the first film, the third part will see Shraddha in a fierce avatar with at least one action sequence centered around her character. She signed on the dotted line recently and is all charged up about the project,” said a source close to development. The film will be shot at various locations across the globe, and the production team is currently on a recce.

Before joining the crew of the Ahmed Khan directorial, Shraddha will wrap up work on ongoing assignments—Saaho, Street Dancer and Chhichhore—which are confirmed to release in the second half of the year. “Over the weekend, Shraddha wrapped up her portions in Saaho alongside Prabhas. Now, she may only be needed for patch-work sequences in the coming months,” the source informed, adding that the actress is currently in London to shoot for a 40-day marathon schedule of Street Dancer alongside co-star Varun Dhawan. There will be plenty of singing and dancing for the duo along with Nora Fatehi in the Queen's City.

Shooting on the Remo D’souza directorial is scheduled to wrap up in April, after which the actress will move on to the third schedule of Chhichhore with Sushant Singh Rajput. “It’s a 10-day shoot, followed by another brief one, which would lead the film to a wrap by mid-May," shared the source.

Shraddha and Tiger had kicked off the Baaghi franchise in 2016. The actress played Sia Khurana and performed daredevil stunts for the first time. The actioner also featured a “Get Ready to Fight,” touted as Bollywood’s first ever action song, which had Tiger and Shraddha performing some action stunts. The love song "Chham Chham" whic was also a part of the film's album, was picturised as a rain sequence.
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DNA (February 12, 2019)

The makers of Baaghi 3 have finally found their female lead. Shraddha Kapoor will star opposite Tiger Shroff in the third instalment of the successful franchise.

The duo will share screen space after Baaghi, which kicked off the series. Last year, producer Sajid Nadiadwala had announced Baaghi 3 even before the release of its second chapter.

This will be Shraddha’s third film with Sajid after the 2016 actioner and Chhichhore (shooting for which is underway).

Sources close to the production house reveal, “Like each instalment, Sajid and director Ahmed Khan have planned to take this part also to the next level in terms of scale, action and all other aspects.” Shraddha shares, “I’m super excited to be back with the Baaghi family. I had such a memorable time being a part of Baaghi and this is my third film with Sajid sir, second with Tiger and first with Ahmed sir. The script is amazing and I’m excited to be a part of this movie.”

Sajid shares, “The entire team of Baaghi is very happy to have Shraddha Kapoor back. Tiger and Shraddha’s pair was extremely loved in Baaghi and I am sure that fans of the franchise will be as excited as we are to have them together.”

Baaghi 3 is scheduled to release on March 6, 2020.

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).

As told to Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 29, 2018)

I love that as an actress I get to play different people in every film, travel to places across the country and the world and learn a lot of things along the way. There’s so much work that goes on behind the scenes to make a film, and then, over a weekend, its fate is declared. It may not always be a hit or even get noticed, but I reiterate, it’s a lot of hard grind.

Currently, I’m training for the biopic on badminton champ Saina Nehwal. I begin my training at 6 am with my coach Eshan Naqvi who is also my co star in the film. He’s a fantastic being, a professional shuttler himself and has been helping me pick up the game quickly. I’ll continue practice even after the film wraps up. I enjoy the sport and being a morning person, I like waking up at 5 am. This way I maximize my day.

One of my biggest challenges was Remo D’Souza’s ABCD sequel. I started prep around five months before the film went on floors since I had to match steps with professional dancers. Even my co-star Varun Dhawan is a superb dancer and knew that I could not fall short. I trained in Krumping, B-Boying, Hip-hop and a lot of other contemporary dance forms and was happy the effort translated well on screen.

One film that got me really excited about the prep was Ek Villain, also featuring Sidharth Malhotra and Riteish Deshmukh, because I had to learn how to ride a Bullet. The team had arranged for biking lessons and though it took me some time to learn how to ride, once I did I was very comfortable on the mean machine and even did my own stunts in the scene where my character Aisha is thrown out of the window. Despite the fact that I was in a harness, it was something new and exciting. I also performed some daredevil stunts for Baaghi with Tiger Shroff.

I played a fashion designer in Batti Gul Meter Chalu and to carry off the role convincingly, I learnt from the film’s stylist how to take measurements. I enjoy doodling and that came in handy while making sketches. One of my closest friends is a designer, so it was nice to get his sensibility though my character, Lalita Nautiyal, had no sense of coordinating her look even though she believes, she is pretty cool and hip. It was fun experimenting with quirky looks and learning to speak the Kumaoni dialect of Uttarakhand where the story unfolds. We did lots of readings with our writers and the focus during the shoot, was to get the lingo and the accent right.

For Haider (left) too, another film with Shahid set in Kashmir, I had to work on my accent. Also, there’s a scene in the film where I had to knit while speaking my lines. Vishal (Bhardwaj) sir was very particular that I should know how to knit so I would look comfortable holding the needles and handling the wool. So, before we started shooting, I actually got a teacher who would come home every day and teach me how to knit.

More recently, for the Haseena Parkar biopic, since I had to play a much older woman, I had to wear a body suit and had silicone prosthetics in my mouth. It took me around 45 minutes every day to get into my get-up and once I did, it was difficult to talk.

Flashbacking to the Aashiqui sequel, my character Aarohi, moved to Mumbai from Goa so I had to understand and relate to her small-town upbringing. She’s a singer and though I didn’t sing for that film, since I love music it helped me relate to her. I remember my first meeting with Mohit (director Mohit Suri). I had oil in my hair and was wearing glasses. And it was this girl-next-door look that bagged me the film. He felt I was perfect for the part after seeing me so casually dressed in person.

Before I wind up, I have to point out that prep is not just about physical transformation and learning new skills. You also need to relate to a character at an emotional level. For Luv Ka The End that released in 2011, I was playing a heartbroken young girl who is out to seek revenge. And believe me, that was one tough prep.


The actress with Sidharth Malhotra in Ek Villain; in Aashiqui 2 (right)

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; March 28, 2018)

His last two movies — Munna Michael (2017) and A Flying Jatt  (2016) — did not fare well at the box office. That’s the reason Tiger Shroff is banking heavily on his upcoming film, Baaghi 2. “I’ve become hungry for success and I ’m eagerly waiting for the result, which this Friday has to offer,” he admits candidly. But he needn’t worry too much as producer Sajid Nadiadwala has already announced its third instalment showing confidence in the young hero. Not only that, the actor will also be taking forward another franchise with Student Of The Year 2 (SOTY2), which goes on floors next month.

In August, he starts shooting for a movie with Hrithik Roshan, which will be high on action and dance. Here, the four-film-old hero talks about creating an identity in this space, teaming up with his idol for his next and the lesson he has learnt from his films’ failures...

Even before the release of Baaghi 2, producer Sajid Nadiadwala has announced the third part. Are you feeling confident or has it put more pressure on you?
It’s a great feeling that the makers, especially Sajid sir, is happy. He is so assured about Baaghi 2 that he has already announced the third instalment. That’s because he knows it will make some sort of an impact. Personally, it gives me more confidence, but I cannot say anything right now — my mouth is zipped. But yes, there is a pressure to match up to people’s expectations.

Baaghi (2016) was accepted the way it was. That being said, we worked very hard on the second part. We kept in mind why that film was accepted and did a lot of introspection. We worked on our strengths, worked even more on our weaknesses and then conceptualised Baaghi 2.

What were the strengths and the weaknesses?
The USP was the action. That definitely was worked upon to take it to the next level. In Baaghi, the action was confined to a building. In this film, we have taken it out in the jungle, air and underwater. We are fighting all over the place using weapons, which I never did in the first part. The weakness was the storyline as it was predictable for most people. This time, we have a great story in hand with a strong emotional drive that will take the movie to another level.

You have also changed your look for the film...
Yes, physically, I had to put on a little more muscle for which I was eating and training more, making some sacrifices. But cutting my hair was the biggest sacrifice. I am attached to it and when Sajid sir told me I would have to cut my hair and reinvent myself, I was upset. But I was like, ‘Kar lo, aap boss ho’. For the longest time, I couldn’t see myself in the mirror! Fortunately, people are liking it and because of that unanimous praise, I felt assured and could look at myself.

So, are you going to keep your hair short now?
As of now, I am happy with it, but I may have to change it depending on what my other films’ requirements are.

So far, you have come across as an action star, who is also good at dancing. Is that the space you want to be in or will you explore other genres, too?
I want to stick to my genre. I am happy with the space and the niche that I have carved out for myself. I am just four films old and I have created an identity, an impact in the action and dance space. There is a lot of healthy competition and talent out there. How does one stand out? How do I differentiate myself from the rest? If a director has an action-and-dance movie in mind, why should there be another name? I want to be the first choice. I work with that mentality. I’m playing to my strengths and looking for a strong storyline that allows me to decorate the film with my talent.

Having said that, after Baaghi 2, I’ll be moving on to Student Of The Year 2 (SOTY 2), which is completely opposite to what I have been doing. I’m not a one-man hero or a fighter here. I’m not flaunting my body and muscles. I’ve been playing the stereotypical hero so far, but with SOTY 2, I’ll break into the chocolate boy-next-door space. I shall be looking younger, almost boyish, like a student. I’ll be leaner as I’ll lose weight for the role, and will be seen sans tanned make-up. I will get into the urban multiplex space. Most of my films have been mass single-theatre, B and C-centre, kind. So, SOTY 2 is definitely a change for me.

With SOTY 2, you are also getting into another franchise...
(Cuts in) Yes, there is a huge responsibility to take the franchise forward. I’m looking forward to a young, fun story and lovely music. It will be a glamorous film — there are two new girls, all hungry actors to prove themselves. So, there will be fresh and positive energy on the sets. 

You are teaming up with Hrithik Roshan for a film. Both of you are known for action and dance, what do you look forward to doing most with him?
Hrithik is my hero, my idol. Whatever he does is larger-than-life for me. I will just be frozen in front of him (laughs). I would like to do both action and dance with him. But because action is quite challenging and strenuous sometimes, I want to dance more with him. It’s in a lighter, fun zone and it will be an honour to match steps with him.

Your last two releases — A Flying Jatt and Munna Michael — did not do well at the box office. How do you cope with failure?
I get very depressed when my movies don’t do well or collect enough money at the box office. I feel bad not just for myself, but for the entire team, which has been through that journey. I think of all the good times we spent together and the hard work everyone has put into the film. So, it is disheartening. Now, I have become hungry for success. I go into my films with that mentality. I give my 100 per cent every day, every second, every shot. I’ve done more than that in Baaghi 2 and I’m eager to see the result.

What are your expectations from Baaghi 2?
I thought A Flying Jatt would do amazingly well. Heropanti (2014) was a hit and Baaghi was a bigger hit. So, I thought Flying Jatt would open at Rs 15 crore, but that didn’t happen. The only lesson I have learnt is not to over- expect and that’s why I don’t want to say anything.

You are said to be shy by nature. Is that the reason you are not admitting to your relationship with Disha Patani?
There is no reason to admit something. Just because two friends go out for lunch and coffee together and are snapped by the paparazzi, does not mean we are dating. We are just friends.

Are you saying she is not special?
She is definitely special, she is my co-star. I respect and admire her. She is a hardworking girl who has no tantrums — woh sirf kaam se hi matlab rakhti hai. She is sincere towards her craft.

Your chemistry with Disha in the music video, Befikra, was talked about and now you have paired up for Baaghi 2...
We are so comfortable around each other. We are not shy with each other, but with other people. We are similar in nature that way.

When will we see you sharing screen space with your father, Jackie Shroff?
If I team up with my father, nobody will look at me! He has too strong a presence, he’s too big a star. People have offered us films together, but nothing that has caught our interest.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; March 28, 2018)

She’s been in the news for always being by the side of Tiger Shroff. With Baaghi 2, their popular pairing has caught the eye of fans and created quite a buzz. She had auditioned for Tiger’s Baaghi back in 2015, but the role went to Shraddha Kapoor. Her brief performances in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story and Jackie Chan’s Kung Fu Yoga have kept her in the spotlight. But life’s come a full circle for Disha Patani. She doesn’t rue the missed opportunities nor the struggle from the past. Speaking to BT, she emphasises the need to stay positive, be confident, make great cinema and match kicks with her highflying best friend Tiger. Excerpts…

Your director Ahmed Khan revealed that you have a strong role in Baaghi 2. How would you describe the part?
My character’s life has two phases: one in college where she’s a rebel in her own way and the second half sees her as a changed woman. It’s a layered and well-written character. Even the romance in the film is not usual and that makes it a tricky thing to portray. Imagine that you love someone and you can’t show that. Our director Ahmed Khan knew what he wanted and, he’d even enact scenes for us to ensure we get our expressions bang on. There’s a certain awkwardness when you meet an ex or bump into someone you knew, but haven’t spoken to in a long time. Ahmed sir taught us to portray that without overdoing or underplaying it.

Did Baaghi 2 require you to match Tiger Shroff’s kicks and punches?
Honestly, my routine includes gymnastics, dance and gym workouts. There’s nothing different I did for the film; I just stuck to my routine.

You’ve waited a long time to play the lead in a Hindi film. A long time ago, Karan Johar had considered launching you. You had even auditioned for Baaghi, but it didn’t work out. We saw you in smaller roles in films like M S Dhoni - The Untold Story and Kung Fu Yoga…
These experiences helped me become a better actor. I don’t have a background in acting. I’m a shy, socially awkward girl and there was no way I would have become an actor. When I came to Mumbai, I must have gone through a thousand auditions for commercials, which helped me get over my inhibitions. Sometimes, you wonder why some things happen, but trust me, it’s all for a reason. I am a positive person and I always told myself that I was probably too young for the opportunities that I lost. Maybe it was God’s way of telling me that I was not fully prepared for them. Today, I am proud of all the work I have done. I could have chosen films where I merely had to look good, but I wanted people to take me seriously as an actor. I wanted producers to see me as an artiste and not just a decked-up doll. I think I’ve succeeded in doing that, to an extent. I’m a selfish actor and I am concerned about what I bring to a film. Sajid Nadiadwala (producer) had seen my screen test for Baaghi and maybe that is the reason he called me for the sequel. You can never force anyone to cast you. They are the makers and they should be convinced that an actor can pull off their vision. Sajid sir is the boss and he knows what works best for his projects.

How did you cope with the struggle of getting a break in Bollywood?
I don’t overthink or obsess about one thing too much. If I do that, I’ll become negative and unhappy. I come from a simple family. My sister is in the army and my father is a cop. It was my dream to become an Air Force pilot. I was pursuing B.Tech, but I didn’t see it through. I was a studious kid who left academics and started modelling. Had I thought too much about all this, I wouldn’t have been here. During my early days in Mumbai, when I didn’t know people or have enough money, I just used to pack my lunch and leave home every day in the hope to get work. I’m lucky to have landed such good opportunities. Sajid sir is a fantastic producer to work with and he has given me this chance to display my potential.

Why did you drop out of B.Tech? Modelling could have waited, no?
I always wanted to be independent. Modelling and acting were not my aim back then, but at the same time, I didn’t want to ask my family for money. As for the dream of flying, I still want to do it — I guess I will need training and flying experience.

How did your family react to your choice of career?
They were not happy about my sister signing up for the army, because it’s an extremely demanding job. My mother was happy with my decision because when she was young, she wanted to participate in a pageant which didn’t happen. Perhaps, she could fulfill her dream through me. My father wasn’t against my decision, but he was apprehensive because I was a girl and I had never travelled alone beyond Noida. And here I was in Mumbai, living alone and finding my way in an unfamiliar industry. Today, my family is proud and happy with my achievements. They feel happy to see me on screen even if it is for five seconds. My father always reacts with just one word, ‘Zabardast!’ We don’t have long chats about my profession.

Bollywood is not an easy industry, especially when you don’t have a godfather…
(Cuts in) My sister’s job is so much tougher. She’s an engineer in the army; she has undergone gruelling training for a year in Chennai. She loved her long hair and she’s had to sacrifice that. You have to be strong to sail through that. When I look at her, I feel my journey isn’t difficult at all. Mulling over your job will only make you unhappy. I am glad that at a time when many girls are trying to find inroads into Bollywood, I have already bagged good opportunities.

In the two years that you’ve been working, why have you taken on such limited work?
Looking good, being in commercials and on magazine covers is not my priority. My aim is to be an actor first and look like the character I am playing. I have a natural tendency to opt for characters that need me to push myself hard. I like to have lots of emotions to portray on screen. I am not against an out-and-out commercial film, if it has a strong role for me. In fact, it’s tough for someone like me to be the quintessential commercial heroine. Getting those expressions and nakhras is not easy. I am a tomboy and I have never had any nakhras in life. Ahmed sir (director Ahmed Khan) had to enact those nakhras for me to get them right.

With so many new actresses cropping up, the competition must be intense?
Right now, I cannot watch myself on screen. I am still trying to like myself a little more. In fact, I haven’t even seen M S Dhoni - The Untold Story. Everyone has their own presence on screen and it’s good to have so much variety and healthy competition. I like it when girls end up shouldering films.

With so many women-centric films in the offing, is it a good time to be an actress?
It’s sad that we have to say girls are being given strong roles and equal chances to prove their worth. By saying that, aren’t we turning them into a minority? There is no woman or man-oriented film. Films are all about stories and characters, which could be men or women. As a concept, women-oriented films don’t appeal to me. People didn’t make a noise about such things decades ago, when actresses like Nargis Dutt did Mother India. I think we make too much heavy weather out of a common practice. Women have been portraying strong roles in the movies for years. I like what Priyanka Chopra once said, ‘You can always make a film with someone who has commercial following. It could be anyone.’

Do you have any friends in the industry, other than Tiger Shroff?
I don’t have friends here, as I don’t get a chance to meet people. I don’t feel like going out after all the activities I do in a day. I feel drained out and can’t keep my eyes open for an event or a party that starts at 11 pm. I’d rather invest on making myself a better artiste. Anyway, I am shy and I don’t know how to talk to people, but I am happy the way I am. As for Tiger, he’s an inspiring co-star. When we started working together, I thought it would be difficult to enact emotional scenes. I thought we would burst out laughing, but the sets of Baaghi 2 had a different sort of junoon. Tiger and I connect well and we could improvise our scenes effortlessly.

There’s a lot of speculation around the relationship you share with Tiger...
He’s my only friend in Mumbai. We both like to dance and work out. He’s a thousand times better than me at both, but we connect through them. I am hanging out with him all the time, perhaps that’s why we get spotted together everywhere. So, people probably feel that we’re in a relationship. We’re friends and there is nothing more to the story. If I hang out with another guy, probably, people will say I left Tiger for him.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; March 27, 2018)

Over the next two years, Tiger Shroff’s work diary seems packed with plenty of action, infused with a dose of romance. BT met the actor, who is busy with the promotion of his next, Baaghi 2, to understand his game plan, what he thinks of his contemporaries and of course, his thoughts on a certain Miss Patani. Excerpts...

A sequel always aims to take the content a few notches higher than the previous installment. As a franchise, Baaghi plays on high-octane action,which is evident in the promos of the second outing, too. What does an actor go through in the bargain?
It was physically challenging to muscle up and train in using weapons, besides learning various forms of combat. I play an army officer and I have tried my best to not let the real heroes of our country down. The team ensured that the attire and body language were always correct. Ronny is a complex character — he is more mature and skilled than the one I played in the first installment.

Most of your films have a set pattern — they’re intense with complicated action scenes. Do you think that needs to change now, given that it can lead to monotony?
I’m blessed to have an identity so early on in my career. Action is the reason I have found acceptance from people. Children, in particular, like the fact that I do stunts. Many parents have told me that their children want to take up martial arts like me. That being the case, why should I change anything?

Was action always the space you wanted to be in? Or did it just happen to work for you and then, you decided to carry on with it?
I’ve always idolised stars like Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee and Sylvester Stallone. They are larger-than-life heroes. I have a thing for superheroes, I have always had a leaning towards this space. As an actor, what differentiates me from others in my generation is action. I can’t dare to compete with them, but I’m carving my own little space under the sun.

A year ago, your Baaghi 2 co-star Disha Patani had introduced you to Jackie Chan when he was in Mumbai. That must have been a dream come true...
(Cuts in) Disha invited me to meet him, which was very cool of her. I wish I had spoken more instead of being star-struck and standing in one corner, watching him. In retrospect, I think I should have been more mature (laughs).

Earlier this year, Hollywood actress Uma Thurman had revealed that her neck was permanently damaged while filming an action scene for Kill Bill. Do risky action sequences scare you?
If I think about what could go wrong before I perform an action sequence, it’s bound to go wrong. Or, I will end up not giving it my 100 per cent, and I don’t want to do that. As an actor, it’s a personal high for me to give every scene my everything, so that the audience gets the worth for their money. It’s my duty to entertain them thoroughly, I have expectations to live up to. Why would anyone pay to watch my movies if I don’t give them what they want? That also means that I have to raise the bar with each film, so that they keep coming back.

This is your third outing with Sajid Nadiadwala, after Heropanti and Baaghi. You seem to be extremely comfortable working with each other...
Sajid sir is like family. He launched me in the industry, and will always hold a special place in my heart. He knows my pluses and minuses well, and when I am working with him, I know that I am in great hands.

You had also dabbled in a comedy and dance-oriented film with Remo D’Souza. So, Are you two planning another outing anytime soon?
He’s a lovely human being, but I wish I could work with him more often. I hope he casts me in ABCD 4, though I doubt he’s even thought of me. Main chota aadmi hoon. He has taken bigger stars for his next, you see...

Coming back to Baaghi 2, an action film usually doesn’t offer much to the leading lady though in this case, reportedly, the first half belongs to Disha Patani’s character...
In our film, Disha’s character drives the action. Without her, there is no film. If either her or my role had not been strong enough, we wouldn’t have done the film. It’s not a usual love story, anyway. We’re distant lovers in the film — far and yet so close.

Despite undergoing a promising look test, Disha was replaced by Shraddha Kapoor in Baaghi. In hindsight, do you think it worked for her?
Everything happens at the right time for the right reasons. Maybe it wasn’t destined for Disha to work on that film and it’s not our decision to make. It’s the makers who decide the casting, and there are no hard feelings. I guess it all worked in Disha’s favour because she did two good films after that — M S Dhoni - The Untold Story and Kung Fu Yoga with Jackie Chan.

Off screen, that look test sparked a friendship between Disha and you. There are even rumours that you are in a relationship...
We always go around…all the time. Going around doesn’t mean we’re dating. You do go around with friends, right? I go around with my guy friends also, which no one cares about. Besides, have Disha and I ever indulged in PDA or anything. Today, I can say that she is one of those few people who I can trust implicitly and is very open, straightforward and honest. I don’t have too many friends and I don’t open up easily with people, but she’s an exception. And all this curiosity around whether our relationship is true or not is good for our film. People are eager to see our chemistry.

Most of your contemporaries have gradually begun to move out of their parents’ homes. Do you ever plan to do that?
I am too close to my family for that. They have given me so much, so, it’s not right to go away. And I get homesick if I stay away for too long. I hate outdoor schedules primarily because I miss my mom, dad and my sister too much. I can’t stay without seeing them.

Your father (Jackie Shroff) is about to make his Gujarati film debut. How do you assess his second innings?
Dad has such a vast body of work. I don’t think there is a single hero who can match his level of experience. Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff held the frame when they were in it. You couldn’t look elsewhere if they were in a room. Their charisma and X-factor is unmatched.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 22, 2018)

Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani are busy with a lovey-dovey photoshoot at Sajid Nadiadwala’s Mumbai office on a sweltering Wednesday afternoon. The actor looks suave in a suit while Disha sizzles in a gown. Tiger puts his hand around her waist and she laughingly says it might be more prudent if he leaned his hand against the wall. It’s evident how comfortable they are with each other as they strike romantic poses together and that prompts the first question:

Buzz is, Disha landed the Baaghi sequel on your recommendation?
No, I didn’t recommend Disha. Sajid Nadiadwala sir (producer) is the one putting his money into the film, so he decides on the casting.

But you are often spotted hanging out together and she’s been your steady date for a while now.
Yes, our relationship has been under the limelight, but just because I’m taking a girl out for lunch or dinner doesn’t mean that we are dating. (Shrugs nonchalantly) I’m used to such talk now. It helps create a buzz around our film.

Disha and you have earlier done a music video together, Befikra. What was it like teaming up for a film?
She is a sincere, hardworking girl with her head on her shoulders and no tantrums. She wants to do her best and is a great friend. We have a comfortable rapport which flowed through the scenes naturally.

You have loved your locks since you entered the industry. How difficult was it to chop them off and get used to the new look?
It was important for me to cut my hair as I play an army officer for a part of the film. I also had to look tougher and more mature, put on some muscle. I’ve always been disciplined about what I eat but for Baaghi 2, I had to be in the best shape of my life. I achieved that but was anxious about how my new look would be received. Luckily, the audience has accepted it graciously.

Part 2 has to be a notch higher than the original in every way and that ups the expectations. How are you handling the pressure that a sequel brings?
Yes, since Baaghi was so well accepted and is now a franchise, we had to scale up the action. So, instead of confining ourselves, we have shot more in the outdoors and I’ve experimented with a variety of combat forms. Also, in the original, no weapons were used. This time we have them as also helicopters.

You also have a new director, Ahmed Khan stepping in for Sabbir Khan, who has directed you in three films, Heropanti, Baaghi and Munna Michael. What was your reaction to the change?
We definitely missed Sabbir sir on this film, but I’m blessed to be working with Ahmed sir who’s been a favourite since my first film when he choreographed the songs. He knows my best angles, my plusses and minuses, he won’t okay a single shot unless it is perfect.

Baaghi 3 has been announced even before the release of Part 2…
It just goes to show how confident the makers are about Baaghi 2. It’s a good feeling for me though I haven’t seen the film yet. But Sajid sir keeps telling me that he is very proud and happy and that is reassuring.

Baaghi 2 will be followed by Student of the Year sequel, then the desi Rambo...
Yes, SOTY demands a boyish look and is a huge contrast to what I’m doing at the moment. I’m looking forward to working with a young team, including the director Punit Malhotra. It’s a huge responsibility to take Karan (Johar) sir’s franchise a few notches higher so it can pave way for SOTY 3. After that, I get into Siddharth Anand’s action-thriller with Hrithik (Roshan), then, we will shoot Baaghi 3 before we kickstart Rambo.

In the film with Hrithik Roshan, can we expect a dance off?
Hrithik Roshan is my ultimate hero and I don’t know if I’ll even be able to move when I am sharing the frame with him. I’ll probably just be standing there staring at him. That is how much in awe of him I am. I hope we make magic together.

Except for the Hrithik film, you haven’t signed any other two-hero films or multi-starrers?
I don’t mind them but mostly I only get offered solo projects. I thought Student Of The Year 2 would be a two-hero film but it’s turned into a two-heroine film.

You haven’t flirted with a comedy yet…
I want to do one eventually, but right now I’m very happy in my space. I’m blessed with the line-up of films I have right now. They just came to me and I accepted them as gifts from God. As an actor, I want to do everything, you are greedy, but that isn’t always possible.

Earlier, you had said that you would consider acting in a film with your father, Jackie, when you were more established as an actor. Are you open to the idea now?
(Laughs) If we get the right script and he promises not to direct me on set, then yes, I would do it.

Tell us about your dance and martial arts schools, apparently your sister Krishna will be handling the latter?
I haven’t opened either yet, it’s still a work in progress. Right now, I’m focused on Baaghi 2. I need this film to really work for me. All other plans will take off after its release. Krishna is someone I trust, she’s very sorted. She handles my money well and is the more responsible one among us.

Your father escapes from the city to his farm. Where do you go?
My escape is my work, I don’t need any other escape.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 3, 2017)

In September, Tiger Shroff began shooting for Sajid Nadiadwala’s Baaghi 2, directed by Ahmed Khan in Pune. And even before he began filming the second instalment of his 2016 action-thriller, the 27-year-old actor was closely guarding his cropped hair under a beanie, whether he was on stage at Remo D’souza’s talent hunt show Dance Plus, at press interactions or on an outing.

Mirror recently got a glimpse of Tiger’s look as he was walking from his vanity van to the set to shoot an intense maar dhaad sequence. He was almost unrecognisable with his bulging biceps and military cut, his chin darkened by a stubble, the shadow of a moustache over his lips and his tee stained with blood. A source from the set informed that action choreographers from around the world have been flown down to design the stunts.

The actor had earlier expressed his eagerness to reunite with “godfather” Sajid, who brought him into the industry with Heropanti, followed by Baaghi. The sequel completes a hattrick for the duo. Disha Patani is his leading lady and in an interview to Mirror (June 24), Tiger had confided that given that they are good friends for real, it won’t be difficult for them to bring their chemistry to the screen. But going by the grim expression on his face, pyaar vyaar ishq visk seems to be the last thing on his mind as he got ready for action.

Prateik Babbar plays the antagonist with Manoj Bajpayee as “an important character with a twist” and Randeep Hooda as Tiger’s friend.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; July 21, 2017)