Diana Penty on future plans, reuniting with Dinesh Vijan after her debut and why she hasn’t unleashed her domestic goddess online
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 18, 2020)

Diana Penty, whose peers utilized the Coronavirus-triggered lockdown to tap into their painting, singing, dancing or even cooking skills, confesses that she was unable to do so. “I felt bad about it in the beginning, but it’s not a competition. There is so much to do in the house, especially when you don’t have outside help, and only so many hours in a day. So, there was no time for additional stuff,” the actress explains, adding that she isn’t following a workout routine either. “I have realised that to some extent, doing chores around the house is like exercising. I will resume workouts when everything opens.”

Besides getting the house in order, cleaning, sorting out her cupboards and wardrobes, Diana is spending a lot of time with her mother and hopes that a situation like the pandemic never arises again. To help combat the health crisis, she has also been working closely with the Salaam Bombay Foundation to provide safety gear and hand sanitisers to the police. “This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to them. They have been on the frontline of the pandemic since the beginning and ensured that the lockdown was successful,” she asserts, adding that she started out with the police station in her neighbourhood and took it to others across the city. “We have covered over 10 police stations in Mumbai that needed these two things on priority. We are going to support more and more police stations across the city.”

On the work front, Diana will next be seen in Dinesh Vijan’s Shiddat. “It’s a special film for me as it has brought Dinesh and me together again after my debut film, Cocktail. I loved the script, which was pleasantly surprising. As a fan of the romcom genre, I never expected to be so drawn to an intense love story. We are almost done filming and only a little patchwork remains,” she informs. She may not have unleashed the domestic goddess in her online during the lockdown, but the actress did read a couple of scripts.

When asked if she has zeroed in on her next project after Shiddat, the answer is “no”. Why so selective? “I think that is a misconception people have about me. I want to be a part of films that I would enjoy watching, and there needs to be an organic connection with the script. I follow my instincts at work and don’t overthink,” she reasons, adding that she would love to do an action film. “I would jump with joy if someone gave me an action film. It’s a difficult genre that requires a lot of prep and hard work, but I would love a full-on action project,” Diana admits.

The conversation takes her back to the action sequence she pulled off in the John Abraham-fronted Parmanu. “It made me realise that even a small scene requires a lot of homework. I learnt kick-boxing and a bit of martial arts for this one and after the prep, I could feel every single muscle in my body I didn’t even know existed,” the actress reminisces.

Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 7, 2020)

A week into the lockdown, actor Diana Penty connected with Byculla police station, Mumbai, to understand how she could help those risking their lives to battle Coronavirus. She then teamed up with the Salaam Bombay Foundation (SBF) and connected with senior cops from across Mumbai, leading to the #TheKhakiProject.

“We wanted to help those on the frontline ensuring people were off the streets. We wanted to show our appreciation and give back in any possible manner. We focussed on two essentials — hand sanitisers and safety eye-wear — so they could protect themselves on duty. With the assistance of SBF, we identified 10 police stations (with around 2,000 personnel) across South Mumbai that either fell under containment, or needed supplies the most,” says the actor, who hopes to extend the support to all of Mumbai’s 94 police stations.

Penty has been involved at all stages of the drive — conceptualising, planning and execution, besides being hands-on in packing and distribution. “It was natural for us to invest in the project as we feel strongly about the cause. It’s our little way of saying thank you to the Mumbai Police. They not only ensured a smooth lockdown, but have also gone beyond the call of duty to help those in distress. We hope it can make a difference, even if it is in a small way,” shares the 34-year-old.

The Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran (2018) actor reveals she has no complaints about being at home in the Coronavirus lockdown in the last two months. “This time has made me realise how lucky I am to have a home and the luxury of social distancing. It’s been heartbreaking reading about people suffering in these tough times. I’m grateful for what I have and I think now more than ever, it’s important we help those in need,” she says.

Penty points out the lockdown has had an impact on every single one of us, in some way or the other. “It’s helped me realise that I’m way more capable around the house than I could ever imagine! (laughs) But on a serious note, I’ve had the time to think about things, life, the world in general and my place in it. It’s been a great opportunity for me to connect with myself and learn. I’ve learned to value the little things in life that I would have taken for granted. I value the people I’m close to and whom I love,” she adds.

As told to Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 13, 2020)

Diana and I have been friends since college. Back then, she used to go for outfits that were Boho-chic—long pretty skirts, apply winged eyeliner, leave her hair open and look gorgeous without even trying. She was into classics even back then while I was going through an experimental phase. Over the years, she kept pinging me from time to time asking for my opinion on her outfits. Then, one day, out of the blue, she asked me to style her for an event. I told her not to tag me with styling credits in those pictures lest people assume I was a professional and start approaching me for work. I laugh now because today, this is my bread and butter and I owe my career to Diana.

She had tried many stylists before me, but none of them did justice to her looks or helped her create signature style. Since I knew her well, she didn’t set down any rules for me. Earlier, I used to give her clothes that resonated with her choices, but over time, I have started introducing elements here and there, like curls and contoured make-up that highlights her lips. I want to bring out her sexy side.

Styling Diana has been one of the best decisions of my life. She is like my life-sized Barbie doll. Every time we’ve a trial session, it’s like playing dress up. I keep archiving looks and then we meet to discuss what works and what won’t—that’s my favourite part. Her style can be summed up in four words—minimal, classic, elegant and effortless. She prefers monochromes, neutrals, colour-on-colour and some florals. Her signature look would be a crisp white shirt with smartly-cut black leather trousers. But now, she will take it a notch up and go for exaggerated sleeves or a starchy top.

As far as experimenting goes, she was a model and is a good clothes-horse, so it’s easy to convince her to try new things and then work it. Sometimes she will point out that a particular outfit won’t be apt for a certain occasion and I have to concur. She avoids wearing very revealing clothes, so, if there’s bare skin on top then cover up the bottom and vice-versa.

Our Cannes experience was amazing, though it was difficult carting the red carpet outfit from India. We had four outfit changes, back to back. Most looks were planned, but some events came up at the last minute and I had to shop from visiting designers. Thank God we made heads turn, and because it was Diana, it happened pretty effortlessly.



1. SIX YARDS OF WHITE: This customised look was one of our most loved on the Cannes red carpet. We wanted to do a contemporary representation of the saree at the French Riviera and this white made it a special night.

2. IMPRINTED ON YOUR MIND: A long floral trench with a self-print belt is a classic look. But the fact that we went with print instead of a single solid colour brightened up a gloomy press day at Cannes.

3. SUIT AND SEXY: Who doesn’t love a well-tailored, structured suit? This one was strong and yet so feminine, with the bralette on one side. Diana loved how sexy it looked without being too radical.



4. THE POWER OF THREE: This three-piece set was stylish and comfortable. I loved the mix of prints, checks with brocade flowers. Heels and pearl hair accessories made it fun.

5. BLACK AND CHUNK OF GOLD: A black saree with an embroidered belt was simple yet impactful. I paired it with chunky gold bangles and huge studs.

6. BLOUSE AWAY: We let the blouse do all the talking; it was so fancy that we didn’t want to complicate it with any more elements. Red looks good on Diana.

Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 5, 2019)

After her special appearance in Khandani Shafkhana and her glamourous avatar at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, Diana Penty took off to Glasgow, Scotland to shoot for her next project. We learnt that she flew a day prior to her birthday (November 2) and was in the flight for most part of her birthday.

“It was almost a working birthday for Diana, who will shoot for her next film Shiddat in Glasgow. She flew there for the first schedule of the film and felt it was the best birthday gift she could get. She is excited to kick start the whirlwind journey on her special day. Diana believes in new beginnings and starting a schedule of her next film is just that for her. The well-timed schedule of Shiddat seem like a perfect way to bring in her birthday. After rom-coms and dramas, this is her first intense love story and she is working with producer Dinesh Vijan once again after her debut in the 2012 film Cocktail.”

Diana says, “I usually spend my birthday with family and close friends, but this year I was travelling on the day. There’s definitely something special about a working birthday, it’s the perfect way to bring in the new birthday year! Shiddat is a special film and I look forward to kick-starting the first schedule in Glasgow.”

The stars were among the many present at Ramesh Taurani’s bash which was memorable for its ‘yummy’ Sindhi kadhi
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 25, 2019)

B-Town’s party season has begun. After Malaika Arora brought in her 46th birthday on Tuesday with a star studded bash, Ramesh Taurani hosted a Diwali party the following night at his residence. Among those spotted were Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha but minus his other leading lady, Saiee Manjrekar, Bipasha Basu with Karan Singh Grover, Preity Zinta without her better half and Vicky Kaushal who came and left with Kunal Kapoor.

Salman was in a happy mood. Besides mingling with the guests, he stopped while entering to oblige a young fan with a selfie, who told him that once she grows up, they will work together.

His Rajjo hung out with good friend Zaheer Iqbal and her Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi co-star Diana Penty.

Shriya Saran made her first public appearance after her hush hush wedding with Russian beau, Andrei Koscheev. She even stopped to kiss him for the popping flashbulbs while making their way to the elevator.

Preity and Bipasha were at their desi best, in a pink sharara and an olive green lehenga respectively. Later, the dimpled beauty raved over the “yummy” Sindhi kadhi. “The buffet was a mix of Indian cuisines. Three cards tables had been set up, but the guests were so busy catching up and grooving to Bollywood chartbusters that Rummy found no takers,” informed a guest.

Taurani’s daughter Sneha is gearing up for her directorial debut with Bhangra Paa Le, produced by Ronnie Screwvala. It features Sunny Kaushal in the lead. “Nushrat Bharucha arrived around 1 am and was delighted to run into Sunny after months. Two couples—Angad Bedi and Neha Dhupia, Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu—made a quick entry and exit. Filmmaker Tanuj Garg played photographer for Sonakshi, Diana, Dia (Mirza) and Sophie (Choudry), getting them to pose together while Ekta Kapoor hung out with the actresses of her latest show, Anushka Ranjan and Krystle D'souza,” the source added.

Also present were Atul Kasbekar, Tamannaah Bhatia, Sahil Sangha, Milap Zaveri, Dino Morea, Jackky Bhagnani, Chunky Panday, Race 3 co-stars Saqib Saleem and Daisy Shah, Sonu Sood, Karan Tacker and Rakul Preet Singh.




Preity Zinta, Ramesh Taurani, Dino Morea; Shriya Saran, Andrei Koscheev, Tanuj Garg; Nushrat Bharucha, Dia Mirza, Diana Penty

DNA (July 10, 2019)

After creating a buzz with her previous songs, Tulsi Kumar has reinvented herself with the recent release, Sheher Ki Ladki from the upcoming film, Khandaani Shafakhana. The hit track from the ’90s, starring Suniel Shetty and Raveena Tandon, has been recreated by composer Tanishk Bagchi, and crooned by Tulsi and Badshah. Along with a modern twist, Tulsi’s voice lends freshness to the ditty, with the latter singing the melody and rapping. Also featuring Diana Penty, the track that released last week is gaining love from the audiences and trending on YouTube since its launch.

Tulsi, who is riding high on the success of Tera Ban Jaunga from Kabir Singh, was ecstatic when she got the opportunity to render the number that needed her to give variations with her vocal quality. Both, Tera Ban Jaunga as well as Sheher Ki Ladki, have become the most-viewed videos in the last 24 hours on the video-sharing platform and within no time, garnered over 80 million views. Tulsi says, “Sheher Ki Ladki is an iconic song I have grown up listening to, and it’s an absolute honour and a huge responsibility to help recreate the magic. Diana and Badshah have done such a fab job in the video.”

About her first collaboration with the Kaala Chashma hitmaker, who taught her to rap behind-the-scenes, the songstress says, “Badshah is a powerhouse of talent and a pleasure to work with. We were both asked to understand the vibe of the ’90s for this song, and, at the same time, create a contemporary version using our strengths. I feel Tanishk has struck the right chord by maintaining its old charm while offering something new. The bridge of this song is new and there is an excellent rap that Badshah has absolutely aced. This one is really special.”

A fan of Raveena, Tulsi feels honoured to have lent vocals for the actress. “Raveena-Suniel made it iconic in the ’90s, and I am so grateful that in my ode to the era, they decided to feature in the video.” She feels humbled about receiving so much affection and says, “It’s a wonderful feeling to get all this adulation from our fans and music lovers from different parts of the globe. It’s impossible to achieve such a feat without strong team efforts and the love of my fans. It’s an achievement for the entire crew.”

Actress’s next reviving ‘Shehar Ki Ladki’ with Diana Penty in guest turn
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 27, 2019)

Mirror was the first to report (February 11) that Badshah is making his acting debut with Sonakshi Sinha’s upcoming social-comedy, Khandaani Shafakhana, which is directed by Shilpi Dasgupta. The rapper-composer plays a Punjabi singer in the film. The team wrapped up filming a few months ago in Punjab, and now we have learnt that the makers are recreating the iconic song “Shehar Ki Ladki” from Rakshak (1996). While the original, composed by Anand Milind, featured Suniel Shetty and Raveena Tandon, the remixed version will be filmed on Badshah and Diana Penty, who makes a special appearance in the Bhushan Kumar, Mahaveer Jain, Mrighdeep Lamba production.

According to a source, the song will be shot today and tomorrow at a city studio. “Unlike the original track, which was filmed outdoors—from a railway station to a bridgethe modern-day rendition is a conventional party number in a pub,” the source added. Tanishk Bagchi has recreated and rewritten the song, and it is sung by Tulsi Kumar and Badshah, who has also penned the rap portions.

“Shehar Ki Ladki is one of my favourite tunes by the composer duo. I couldn’t be happier about singing and performing for it. I hope fans will love my tribute,” Badshah says. 

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 21, 2019)

“I was nervous beyond my mind,” starts off Diana Penty, who made her debut at the ongoing 72nd Cannes Film Festival. while most actors prepare for their red carpet outing at the French Riviera months in advance, Penty reveals she didn’t have the luxury of time on hand as she was under the weather until last week.

“No preparation is enough for an event as big as this,” she gushes, before adding, “I’ve followed the festival for years, and you have to experience as it unfolds, and enjoy the moment.” While she may be self-admittedly nervous, Penty impressed the fashion police with her six changes over her two- day appearance.

Among her outfit choices, the ivory-gold saree inspired gown that she wore for the India Pavilion meet — where she discussed the changing trend in roles for women and how they are perceived to be more than mere ornaments in films — got the nod of fashion critics. She cut an equally striking picture in a strapless Nedret Taciroglu gown. “The Cannes Film Festival red carpet is one of the most scrutinised red carpets in the world along with the Oscars and Met Gala. So, there’s pressure to pick the perfect outfit for the occasion, not only in terms of fashion, but also in representing your country on such a prestigious global platform. I hadn’t zeroed on the outfit till the last day. I went with what felt right on the day,” said Penty.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; May 19, 2019)

While Deepika Padukone has been a regular at the Cannes Film Festival, her Cocktail co-star Diana Penty makes her debut this year. The model-turned-actress will walk the red carpet today as the ambassador of an alcohol brand.

The Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran actress, who is a first-timer at Cannes, is understandably ‘super excited’. “I am also a little nervous,” she says adding that she has been following the prestigious event for a long time. “I can’t believe I’m actually a part of it this year! It is important to me as I’m representing India on an international platform,” she beams with pride.

Besides walking the red carpet, the leggy lass will also be a part of the discussion on ‘Women In Global Cinema’. Deeming it as a special opportunity, Diana says, “Women are the most powerful beings in the world and we have been making an impact since the inception of cinema. It’s a privilege for me to able to address the achievements that we’ve accomplished and how we strive to make the industry a better place to work each day,” she says.

With Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kangana Ranaut and Dippy slaying the red carpet with their sartorial choices, we ask Diana what has she planned to wear to up the fashion game? “I have a few options for each look. All I can say is that my style will be something that one hasn’t seen me in before yet. It’ll speak about who I am as a person. The French Riviera is all about being chic and individualistic, so that’s what it will be,” explains the beauty, who has already grabbed attention with her first outfit, a dress with golden tassels.

The actress also followed a strict diet and workout regimen to be in the perfect shape. “From a special diet to numerous fittings, I’ve indulged in everything. There’s an entire team that sits together to combine various elements to give a final look. I’m mentally prepared to enjoy every moment and make the most of my first time there,” she signs off.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 16, 2019)

As told to Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 8, 2019)

In my final year of college, I signed up with a top agency as a part-time model. I was studying at Mumbai’s St. Xavier’s College at the time which is known for its meritorious students and is very particular about attendance. I was in two minds but eventually took up the offer because people around had been telling me that I’d be the perfect model. But I made it clear to the agency that academics were my priority and I’d only take up modelling assignment during holidays. For me it was just an opportunity to earn some pocket money.

I worked with the agency for a year-and-a-half. My first job was for an Italian designer. I went on to do a couple of print shoots and ad campaigns which I quickly realised brought in far more than pocket money. I was the only earning member in my group and it felt great to be financially independent.

After graduation, I took up modelling as a full-time career because it was so fascinating. Initially, I was unnerved by the spotlight, but with time I became comfortable. My plans of going to Boston for further studies in Marketing, Communication and Advertising took a back seat but I was in Paris for a few months during the Fashion Week and walked the ramp for a number of designers. That trip was great exposure for me, as living in another country helped me evolve as a person. After Paris, it was on to New York for another Fashion Week. I also ended up doing a lot of shoots there.

I was happy being a model. It gave me the chance to travel around the world and make some good money. Along the way, I also did a television ad and then, when I was in Rome, I got a call from Saif Ali Khan and Dinesh Vijan’s production company. Once I returned to Mumbai, I went to their office. They were looking for a fresh face and having seen my pictures had me in mind for the role of Meera, a traditional Indian girl who moves to Mumbai after marriage only for her husband to disown her. They asked me to enact a scene and my lack of confidence during the audition worked for the character because Meera was a shy girl-next-door, the polar opposite of the free-spirited party girl, Veronica (played by Deepika Padukone).

I was called for another audition next day and an hour after that, they called me to say that I had bagged the role. Cocktail was a big banner film with Saif as the hero and though acting had never been on my mind, Homi (director Homi Adajania) and Dinesh boosted my confidence. I was enrolled for diction, acting and dance classes. They had faith in me and because of them I am an actor today.

During the shoot, I was nervous working with experienced and established actors. However, everyone was supportive and encouraging. I made mistakes and forgot my lines but the unit ensured that I remained calm. In fact, they all helped me with my lines and scenes, accepted me for who I was.
Cocktail arrived in the theatres in 2012. Four years later, I returned as the titular bride Aanand L Rai’s production, Happy Bhag Jayegi, followed by Lucknow Central and Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran last year. I often call myself an ‘accidental actress’ because my entry into Bollywood happened by chance, after five years of modelling.

Kimberly Colaco (THE TIMES OF INDIA; December 15, 2018)

Model-turned-actress Diana Penty is like a dream on screen, but put her in the kitchen and she’s all nerves. “I’m very bad in the kitchen, but I’m very good at eating cakes. I don’t have the patience to bake them,” she laughed, while speaking to us on the sidelines at IFFI recently, as she elaborated on memories of her life in Goa.

“I feel like I am home when I come to Goa. I have an uncle who stays in the North, and every time I come here, I stay with him. I wish I could come more often, but the moment you know that you have easy access, you tend to delay it. It’s like I’ll go next month or the month after that. My mum and dad usually bring me to Goa for Christmas. It is either during Christmas, or Easter that I come here. We’re here almost every year. Though I didn’t make it last year, we will try to come this year,” said Diana, who was born into a Parsi and Goan Christian family.

Her favourite activity during this season is to go for midnight mass to Governor’s Palace. “It’s a cute, quaint place. We spend time with family for lunch. It’s also the most hectic time of the year, when we think we can relax, but something pops up. There are lunches or dinners to attend. It’s a week of going to people’s homes and having a good time. The house is always laden with Christmas delicacies and yummy food. I like to be at home doing nothing and spending time with my family and being with my two dogs. At the most, I would try out a new restaurant or go to the beach, just relaxing. In Goa I’m very chilled,” she said. 

This is just one of the many starry highlights of the film festival, which kick-starts in Goa today
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; November 20, 2018)

The 49th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), that flags off today in Goa, will be heavy on star power, engaging conversations and movies from across the world. Prasoon Joshi, lyricist, and the current chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), will conduct a session on the secret behind his soulful lyrics.

For the first time, Boney, Arjun and Janhvi Kapoor will come together for a session, which is titled ‘In Konversation…’ Talking about it, Boney says, “It didn’t take them much to convince me to have this fun, heart-to-heart chat with both my kids, Arjun and Janhvi. I have a lot of questions to ask them, about films, their choices and the works. They are both doing well and have made me proud. I have never had such a chat with my kids on a public platform; I am looking forward to it and so are they. I just hope Arjun makes it for the session. He has a busy shoot schedule for a period film, but I am hoping he will be there.”

Rhea Kapoor, too, will interview dad Anil Kapoor in a lighter vein. David and Varun Dhawan’s conversation has been titled Dha-One, and will be moderated by writer Rumi Jaffery. Chitrangda Singh, Jim Sarbh, Diana Penty, Rakul and Kriti Sanon have also been invited to anchor conversations on different subjects. Rahul Bose, Pankaj Tripathi, Rajshri Deshpande, Divya Dutta and producer Nila Madhab Panda are slated to be a part of a session on redefining storytelling.

Arijit Singh, who debuts as a director with the film Sa (to be screened at IFFI), will talk about hitting the right notes as a playback singer. Directors Shoojit Sircar, Ramesh Sippy and Shaad Ali are also expected to engage with delegates on various subjects. Says Shoojit, “Since I am only going there for a day, I may not have time to watch the films that are being screened, but I am really looking forward to meeting a whole bunch of new and enthusiastic filmmakers. I will be discussing films like October, Pink and Madras Cafe. I will also touch upon my technique of putting a film together from concept to execution and exhibition.”

Shaad shares, “Apart from talking about sports biopics and my film Soorma, I will relive some childhood memories. I have been to IFFI since the time I was a child, as my father (Muzaffar Ali) was on the jury. From watching other people’s films to coming here with my film, life has indeed come a full circle.”

Recent years have seen an increasing number of women directors make their presence felt in Bollywood. Meghna Gulzar, Leena Yadav and Gauri Shinde’s discussion on this is expected to be the highlight of the film festival. Apart from this, South stars Venkatesh, Suresh Babu and Rana Daggubati will be a part of a chat titled ‘Decoding the Daggubatis’ at the festival. This year, the ‘Masterclass’ and ‘In-Conversation’ sessions will begin with a gathering where Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman’s works will be widely discussed. 2018 marks the filmmaker’s birth centenary. 

Jassie Gill on those who opened gates of B’wood for him and playing Khushi to Sonakshi Sinha’s Happy in his acting debut
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRORR; August 20, 2018) 

Jassie Gill, who makes his Hindi acting debut opposite Sonakshi Sinha in Mudassar Aziz’s Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, landed the part because of his single “Nakhre”. According to the Punjabi actor-singer, that’s where the director first spotted him and noted that he was looking for someone with a similar personality. “They took a screen test and told me I was cast opposite Sonakshi. I was surprised but grabbed the opportunity,” Jassie recalls.

In the sequel to Aanand L Rai’s 2016 romcom, which was fronted by Diana Penty, Ali Fazal and Abhay Deol, Jassie plays Khushi to Sona’s titular Happy. “My character is a Punjabi boy who works in China. Happy runs away to the country where I meet her, and a lot of confusion follows,” he informs, insisting that making his debut with a sequel to a hit film puts no pressure on him. “Pressure is more on the director, who has a successful film to live up to. If Mudassar sir is confident about me, I feel blessed and lucky. I gave the role my 100 per cent.”

Talking about the filming experience, Jassie reveals that it involved a bit of “cheat shooting,” as the film’s team couldn’t shoot in China, where parts of the story are set, due to unfavourable weather conditions. “We shot in Malaysia and Thailand instead. We had just 15-20 days to prep so I tried learning some Mandarin thinking it would help with my character,” the actor-singer shares.

Shooting in the two locations threw up a pleasant surprise for him, too. “There are a lot of Punjabis in Malaysia and Thailand who would drop in on the sets. It made me realise the reach of Punjabi music,” he points out. According to Jassie, the credit for that as well as for opening the gates of Bollywood to his kind goes to actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, who made quite an impression with his own Bollywood debut, Udta Punjab, last year, after delivering a slew of hit performances in Punjabi music and films. “I am proud of Diljit paaji, people are noticing Punjabi artistes now, be it Guru Randhawa or me. Honey Singh paaji deserves credit too,” he says earnestly.

Among the cast members of his Hindi debut, Jassie found common ground with Jimmy Sheirgill for curious reasons. “Jimmy paaji and I have met in the past, but we hadn’t worked together till now. Our surnames are similar, ‘Sheirgill’ and ‘Gill’. He is like an older brother now who helped me at every step. I was nervous about working with Sonakshi and Diana but everyone was so supportive, I didn’t realise when the shoot ended,” the debutant concludes.

Lasyapriya Sundaram (BOMBAY TIMES; August 19, 2018)

Model-turned-actress Diana Penty, who debuted in Cocktail (2012) as the girl next door, waited for the right role for almost two years, to avoid getting stereotyped. That’s when Happy Bhag Jayegi (2016) came her way. The film was a success at the box office, and now the second instalment in the franchise, Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, is up for release. In a candid chat with BT, Diana talks about how even though the industry is perceived to be nepotistic, there is still place for outsiders, why she felt directionless after doing her first film and how she was body shamed while growing up. Excerpts…

You were the leading lady in Happy Bhag Jayegi. In the second instalment, Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, Sonakshi Sinha is headlining the cast. Is your role that of a parallel lead?
I have no qualms in saying that this is Sonakshi Sinha’s film. My character, along with the others, helps in taking the story forward. When I read the script, I liked the fact that it revolved around the idea of mistaken identity.

You delivered a hit with the first film in the franchise, so why isn’t Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi revolving around your character?
The first part did well enough for the makers to consider making a second film and converting it into a franchise. That makes me feel proud and satisfied. This film is bigger and better. I would like to see it that way.

You’ve worked with Deepika Padukone in Cocktail and now, with Sonakshi Sinha. Deepika has risen to the top, despite being an outsider and Sonakshi, who comes from a film background, is also successful in her own right. Have you seen a difference between them that perhaps stayed with you?
I don’t think of it as a big deal when an actor’s child gets an opportunity easier than somebody else. What they do with that opportunity is what matters at the end of the day. Having said that, there is place in the industry for people who don’t come from a film background as well. Deepika, Anushka Sharma and Priyanka Chopra are successful actresses and they have made it on their own.

There was a four-year gap between the release of Cocktail and Happy Bhag Jayegi. What transpired in those four years?
Cocktail was the best thing that happened to me. It brought me into the world of films, which I didn’t know at that time I would enjoy a lot. Movies happened accidentally. Overall, I had a great time working in Cocktail and figured that this, perhaps, is something that I could do long term as well. My role in the film also led to me being slotted as an actor. After Cocktail, filmmakers couldn’t see me as anything else, but as the goody-two-shoes girl next door. I wanted to break out of that perception and that’s why, it took a while for me to do Happy Bhag Jayegi. Also, Bollywood was alien to me and I didn’t know how it worked. I was directionless and didn’t know what my next step should be. I wasn’t sure whose advice I should take into consideration because everybody was advising me! Yet, I didn’t have that one person who could mentor or guide me in Bollywood. I had to figure it out along the way. When I was offered Happy Bhag Jayegi, no one expected me to play the role of this loud, vivacious and no-holds-barred Punjabi girl. In fact, I didn’t see myself like that (laughs). I am very soft-spoken and for the film, I had to learn to talk loudly. It took a while for me to get into the skin of the character and I engaged in workshops to pull that off. Nonetheless, it was liberating.

Before Happy Bhag Jayegi (2016), director Mudassar Aziz’s film Dulha Mil Gaya (2010) wasn’t successful at the box office. Did you have any apprehensions about working with him because of that?
Everything in this industry is unpredictable and transient. That’s why you can’t judge somebody based on their success and failures. Everybody deserves a second chance. Sometimes, talent remains untapped. When Mudassar narrated the script to me, he seemed like a confident director. In fact, he told me not to watch his first film (laughs). The dialogues of Happy... were written by him and the film’s humour was in the writing. I have always gone with my gut and at that time, it felt right. Most of us associate comedy in Bollywood films with adult humour. This film broke away from that.

You started you career in showbiz as a model. Were you advised by people to join Bollywood because of your good looks?
Everybody told me that I should become a model because I was tall and skinny. But, it had the opposite effect on me, because being called skinny scarred me. I was a skinny girl, so people would come up to my mother and ask her if I was well-fed at home. It is so insensitive. You don’t go around telling somebody who is overweight that they are fat, likewise, being constantly commented upon for being skinny is also body shaming.