Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; August 29, 2020)

The list of The Times 50 Most Desirable Women 2019 has been unveiled, and India has made its choice! The ranking is based on votes cast in an online poll (on www.toi.in/mostdesirablewomen), along with an internal jury. The list features women under 40 from various fields and industries across the country, and it puts the spotlight on the young and new breed — from women who have made heads turn with their great looks, confidence, talent and style, to those who have made news over the years for the right reasons. This year, Disha Patani takes the top spot on this list. In 2019, the actress featured in Bharat and she was recently seen in Baaghi 3 and Malang. Here’s what she had to say about winning the coveted title...

How does it feel to be India’s Most Desirable Woman of 2019?
I feel the audience is too kind. I am grateful for all the love that I’ve been receiving and it’s a beautiful feeling. It’s fun, but at heart, I am still the tomboy I used to be.

What do you think are the qualities that make you desirable?
I think my relatability is what resonates with the audience. It could be anything — being my own version of fashionable or maybe, staying fit. But, above everything, I am thankful for people’s love and the fact that they find me desirable.

Who would you credit for supporting and nurturing you to be the best version of yourself that we see today?
My mother and sister. They are two of the strongest women I know, and they have really helped me be the best version of myself. And then, the credit goes to my directors, filmmakers, my team and most importantly, my audience. I am always driven to deliver my best to the audience, and their response keeps me motivated.

And, who according to you, is the most desirable man in Bollywood?
Well, everyone has a desirable personality. But, I think Shah Rukh Khan leads the game, undoubtedly.

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; May 9, 2020)

Disha Patani and Aditya Roy Kapur’s sizzling onscreen chemistry in the romantic thriller, Malang, had become a talking point. And, it looks like the on-screen couple will get to recreate it in Mohit Suri’s Ek Villain 2 as well. Though they shared screen space for the first time in Malang, few people know that they go back a long way.

In fact, their camaraderie made the shoot of Malang a fun experience for both actors. Disha, who works out and dances religiously and even does gymnastics to stay fit, says that she once defeated Aditya in a game of basketball. She recalls, “I knew Aditya even before we worked together. We used to go to the same gym and have even played basketball together. In fact, I had even defeated him in a game of basketball. Since I knew him well, there was no awkwardness while shooting for Malang.”

The Bharat actress feels that they also share some personality traits. “I believe he is also a bit anti-social, like me (laughs!). So, we relate to each other as we both are introverts.”

Like Disha, Aditya, too, is at ease working with her. During an earlier interaction, he had told BT, “We are very comfortable in each other’s company. Hence, our onscreen chemistry looks natural.”

Disha Patani is utilising her time by pampering her pets, working out, and practising basic dance steps
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 4, 2020)

Actor Disha Patani has been treating her fans to glimpses from her daily life in the Coronavirus lockdown on social media. Be it cuddling with her pets, or sharing nostalgic memories, she is making sure that she doesn’t disconnect altogether.

We ask her how the entire situation has been for her, being holed up inside her house, and she says that this is all too new for her. “I’ve a lot of free time to myself, something that rarely happens because of shooting schedules and travelling around. I’m spending most of the time pampering my pets. And apart from all this, I am also catching up on some movies. I’m also working out at home and practising basic dance routines to keep me occupied,” says Patani.

The 27-year-old had started the year with a successful release — Malang — and was excited for her subsequent biggies. However, due to shoots of all kinds being stopped, her films, too, had to be stalled. “My upcoming film, Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, with Salman Khan got pushed, and so did the commencement of Ek Villain 2. I am hoping for everything to start soon. It’s difficult to stay at home, but it’s necessary for all of us, so that we can fight the pandemic,” confesses Disha.

Even in this lockdown, her personal life was under the scanner. Reports earlier, did the rounds that Patani is maybe living with her Baaghi 2 co-star Tiger Shroff’s family. And her goofy video on Instagram with Tiger’s sister Krishna added fuel to the fire.

However, Krishna cleared the air and said recently, that Disha isn’t living with them, she just lives close-by. On who else she is in touch with apart from Tiger’s family, all Patani says is, “I’ve been in touch with my family and my team (for work). We do our regular meetings etc., on conference calls.”

Amid the many things she is keeping herself busy with, the actor has also got time to introspect. And here’s the realisation she has come to in the past one-and-a-half months, “Nothing is more important than your and your loved ones’ health. We all need to come out of this pandemic, safely and in good health,” she signs off.

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; April 18, 2020)

While she is active on social media with her selfies, posts and pictures with some of her favourites, in reality, Disha Patani is quite an introvert. And, when it comes to talking about her love life, the Malang actress remains tight-lipped. Over the years, she has never spoken openly about her equation with Tiger Shroff, but the fact that she’s really fond of some members of the Shroff family, is known to all. She often posts cool pictures with Tiger’s sister Krishna on social media.

Before the Coronavirus lockdown was announced, Disha was shooting for Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, starring Salman Khan and Jackie Shroff, among others. Talking about Senior Shroff, she says, “His energy is unmatchable.” All praises for Jackie, who loves being called Tiger ka baap, she continues, “Nobody can match up to his swag. He is humble, easy to work with, quick with his shots and a great actor.”

The actress says that though she is shy and an introvert, in Jackie Shroff’s company, she feels cool. “He is just so cool to hang out with. I don’t consider myself cool at all, but whenever I hang out with him, I feel cool. It doesn’t matter if you are an introvert, because when you are with him, he does most of the talking,” she shares.

Disha is working with actors across age groups, but she admits that it is the senior actors who make her feel more comfortable. She says, “I think I am more of an old soul. I feel comfortable with senior people around me, and I connect more with them.”

Exploring the genre and buying a plot of land to build an elephant shelter tops the to-do list of self-confessed tomboy Disha Patani
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 28, 2020)

Like her peers, Disha Patani is staring at a schedule which is suddenly pried open by the Coronavirus-induced shutdown. “We are so used to working all the time that everyone is going through a sort of a breakdown. But it’s necessary to connect with yourself, too,” she philosophises, adding that she hopes her pet dogs, Bella and Goku, and cat, Keety, are happy to have her around.

A few weeks ago, the actress sizzled in a red dress at the success party of her last release, Malang. The do also marked the announcement of Ek Villain 2. Point out that she’s been chasing one high after the other, much like her character Sara in the film, and Disha chuckles, “I am enjoying the diverse roles coming my way. The success of Malang is gratifying because I gave the nod 10 minutes into the narration. It’s not every day that you get a strong character like Sara, someone who exacts revenge.”

In the 2014 revenge-drama, leading lady Shraddha Kapoor dies in the first half, spurring the protagonist into action. Will Ek Villain 2 follow suit? “I died in two of my earlier films (M S Dhoni - The Untold Story and Baaghi 2) and both were successful but, I hope I don’t die in this one. It’s very different from what I’ve done before,” is all Disha will divulge right now. With the pandemic throwing schedules astray, there’s no telling when the film will go on the floors.

With the film, she reunites with director Mohit Suri and insists she couldn’t be luckier. “Nobody presents a girl like Mohit. Thanks to his wife (actress Udita Goswami) and daughter, he connects with women well and portrays them beautifully on screen. He is open to ideas and lets you tweak lines if he thinks it’s justified,” she gushes.

Disha has already shot for Radhe: Most Wanted Bhai, in which she plays Salman Khan’s ladylove. While working with the superstar was one of her career’s highpoints, she can’t stop raving about her director Prabhudheva, who choreographed the new version of the hit Telugu song, “Seeti Maar”. “It’s tough to keep up with him. He’d show me how to do a particular step and it looked so easy because he is the God of dance. But I was unable to do it when I tried. So, he kept making me do retakes till I got it right. I was so intimidated dancing next to him,” she admits.

The actress plays Jackie Shroff’s sister in the film. Since she has worked with his son, Tiger Shroff, in Baaghi 2, you wonder if she noticed any differences between their styles of working. “They are very different; there is a huge age gap. It’s like asking if my father and I are similar,” she shrugs. “He is so cool, takes things easy… And has so much swag. No one can match up to him.”

Now that she’s working with such big names, does she feel she has arrived? Her voice echoes her incredulity, “I have a long way to go to leave a mark. I am working hard every day and hoping that someday, people accept me in a different way,” she says earnestly.

What’s the different way? Disha, considered to be one of the hottest actresses in Bollywood, says that she has always been a sports-loving tomboy. “I grew up on superhero and action films, especially Jackie Chan’s. I want to do an out-and-out action fest,” she reveals, adding that she once wanted to be an Air Force pilot. “Thankfully, I didn’t try pursuing that dream because I have major motion sickness,” she giggles.

Any personal milestones? “There are a lot of places for cats and dogs but nothing for elephants. I want to buy a plot of land for them. Let’s hope it comes true soon,” she concludes.

Disha Patani says she will feel like a true star when her name alone draws crowds to theatres
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 12, 2020)

Disha Patani is basking in the success of Malang, the third film this year to cross the ₹50-crore mark at the box office. And the actor, who is delighted with the appreciation her performance has received, believes the amount a film collects is equally important as the accolades it draws, for the box office is what validates an actor’s bankability. “As an actor, it makes me happy that people are loving Malang. Box office numbers are certainly an important factor to measure success, but I don’t think they’re the ultimate benchmark. The box office success of a movie runs parallel to how much fans love it. In a way, both of them are intertwined. For a confidence boost, it certainly helps knowing that all the hard work put in by everyone has paid off,” she says.

Talking about the feedback from the audience and her contemporaries, Patani shares, “The response has been phenomenal. Everyone – my friends, fans and even people in the film fraternity — told me how Malang was a unique experience and how they are loving it.” The actor adds it was an important film as it helped her “explore an entirely different side” to herself.

Ask if the response makes her confident about her upcoming film, Radhe, co-starring Salman Khan, she says, “They’re very different genres and experiences. But positive reactions are always good. Seeing the response that Malang has received, it certainly makes me want to push myself harder and keep learning.”

The 27-year-old admits that the opportunity to share screen space with Khan yet again, after Bharat (2019), is a “dream come true” for her. “Working with Salman sir again has been an amazing experience. Prabhu (Prabhudheva) sir’s energy is contagious and there’s so much that I’ve learned from both of them. I’m grateful for the opportunity that was given to me,” the M S Dhoni - The Untold Story (2016) actor says.

Given a chance, Patani would also love to venture into the web space. “I don’t ever want to restrict myself to one genre. Even though there is no specific genre that I want to explore, I would love to try my hand at different types of characters and stories if they suit and interest me,” the actor shares.

But Patani feels she will consider herself a true star the day her name would be enough to draw audiences to the theatre. “It all depends on the mass pull you have,” she adds.

Disha Patani says that she is a ‘selfish actor’, as she only does work that makes her truly happy
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 19, 2020)

With one big project after the other — Disha Patani is truly enjoying the current phase of her career. 2020 will see her starring with Salman Khan in Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, and also headline Ktina, in a quirky avatar.

“I have done only a few films, it’s time to gear up and do more work,” quips the 27-year-old, whose latest release Malang opened to mixed reviews and has registered decent collections.

She is happy with whatever response it has got, and says, “Malang is doing great at the box office, and it definitely is a good feeling. I believe more than the figures, it is the overall appreciation and love, which makes me content. With Malang, I feel grateful that everyone is praising my role. That makes me happy.”

But with appreciation comes a bit of criticism as well. What’s been the best compliment Disha has received for her performance, and how does she react to the trolling and memes made on the film? “The best compliment I have received is that I look as hot as a live wire. That is something I had never heard and coming from the audience who have watched the film, makes me happy. We went to the theatres and looking at the reactions, I feel blessed for all the warmth and support that I have been receiving,” she adds.

Barely five years old in showbiz, Disha has done seven films till now, out of which Bharat (2019) and Baaghi 2 (2018) have been with stars such as Salman and Tiger Shroff. We ask whether going forward, her focus is solely going to be on working with big names, and she says, “It’s not about working with big stars. It’s always been about me. I am very selfish as an actor. I have always been loved, regardless of what I play in films, even if it’s a small role, be it in Bharat or M S Dhoni - The Untold Story (2016). I always made sure to love what I do.”

But the experience working with Salman for the second time is what she cherishes. “It’s been amazing,” Disha gushes, “Radhe... is in a different genre. I am also working with Prabhudheva sir, it’s great!”

It’s only now that Disha is getting a chance to explore her acting chops, apart from just being glamorous. Does she feel that she been typecast in this image? “It’s the other way round actually,” she says, “I have done de-glam roles, played a mother in Baaghi 2. Bharat, again, saw me get Indian with a little bit of song and stuff. Malang was the first time I got to be glamorous and look western.”

At this point in her life, she might be content with her professional achievements, but the one thing she rues is not getting enough space. “I guess the toughest part for me is not getting enough space. I love my space, follow a disciplined schedule,” she says. One might think then that the constant speculations over her relationship status would bother her, too. But she clarifies, “Honestly, it doesn’t really matter anymore. Everything depends on the film, and the box office report when it comes, if the film is a hit, or doesn’t work.”

Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 3, 2020)

What was your first reaction to your character in Malang which reportedly has some negative shades?
It’s different from what I’ve done before and yet closer to who I am. Since the film is a thriller, a genre I love, I can’t divulge much. But yes, it has grey shades, all the principal characters do.

Despite the bikini shots and sizzling liplocks, director Mohit Suri insists that the film will showcase Disha Patani, the actress.
My performance became possible because of him. He saw me in a character I couldn’t.

So, are you buddies now?
We’re friends, but he’s not a buddy. He’s my mentor, I respect him for who he is, how he has presented me.

Our heroes are getting older, their heroines younger. There’s a 27-year age gap between you and your Radhe hero, Salman...
It was a dream come true to work with Jackie Chan in Kung Fu Yoga. He was 65 then. Ditto with Salman (Khan) sir, the biggest star in our country. Age is just a number. When I’m 50, I’d want to work with an 18-year-old. After just my second film, I got to work with Salman sir in Bharat, which gave me my first commercial song, “Slow Motion”. I don’t know if I deserve this. I’m glad to get an opportunity to dance, act, do action.

Bagging a second film with Salman even before your first film released. So, are you a part of his camp now?
I hope I am. I don’t know. Maybe you should ask him.

What’s happening with KTina, which is reportedly based on Radhe Maa?
It’s not about Radhe Maa. You’ll find out more at the right time. I was filming Malang, and now I’m shooting with Salman sir. We’ve finished one schedule of KTina and will resume after Radhe.

Are you now confident of pulling off a solo-heroine film?
Conscious, not confident. Malang has Aditya (Roy Kapur), Anil (Kapoor) sir and Kunal (Kemmu) too.

You started out with small parts in films like M S Dhoni - The Untold Story. Would it be different if you debuted as a leading lady?
Your debut film can put you under a lot of pressure, but fter a few auditions, I realised that I wanted people to go beyond the hair, makeup and outfit, and relate to the girl on screen. I was happy to be a part of a biopic like M S Dhoni and people accepted me even in a smaller part. Then Baaghi 2 happened. I never thought I’d get this far.

Kiara Advani, your co-star in the Dhoni biopic, made a mark with Kabir Singh. Star kids Jahnvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday also pose competition…
We are all special and doing different kinds of movies. There aren’t too many Fridays with solo releases so there’s enough work for everyone. I believe in feminism and equality. At the end of the day, it’s the work that speaks. You’re lucky if people like you, that cannot come with birth or be bought. Nepotism exists in every industry. My sister is in the army. If she has a child, they will have an edge over others if they decide to join the forces. Instead of being jealous, it’s better to work your way up, on the strength of your talent.

Did you ever want to take up another career?
I wanted to become an Air Force pilot, but it’s good I didn’t. I don’t like travelling, I get motion sickness. My family is happy and proud of what I’ve achieved in the fim industry.

Were you upset when, after Bharat, Ali Abbas Zafar cast Ananya Panday in his first production, Khaali Peeli?
Why get upset? It’s not as if I won’t work with him again.

And Shraddha Kapoor reunites with Tiger Shroff in Baaghi 3…
Unfortunately, my character died in Baaghi 2, but I’m doing a song.

You recently wore a dress similar to Beyonce’s...
I’m a huge fan. I love her and look up to her. She is a mega star and a brilliant performer. When she steps on stage, it’s like a Goddess has arrived!

You’ve often been spotted with Tiger Shroff, yet he doesn’t acknowledge your relationship...
What relationship?

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; February 3, 2020)

On the internet, she appears to be a diva. In person, she’s a tomboy who loves wearing her hair messily, slips into comfy and functional clothes and hops across to a cafe to get herself a cuppa coffee. In a chat with BT, Disha Patani talks about living life on the edge, her social media image, why it’s important to strike a balance between work and life and of course, her sizzling chemistry with co-star Aditya Roy Kapur in Mohit Suri’s upcoming film, Malang. Read on...

After doing just four films in five years, 2020 seems to be busier than usual for you, with Malang opposite Aditya Roy Kapur and Radhe with Salman Khan…
I hope the year goes well. Even after doing a few films, I feel like a newcomer. With every film that works, expectations rise, which is a little daunting. For instance, I love dancing, but when I do it on screen, it’s not for myself. I don’t pick up choreography easily; I rehearse a lot to perfect it. I have to keep my body energised, monitor my diet and put in hours on the floor, but when the results are great, it’s relieving.

Yes, that is evident… you use social media to largely display your fit physique and share workout videos...
(Laughs!) I actually enjoy working out. There’s no better feeling than not having backaches. I have bruised my knees so many times that today, I know the value of keeping my leg muscles in order. Fitness plays a different role in my life. I am sure people think that I do it so I can look a certain way, but with the kind of lives we lead, it’s just so important to stay healthy all the time. I work hard on my body all the time and it makes my dance and action look effortless.

Speaking of Malang, your sizzling chemistry with Aditya has got people talking. Did you know him from before?
Yes, I knew him socially before we started working together. We had met many years ago in a gym where we would workout together. It was a little awkward to meet him as a co-star. If you’ve known someone for a long time, it becomes weird to act with them. In Aditya’s case, it was fun. As buddies, off camera, we took each other’s case. As actors, it was important to get rid of the awkwardness while performing passionate or deeply romantic scenes with conviction. In our case, we just acted our parts out without any strategy in place. We didn’t even chat about the scenes; we just took the plunge. Talking about them would have been stranger.

You’ve said that Sara, your character in Malang,is quite close to your real self. Although you love adventure activities, did you have to prep hard for some of the adventure-sport scenes in the film?
We had very little training for it. Watersurfing and kitesurfing can be difficult; in fact, the latter can be life-threatening, as you could bang yourself into a tree or die in a road mishap because it entirely relies on the kite and the wind. You need years of training to perfect it. Water-surfing is relatively easier. On one occasion, I had to jump from a hill into the water. I was shaking the first time I had to do it for the camera. I injured my head and was hard of hearing for the whole day. I had almost died when I tried that from a smaller height in a swimming pool as a kid. So, it all looks like we were having fun, but it was stressful. Personally, I love doing crazy things but here, we were pushed to just do everything without much training.

Over the last one year or so, there’s been constant chatter about you in the press — some of it is flattering and some of it is not. Does it bother you?
I don’t read much of what’s written about me. Not following news updates just keeps me peaceful. I’ve always kept my life away from the work I do. In this industry, wherever you go, people talk shop. You need to balance that with a simple life where you go back home to other normal things. We’re not just actors, we’re human beings, too. My friends and I don’t talk work when we meet, even though some of us are in the same business. We play video games and chill. When I’m not working, I walk into cafes and buy coffee for myself. I’m usually in messy, relaxed, workout clothes, with no make-up and hair tied in a bun or something. Dressing up is like a little break from that, when I want to be my cute or pretty self. At heart, I am a tomboy and I go back to being that every single day.

Do you feel that there’s too much scrutiny about what an actor wears everywhere he/she goes? There is also a lot of discussion of what they said or did not say. Is that too much to deal with at times?
I don’t Google myself, so I don’t know who says what. Earlier I thought that I’m an actor and my job is to just play a part. But actually, I also have to be entertaining when I meet people, and say these cool and funny things. I’m a boring person and I find it very hard to be funny and gimmicky. As for clothes, at the beginning of the career, you want to dress up and look a certain way. With time, you realise it doesn’t matter. No matter what you do, people will always have something to say. The idea is to be yourself and do what you like.

Have you always lived life on the edge, like your character in Malang?
Not entirely, but in some way I can say that I have. The decision to come to Mumbai, opting for a career in modelling and acting over completing B.Tech was like living on the edge. I am not as young as I was in those days. I was more carefree then and I made decisions which probably, I wouldn’t make today. The decisions worked for me, but now, I am relatively playing it safe. The older you grow the more you start thinking. Of course, sometimes it’s best not to think and go for what your heart says. What’s the worst that can happen? You have to strike a balance between these two spaces — being on the edge and playing it safe. I live alone here, all by myself with my dogs and cats, who are my responsibilities.

The actor says she would consider herself successful if she gets to do an action-packed film
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 2, 2020)

A ctor Disha Patani is looking forward to the launch of her new film. She is happy to have pushed the envelope for herself with Malang, and that brings in a sense of calm instead of nervousness, she says. Disha also desires to do a high-octane action thriller one day in which she gets to play a superhero. Excerpts:

Your upcoming movie is a multi-starrer featuring Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur and Kunal Kemmu. What scope did the film offer you?
It is a romantic thriller. There are elements of suspense, crime and action in it. I must say I’m blessed that I got to work with such an amazing director like Mohit (Suri) sir. He really did push me beyond limits in this film in terms of my performance.

You’ll be seen in quite a different avatar in this film as compared to your earlier films.
My vibe in this film is completely different and raw. I’m dressed up in a lot of western wear. I wore a lot of Indian outfits in my previous films. So, this is quite a refreshing look.

2020 is going to be an eventful year for you with films such as Radhe and KTina lined up. How does it feel?
I’m not nervous. I’m in a very calm and peaceful state of mind. I’m happy that content wise I’m getting to do different kinds of films. I’m also getting to work with a wide array of talent. So, I feel very grateful.

You have worked with both Anil Kapoor and Salman Khan. What are the key learnings from them?
Anil sir is extremely passionate about his work. He has decades-long experience in the industry and inspires us all. But what’s interesting is that he tries to learn something new every day.

With Salman sir, it’s about the ease with which he works. His comic timing and humour is incredible. He always finds something funny in every scene, which lightens up the mood. While working with him in Radhe, I was so motivated to see how hard-working and passionate he is about his work.

How much does the commercial success of your earlier films dictate your choice of films?
I do look at the commercial viability of a project. It’s important that your film connects with the mass audience. It should make money at the box office. But at the same time, it’s important that it should also have elements of a commercial film as well as what you believe in.

What are your expectations from yourself after delivering hits such as Baaghi 2 (2018) and M S Dhoni - The Untold Story (2016)?
I believe in giving my 100% to my work. I aim to be the best version of myself on the screen. The rest depends on the producers and the directors who want to achieve their visions and the people who are watching the film.

What is the benchmark of success for you?
I would consider myself successful if I get to play a superhero and do action films. Success also means being able to help people transform their lives.

Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 3, 2019)

After a fairly slow-paced 2019, Disha Patani is all geared up and looking forward to an eventful 2020. With big banner films such as Radhe, Malang and KTina in her kitty, the actor still believes that she hasn’t “arrived as yet”. Having spent four years in the industry with three ₹100 crore films — M S Dhoni - The Untold Story (2016), Baaghi 2 (2018) and this year’s Bharat — Disha feels that the industry has now become more accepting of her. Excerpts from an interview:

After Bharat, the audience will again get to see you opposite Salman Khan in Radhe. Do you feel like you’ve arrived?
I don’t feel like I’ve arrived as yet. For me, learning never stops and the hard work is always on. But I’m really grateful that I’m getting an opportunity to work with him again. I was content even with the small role I had in Bharat, and now doing a full film with him is like a dream come true. I’m focusing on giving my best for the film in terms of my performance and learn as much as possible.

There’s always this fear of getting overshadowed by an actor of Salman’s stature. Do such thoughts ever cross your mind?
No, I don’t think films are about being overshadowed by a superstar. In fact, I feel lucky, that I’ve got this opportunity to work with him. Being overshadowed by him is a thought far-fetched for me. For me, sharing screen space with Salman is a big opportunity itself.

You’ve often said how shooting for Malang has been a physically taxing experience for you. Can you tell us more about it?
Yes, we did a lot of underwater sports for this film. The activities were very different and challenging, more so because we had to learn everything in just a day or two, and normally people take years of experience to learn underwater sports. But, it was overall a lot of fun for me performing all those stunts because I really like sports. As long as it looks great on screen, every effort is worth it.

How much do you think things have changed for you in the last few years?
Getting films is easier now than what it was before when I had just started out. But it’s not just about getting films. It’s about the kind of films you choose to do and the roles you envision for yourself. That’s always a hard choice. There’s always a challenge one faces while choosing scripts, films and roles.

Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 7, 2019)

Guess who’s the happiest person in Bollywood right now? Well, Disha Patani might probably top the list, considering that she has bagged her second film opposite Salman Khan, his upcoming Eid 2020 release, Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai! When we ask her about how it all happened and how she got to share screen space with him again so soon after Bharat, the 27-year-old actor gushes about Salman being one of the best people she has “ever come across”. Excerpts from a chat:

You have maintained that your Bharat co-star, Salman, is like Santa Claus. Now you’re set to share screen space with him again. How did it all happen?
I’m super excited to share screen space with Salman sir again, and that too in a different avatar. He’s like Santa Claus in so many ways; he brings joy and happiness to his fans all across the world, and not only that, this year he has the perfect Christmas gift. I was approached for the role in the production and I was both very happy and excited. I feel very fortunate to have got this opportunity.

What’s the best thing about working with the superstar?
There’s too much in there for me to choose one to be honest. Salman sir is one of the most humble and kind people I’ve ever come across. There’s this aura about him that makes you feel comfortable around him even though he’s one of the biggest superstars in India. Watching him work is nothing short of inspiring. So to sum up, I can’t decide on any one specific thing!

Till this point, you’ve done massy, masala films like M S Dhoni - The Untold Story (2016), Baaghi 2 (2018) and Bharat, but you’re balancing it with a content-driven, small-town located film like Ktina. Was it a conscious decision to shake up things?
Be it masala films or content-driven cinema, both have their unique benefits and I want to learn not one, but all aspects of it. So in a way, it has always been somewhere at the back of my mind that I don’t want to stick to one kind of films.

You’ve worked with both young stars like Tiger Shroff and veterans like Salman. Is there any difference you’ve noticed while working with the younger lot and the experienced ones?
An actor is an actor, irrespective of their age, and every one of them is unique. All of them have their own special skill sets.

As she bags 2020 biggie Radhe, Disha Patani says working with Salman Khan so soon after Bharat is 'dream come true'
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; November 2, 2019)

If a Salman Khan film is the golden ticket to the big league, Disha Patani is certainly in an enviable position. Putting an end to months of speculation, the superstar made it known yesterday that Patani had been roped in to play the female lead in his ambitious film, Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai as he shared a picture with her from the film's mahurat, on social media. This marks her second film with Khan this year after the Eid release, Bharat.

Naturally, the actor can't contain her joy on having bagged the big-ticket flick. "Salman sir has always been an inspiration to me. Working with him in Bharat was a dream come true. Now, it's happening again in Radhe," beams Patani.

The actioner that reportedly sees Khan as an undercover cop will be helmed by the superstar's current favourite, Prabhudheva. Whether the choreographer-director will design an elaborate dance piece to tap into her unmatched dancing skills is anybody's guess. For now though, she hopes to imbibe the best of the actor-director duo. "I will learn so much more as I work with Salman sir and Prabhudheva sir. They have been supportive and helpful. I am so excited about Radhe."

While the names of many actors — including Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma — were doing the rounds for the coveted role, a source informs that Khan and Prabhudeva were in talks with Patani for long. "They felt she was apt for the character. She has started workshops and reading sessions."

The film will be Khan's Eid 2020 release, true to his promise that he would keep his date with fans after his magnum opus with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, In-shaa-Allah, fell through.

Disha Patani proved that she was anything but fragile as she graduated from matching Shroff's moves to matching his stunts
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; July 24, 2019)

Her cinematic endeavours apart, Disha Patani began to initially hold the attention of cinephiles following her frequent appearance in Tiger Shroff's dance videos that punctuated his Instagram feed. And while her nimble-footedness and lithe frame could be deceptive, Patani proved that she was anything but fragile as she graduated from matching Shroff's moves to matching his stunts. Easily among a current lot of actors best adept to headline a female-led action film, Patani, with her front and back saltos, single-hand cartwheels and mixed martial arts moves, has been testing the limits of her body.

"I took to gymnastics three years ago. It's always good to learn it when you are young, because the body changes after the age of 20," she says, reiterating how bones and muscle may become less malleable with age. "When I am not shooting, I alternate between practising gymnastics and MMA in the week. MMA is relatively easier. But for gymnastics, you have to be both, consistent and brave. It has taken me a while to reach where I am. You have to do it every day. [Only when] you break your bones and knees do you reach somewhere."

Patani is no stranger to injury. Having once trained on concrete terrace floors, she recalls falling on her head and losing her memory. "I lost six months of my life because I couldn't remember anything." Only recently, when attempting to pull off a front salto for Salman Khan-starrer Bharat, she also busted her knees. But, a week later, she was at it again. A salto is essentially a forward or backward body flip performed in a tucked position.

Front saltos, both Patani and her trainer Nadeem Akhtar admit, are tough to pull off. "They are generally tougher than back movements," Akhtar admits, adding that the progression of movements in gymnastics traditionally involves cartwheels ("basics," he calls them), bridge walkovers and back saltos, before front flips are attempted. "Disha took about two months to do the front flip, and this was after she had already aced the other movements," he says.

Slow and steady wins the race
As long as you are willing to make the investment of time, Akhtar opines that gymnastics can be adhered to by all. "You have to warm up sufficiently and work on the flexibility before attempting any movement. Usually, warm-up sessions may include stretches, jumps and bridge walkovers, and can take up 30 to 60 minutes of the class. Jumps are crucial. You can't attempt flips unless you are able to jump high enough. The progress is gradual, and movements like the back flip can take as long as three to six months to execute." While several professionals advocate minimising heavy-weightlifting so that one's flexibility isn't compromised, Akhtar doesn't encourage that school of thought. "If you alternate between weight-lifting and gymnastics, you can progress in both fields." He, in fact, advocates it so that his clients develop the required strength to pull off gymnastic movements.

Brave, not stupid
Throughout this conversation, Akhtar reiterates that bravado is as crucial in learning gymnastics as one's physical prowess. Yet, he asserts, his team will not compromise on ensuring the safety of his clients, especially when training actors who are bound by shooting schedules. "For us, safety comes first. If there are things that we can't teach an actor, we will simply state it [to the production house]. In Bharat, for instance, [Disha was] expected to do a jump that we weren't sure about, and hence declined to take it further."

Patani adds that injuries are less likely to occur when you are consistent with training. Her own training, she says, could have helped her reap results faster had they not been punctuated by periods of lull when she had to shoot for films. "When I come back from filming, I have to start from the basics again. If you achieve a split, you need to stretch it every day. If you don't , you lose it."

Lift Like A Woman
It's easy to judge that Patani takes her weight-training sessions seriously when she shares videos of herself lifting a whopping 140 pounds. "I need the strength that I develop in the gym to build strong shoulders for gymnastics. I need strong legs to pull off MMA. Only if I am strong will I be able to pull off these movements. So, I weight-train for 60-90 minutes, six days a week."

Watching What She Eats
Patani ensures she doesn't undo the effort put into her long hours of training with an inappropriate diet. "But, there's a difference between starving and eating healthy. I always choose [healthier] options. Ninety per cent of how you look depends on what you eat. If I'm not eating right, no matter however much I train, I won't improve." Eating the right amount of protein also ensures she ups her muscle mass. A lover of all things sweet, she says she permits herself to eat as her heart appeases once in a week.


Disha Patani with Nadeem Akhtar