In trade parlance, an actor has truly arrived when s/he lands a titular role in a project. Almost six years after making her Bollywood debut, Kiara Advani could well say that she has broken into the big league as she stars in and as Indoo in Indoo Ki Jawani. "I don't feel I have arrived yet," she says over phone. "But I do assume greater responsibility for my films now. There is a sense of confidence instilled in me when I know that a director or producer wants only me in the film. It has taken a long time to get to a phase where I am telling the stories I want to tell. There are directors who are willing to wait for my dates, and I want to live up to their faith in me."

In an industry where success is interlinked with box-office numbers, Advani had a splendid run last year with Kabir Singh and Good Newwz. The actor opened 2020 with Netflix's Guilty, proving that she can strike a balance between content and commerce. She emphasises that box-office pressure is not playing on her mind as Indoo Ki Jawani is set for a big-screen outing.

"We need to be practical and not expect too much from its box-office [performance]. The world is not operating the way it did pre-pandemic. So, our sense of normal has shifted, thus effecting a shift in how an actor should be perceived. I hope people watch the film wherever they are comfortable - theatres or on the OTT platform [later]."

For her, the biggest high in the Abir Sengupta-directed comedy is her character. "Indoo is a feisty girl who is set in her ways. She is nothing like me; I am neither opinionated nor judgmental. Her idea of love is also different from mine. I am an old-world romantic who doesn't buy into the idea of dating apps."

As told to Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 1, 2020)

I went to audition for Fugly after someone I knew told me that the director (Kabir Sadanand) was looking for actors. Most of the auditions I had gone for before, would take months for a call back. But here, I got a call from producer Ashvini Yardi on the very next day. She was really impressed with my audition and called me to meet her and Akshay (Kumar) sir, who was co-producing the film. I went with my parents to their office, and the next thing I knew, I had signed the film. It all happened surprisingly fast, and it took me some time to comprehend. But I guess it was in my destiny.

After that, we had a month of workshops. Our acting coach came from Delhi to train all four of us (including Mohit Marwah, Vijender Singh and Arfi Lamba), making us work on our skills and helping us bond.

I had wanted to become an actor ever since I was a child. So, naturally, I was excited that it was all finally happening. However, when I reached the set on my first day after getting my hair and makeup done at Leh, I got cold feet. I wasn’t sure if I’ll be able to do it and started wondering if I was good enough for the job. It was like having butterflies in my stomach and anxiety kicking in together.

We started the shoot with the song “Banjarey”. I remember being on a hilltop and sitting atop a car’s bonnet. I had to break into impromptu dance moves and there was no set choreography, as the shot was about just having fun. I began alone in a close-up shot. Since it was a moving shot, I joined my co-actors as the camera followed me. After the shot, everyone on the set applauded all of us. But at that time, I wasn’t sure whether it was because I was good or just because it was my first shot. Although, when I watched the song, I was quite happy with what we had done.

I don’t think any actor can ever forget their first day and first shot. When I gave mine, I realised that this is what I needed to do for the rest of my life.

Kiara Advani on some of her goals; explains why she can’t say ‘no’ to a selfie with fans
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 13, 2020)

A year ago, Kiara Advani was just another name in Bollywood. But the Shahid Kapoor co-starrer Kabir Singh changed everything. As one of the most successful films of 2019 and one of the biggest grossers ever, the Hindi remake of Telugu blockbuster Arjun Reddy transformed her career graph. The actress consolidated her position by closing the year with Good Newwz alongside Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh, and was all set for a busy 2020 with four releases—Laxmmi Bomb, Indoo Ki Jawani, Shershaah and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. Three of the films are complete while the horror-comedy, co-starring Kartik Aaryan, was being shot when productions came to a halt following the Coronavirus-triggered pandemic.

The actress insists she’s been careful not to let success go to her head. “After seeing the downside of this business early on in my career, I’ve learnt to enjoy the process of making a film instead of thinking about the end result,” she asserts, adding that she still walks on the streets when in the mood and any changes have only been for the better. Kiara is grateful to her newfound fandom and poses for a lot of selfies with them. “My mom always says that you can make someone’s day with just one picture, and that, in turn, could make your day. So, even if I am sleep deprived or have come back from a long and tiring flight, I never say no because whenever I did, it made me feel guilty later. A co-star told me that you should want every single fan of yours to have a picture with you; that is my ultimate goal.” Her Bollywood fan clubs connect her with admirers and she says it makes her feel like they are one community.

Kiara has a special connection with her fans down South, too, despite having done only two films and not having worked there in quite a while. “They constantly appreciate my work in Hindi cinema. Seeing this, I feel I must do a film down South, once things get back to normal, and make them happy. They deserve that for their love.” Mirror (June 3) had earlier reported that after making her debut in the Telugu industry with the 2018 Mahesh Babu-fronted Bharat Ane Nenu, she is in talks for the actor’s 27th film, the family action drama Sarakaru Vaari Paata.

Kiara is related to Bollywood legends Ashok Kumar and Saeed Jaffrey, though she never met them when she was young, so growing up wasn’t influenced by them. “I watched a lot of their work while studying journalism. But I’m a ’90s kid, so I watched more films of Madhuri Dixit, Kajol and Kareena Kapoor. But now, knowing that a part of my family has contributed so much to Hindi cinema, I feel bad I never got a chance to meet them,” she sighs.

Karan Johar is one person who has played an integral role in her career even though they haven’t collaborated on one of his directorials yet. “I keep telling Karan that I want him to direct a comedy. He will be really good because even his love stories are funny and his timing is so perfect. I want to do a comedy with him,” she avers.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 was to open on her birthday, July 31. She is disappointed that they won’t make it now but points out that they took the call to stop shooting at the right time. “That’s why everyone is in a safe place now. But I am sure something else will make my birthday special,” she says with her million-dollar smile.

The actor calls herself a ‘home person’, but admits no one had imagined that the ‘world would come to a standstill’
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 20, 2020)

She was shooting for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 till days before lockdown 1.0 was announced. Before that, Kiara Advani was working back-to-back on her slate of films [Good Newwz, Laxmmi Bomb, Indoo Ki Jawani, Shershaah and Guilty]. But then, everything came to a screeching halt due to the Coronavirus pandemic. And the actor admits that sometimes, she finds it all “a bit unbelievable”.

“Honestly, no one — including me — imagined the world coming to a standstill,” says Kiara, adding that she has “anyway always been a home person”. “So, there’s not a feeling that ‘arrey, main atak gayi hoon (oh, I am stuck)’. But having said that, I do miss going on the sets,” she says.

Interestingly, the actor has been making great use of “all the free time”. “I’m using this to expand my knowledge vis-à-vis things that I had been mulling over. For example, I am trying to polish my Urdu diction, and there are so many institutions/universities that are offering free courses. So, the idea is to keep myself engaged in a productive manner,” she says.

Not just that, Kiara is also kicked that she is back in touch with so many people. “I always wanted to reach out to them. Now, I have reconnected with so many of my friends as well as my school teachers. And honestly, it’s such a warm feeling,” says the actor, adding that not many know she also plays online ludo almost every day with her friends and family.

At the same time, what’s really heartening for Kiara is to see the feeling of oneness in people. “Amidst the crisis, it’s great to see how people are valuing basics and finding happiness in them all over again. It’s clear that we all are in it together,” says the actor, adding that among other stuff such as meeting friends and family, an important thing on her to-do list once things go back to normal, is to enjoy a film in a theatre. “And that too, with my bucket of popcorn, but that may take some time,” she says.

At the same time, Kiara is also aware that another thing which “may take time” is a film team “being able to go back to the sets and work”. “I know that it will take some time for film shoots to resume because at any given point, we have 500-600 people on a set. But let’s keep our spirits intact for everyone,” she concludes.
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The written word!
Although Kiara has watched her share of content on OTT platforms during the lockdown period, there’s one thing that the actor wanted to do “in a more regular manner” but couldn’t — reading books. “I am not much of a reader but it’s definitely high on my to-do list. In fact, I have a list of books ready that I want to start [reading] soon,” she says. But in the meantime, the actor has managed to finish reading all the [film] scripts [offered to her]. “That way, I’m making the most of this period,” she says.

Kiara Advani, Bollywood’s newest masterchef, is tackling the lockdown with ghar ka khaana and baking cakes, cookies
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 6, 2020)

While the prolonged Coronavirus lockdown has rendered many restless, Kiara Advani is happy to be home. “I have always been a homebody, so I don’t feel cooped up and I am not dying to step out,” she avers, quick to add that if there’s one thing she misses, it’s work. But till it’s time to get back to film shoots, the actress admits that she is enjoying spending quality time with her family, revisiting indoor board games like Ludo and Uno, which she used to play when in school, and watching old videos from her childhood. “I even connected with my school teachers recently and it was a trip down memory lane,” she gushes.

Meanwhile, Kiara has been honing her culinary skills and exults that she had no idea she was such a good cook, especially when it comes to Indian cuisine. “Maybe it’s my love for ghar ka khaana,” she reasons. Thanks to online tutorials and recipes, she can now stir up simple vegetarian dishes, including the all-favourite khichdi. “Once in a while, I bake a cake or some cookies. I also made gajar ka halwa the other day. Today, you name any Indian dish and I can make it. And that makes me really proud.”

Her new-found talent is a motivation to exercise. As she is quick to point out, workouts are not just to stay fit and be positive, but also to burn all the excess calories.

However, the actress is equally aware that there are many out there who are hungry and suffering, and that no matter how much charity you do, there will always be that one person who needs help. Recently, Kiara came across a blogger online, who had tested positive for Covid-19, and reached out to her. “I stayed in constant touch with her during her stay in the hospital. Thank God, she’s fine now. She was a complete stranger, yet we connected. Everybody is one at this time and I feel so inspired after this,” she shares.

The actress recently interacted with fans on Instagram to discuss the pandemic and the emotions it evoked. “Several people, including me, were confused about the situation. I was concerned about what was happening outside and I wasn’t alone. So, I thought, maybe if we all came together, we could help each other get through it,” she maintains, overwhelmed by the response to the pep talk. “Some were suffering from sleep disorders while some were worried for their future. There was a lot of negativity, but there were also people offering suggestions on how to combat it. The idea was to open up about our feelings and help each other. I recently came across an online course on well-being and happiness that piqued my interest. I’m considering taking it up. Now, is a good time to reflect and understand myself better.”

Kiara confesses that during the early days of the lockdown, she did not want to take the pressure of doing something productive. But after the extensions, she has come to realise that she is in a profession where she can’t work from home, like her parents. “Even school kids are taking online classes and I keep thinking that maybe, someday in the future, we too will be able to shoot a movie from home. But for now, all that I can do is research what to do next,” she rues.

2019 was a big year for her, with Kabir Singh becoming the year’s biggest grosser, and Good Newwz also doing well commercially. Her Laxmmi Bomb was to open this Eid, with the Vikram Batra biopic, Shershaah, following. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 had also gone on the floors and Kiara was sitting pretty when the virus struck, sending everyone scurrying indoors. “Earlier, I was so busy working, I didn’t have the time to enjoy my recent successes. Now, I do. I’m praying every day that we can go back to the sets as soon as possible. It’ll be a lot different, but I’m hoping for the best,” she signs off optimistically.

Actor Kiara Advani misses going on sets, but she is also glad the world is seeking happiness in simple things
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 25, 2020)

Last year, she “had no time to breathe” with two back-to-back releases, and shooting for five (including an OTT film, Guilty) films. But this year, actor Kiara Advani has all the time in the world. “In 2019, I was running around so much, working on one film after the other. At one point, I was like, ‘Am I doing enough, or am I doing too much?’ Now, I can confidently say I was happy I was doing that (running around),” she says.

Calling the lockdown “an extraordinary situation”, Advani says she is “very much a home person by nature.” “In normal circumstances, when I’m at home, I’m the happiest. But now, Earth has pressed the pause button and is filtering itself. But it’s great to see that we’re all now finding happiness in simple things of life, and are also coming together to lend a helping hand selflessly,” the actor adds.

So, how is she coping? “I must say that we’re the privileged ones, and we can only be grateful to God for that. With a roof over our head, we don’t have to worry about our next meal, etc. During the first part of lockdown, it was about doing something that I haven’t done before. But lockdown 2.0 is all about my hobbies, and rediscovering art such as painting and even cooking, which are extremely therapeutic,” she says.

Advani is also finishing reading her scripts. “Plus, I’m using this period to polish my Urdu and Hindi diction. I’ve also gotten back in touch with so many of my friends and even school teachers. There’s a feeling of oneness, that we are all in this together,” says the actor, adding that she misses going out on sets. “Once things become ‘normal’, I’ll immediately meet my team members, and also friends and extended family members. I also want to go to a theatre and enjoy a movie with popcorn,” she says.

Work-wise, a day after Coronavirus was declared a pandemic, the makers of her film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 decided to pause the shoot in Lucknow. “But Shershaah is complete. And just five-six days of work was left on Laxmmi Bomb and Indoo Ki Jawani,” the actor shares.
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Catching up!

“I’m not much of a reader, but reading [books] is surely on my bucket list. I have a few books that I want to read. But, of late, I have watched a lot of shows as well as films, such as Pushpavalli, 9-1-1, Little Fires Everywhere, Special Ops, Knives Out, among others. For some reason, I have been watching a lot of crime-related stuff. But you can say that I am keeping myself entertained.”

Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 15, 2020)

She entered Bollywood as an outsider, and Kiara Advani wouldn’t have possibly dreamt that within five years, she’d get to work with some of the top names in the industry. And among all her co-stars, the one she finds “very special” to work with, is Akshay Kumar.

“After all, he launched me in the film industry. (Advani made her acting debut with Fugly in 2014, which was co-produced by Kumar),” she says. As luck would have it, she worked alongside him in last year’s hit, Good Newwz. And, she is again paired opposite the 52-year-old in her next, Laxmmi Bomb.

“So, it’s like life has come full circle from where I had started. I think our equation has evolved over all these years,” she adds.

The Kabir Singh (2019) actor recalls how, during Good Newwz, she “learnt a lot” from Kumar as well as her onscreen husband, Diljit Dosanjh, who is “an extremely fine actor.”

“In the film, Diljit and Akshay sir together were like fire. They always brought something new to the table. During the entire experience (of the shoot), I learnt so much even in the comedy space since it was the first time that I dabbled in that genre. I think I have learnt a lot from working with such incredible actors,” says the 27-year-old.

Currently in the sixth year of her acting career, armed with a loaded lineup ahead, does she look back and introspect on her journey? “Personally, for me, every single film has been a turning point because there is something that I’ve learnt from each and every film, and taken that learning forward. Whether they were successful or not, they’re mine and I’m proud of all of them. That’s always been the way I looked at it,” says the actor, who’s getting rave reviews for her recently released web film, Guilty.

Her upcoming slate of films include Indoo Ki Jawani, Shershaah and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and the actor admits she couldn’t have been happier. “I’m extremely grateful for all the love; it’s extremely humbling. It only motivates me, and makes me hungrier to do better (work) and reach out to many more people now,” she concludes. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 31, 2019)

Films in 2019: Kabir Singh and Good Newwz
2020 lineup: Laxmmi Bomb, Indoo Ki Jawani, Shershaah, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Guilty

How happy are you with 2019?
I would call it a very special year. Two of my films released this year, and both of them received unanimous love. I feel truly, truly blessed, and am filled with gratitude. It’s also been a busy year since I shot for four films that will release in 2020. I was never so occupied with work in the five years that I’ve been a part of the industry, as I was in 2019. As an actor, it’s definitely the best feeling.

When a film does big numbers and gets critical acclaim as well, does that boost an actor’s confidence?
It definitely gives you wings to fly. When two completely different roles get so much love, it’s a great feeling that one just can’t explain. Honestly, it’s the best feeling for any artiste. In fact, it was one of my goals as an actor to never fall into a ‘bracket’, and to always be versatile. This year, I feel the audience accepted both my parts/films and that has been extremely fulfilling. It gives me the confidence to take more risks and challenges, and play more characters that aren’t really expected from me.

For you, what was the biggest highlight of the year?
It’s difficult to pick one. It began with Kabir Singh which went on to create box office history. For the first time, I had practically every single person from the industry messaging me for the film and that was a surreal feeling as I always wanted it to happen to me. Also, many childhood goals such as being on the cover of Vogue magazine, and working with Akshay (Kumar) sir and Kareena Kapoor (Khan) came true this year.

Do you remember any specific moment that has stayed with you?
I remember watching Good Newwz with my parents at the first cast-and-crew trial show and when the Dharma Productions logo appeared before the movie started, I got emotional thinking of how I longed for that day, and how I was watching my own very first Dharma movie. So, professionally, the year was filled with highlights and seeing my parent’s face beam with joy when they see my work makes things even more special.

Now, you have a loaded 2020 too. Is this the most exciting time for you as an actor, till date? What are your personal expectations from the next year?
You know, as many as five of my films (Laxmmi Bomb, Indoo Ki Jawani, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Shershaah and Guilty) will release in 2020. Each film as well as the character is very different from the other so it’s exciting for me to see as to how each of them is received by the audiences. That way, it’ll surely be an exciting year.

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; December 20, 2019)

Her last film Kabir Singh grabbed eyeballs for the content and the controversies that followed, while also putting her in the spotlight. In her upcoming film Good Newwz, Kiara Advani will be seen in a contrastingly different character from Preeti of Kabir Singh. The new project also unites her with Akshay Kumar, the actor who had launched her in Bollywood. In a chat with BT, Kiara talks about working with Kareena Kapoor Khan, who teases her about her strict diet, clears the misconception about her being from a film family and shares her opinion on the multiple views that were fired at Kabir Singh. Excerpts...

Your Bollywood debut, Fugly (2014), was backed by Akshay Kumar as a producer. Cut to five years later, you are sharing screen space with him in Good Newwz...
Back then, we had met only at the film’s poster shoot, and then, during the trailer launch. It was only during Good Newwz that I spent a lot of time with him. Akshay sir is an entertainer. He loves to entertain people both on and off the camera. He makes sure that throughout the shoot, his set is happy and always laughing. He arrives early in the morning on the set and gets everyone excited at work. During the course of the shoot, I developed a bond with him. Later, with our next film Laxmmi Bomb, it grew further.

You play a loud Punjabi character (Monika) in Good Newwz, which is totally unlike Preeti, your character in Kabir Singh. Which one do you associate more with in real life?
Cuts in… Yes, Monika is a complete contrast to Preeti. In real life, I believe that I am vibrant. Monika is an uninhibited, free-spirited Punjabi girl, yet, she is innocent, quirky and cute in her own way. I love the equation between Monika and Honey (Diljit Dosanjh’s character). They are set to turn parents, but they are like best friends to each other. Matching up to Diljit was a lot of fun. He is gifted when it comes to comedy.

His spontaneity and timing are on point. I was also excited to team up with Kareena (Kapoor Khan), who I have been a fan of. She is so effortless and chilled out that it made me feel extremely comfortable. She used to always make fun of my diet, for eating the same food repeatedly. She can have a banana and a cheese toast and look amazing, but I just eat veggies for lunch and dinner. She would always tease me by asking, ‘So, what have you ordered today, the same old thing?’ (laughs!)

Five years ago, you were launched in Bollywood as ‘Kiara’ Advani. Do you miss being known by your real name, Alia?
Even though I changed my first name, Alia will always be my middle name. My screen name is Kiara Advani, but if you see my official documents or social media handles, my name is Kiara Alia Advani. Actually, at the time when I was being launched (in 2014), Alia Bhatt was already a star. So, it made sense to not add to that confusion. Also, I wanted my own identity. The makers of my debut film and I thought that we should come up with a new name. I felt that the new name should be liked by me, as it is going to stay with me throughout my life. I had liked the name of Priyanka Chopra’s character, Kiara, from the film Anjaana Anjaani (2010). In fact, I even thought that whenever I have a daughter, I would name her Kiara. So, when I had the opportunity to rename myself, I thought that name was apt. While I was happy, it took my parents a while to adjust to it. And I am not surprised, after all, they had named me Alia.

It is believed that you come from a film family...
Cuts in…No, I don’t! That is misinformation, so I might as well correct it.

... Late actors Ashok Kumar and Saeed Jaffrey are your step-great-grandfather and great-uncle, respectively...
It’s not a blood relation, but a distant one, which is why I don’t consider myself from the film industry. Also, I have never met them. It would have been amazing had I met them. I have only heard stories about them from my grandmother, my fraternity and journalists. The only connection my family has with the film industry is that my parents are good friends with Salman Khan and Juhi Chawla. I remember going on the sets of her film, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (2000), as a kid. I was awestruck being on a set. She was not there, but the team was shooting an action sequence with Shah Rukh Khan.

Salman has mentored several young actors in the industry and has launched them, too. Wasn't there any exchange of dialogue between your parents and him on that front?
I believe in destiny and Fugly was meant to be my first film. Having said that, I am fortunate that through my parents, I can reach out to Salman sir anytime. He had called up my parents to congratulate them when Kabir Singh did well. He told them that as an actress, I was doing good and that he was happy for me. I reach out to him for advice. He is very approachable. He told me that I just need to work hard and good offers will follow.

Your last film Kabir Singh proved to be a success at the box office. However, since its release, and even till date, it faces flak from a certain section of the audience for its alleged toxic masculinity and misogynistic scenes. What’s your take on it?
To answer the first part of your question, Kabir Singh has been a game changer for me. But, I cannot forget the project that I did for a digital platform in 2018. With that, the audience took notice of me as an actor. Filmmakers wanted to work with me after seeing my performance. This year, Kabir Singh happened and won me a place in the hearts of the audience. We were recently promoting our song Chandigarh Mein from Good Newwz in Chandigarh, Akshay sir and I were a part of this concert with 8,000 people in attendance. The minute we walked up to the stage, the crowd started screaming, ‘Preeti, Preeti’, and I froze! That was the first time I felt it that this is something new, different and special. It had never happened before. So, I consider both these projects as the turning points in my career. About the second part of your question, yes, there is a section of the audience that got impacted in a different way. I think it is fair, as everyone has their own opinion. It is good that people came out and spoke how they felt after watching the film. Personally, I have two views, one is as an actor and the other, as a person. As an actor, I played a part where I had to live the life of a character called Preeti. It was challenging for me to enter the world of Preeti — live, behave and react like she did. As a person, I may not agree with certain things and the way Preeti was in the film.