Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 25, 2020)

It is so sad that the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has occurred and has affected so many lives worldwide. But I am trying to look at things positively,” says Shraddha Kapoor, adding that while everyone needs to take care, “we have been given an opportunity to introspect and realise so many things about ourselves and our lives”.

“It’s a blessing in disguise for me as I needed this quality time with my family. I needed to get in touch with the little things and moments in life, which are actually important but get overlooked due to the fast pace of life. I really needed a break after back-to-back films, so I am making the most of this time,” she shares.

Kapoor has been home for over a week now and stepped out a few times to the garden and terrace of her building complex for “fresh air and some sun”. She urges people to stay safe during this pandemic. “We all should stay at home, and follow our government’s directives. It will help everyone in the country if we follow the instructions. We should look at it as for the betterment of everyone. We should also help the lesser privileged, pay staff their salaries even if they aren’t coming to work. During the Janta Curfew, we gave food to the people who work in my building as they were unable to arrange for it,” she says.

As for the festival of Gudi Padwa, which is today, she hopes that people celebrate it at home. The Saaho (2019) actor says, “We should take this time to be with family, and pray for everyone’s safety. I am loving this family time as I was craving it. I am looking forward to yummy food, especially shankarpada, which I love. We meet extended families during the Ganeshostav, while Gudi Padwa is more about spending time at home, having til-gul (sesame seeds and jaggery) and doing puja.” Kapoor admits that she rarely gets a chance to cook and has cooked a total of eight times in her whole life but in the last week, due to the self quarantining, she has cooked twice.

Shraddha Kapoor on her co-star in next Baaghi film, her first project with Ranbir Kapoor and the future of Stree franchise
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 22, 2020)

After playing Siya to Tiger Shroff’s Ronnie in Baaghi, Shraddha Kapoor returns to the action franchise in its third installment four years later. While part one was helmed by Sabbir Khan, choreographer-turned-director Ahmed Khan stepped in for Baaghi 2 and 3. Having done a couple of songs with Ahmed in Part 1, Shraddha says he has a clear vision as a director, too, and describes Siya as an “outspoken and emotionally-driven character”.

This time, the Sajid Nadiadwala production has Tiger jumping to the rescue of his cop brother, Riteish Deshmukh, who is kidnapped by terror outfits in Syria. Ask her whether her air hostess character will get to do some action this time and the actress says, “Her profession is just one of the aspects of my character, not the focal point. Siya is a foul-mouthed, feisty girl. I had just finished the older portions of Chhichhore, which were pretty intense, so it was wonderful jumping straightaway into this fun space.” Is another film with director, Nitesh Tiwari, on the cards? “I’d work with him again in a heartbeat,” she smiles.

In March, Shraddha kicks off Luv Ranjan’s romcom alongside Ranbir Kapoor. Speculations are rife that the duo will be shooting at a music festival in Spain this summer. The actress, however, will not be drawn into divulging any details. “Let’s focus on Baaghi,” she says shortly, and goes on to rave about her co-star. “Tiger has good energy, super disciplined and the only actor who can do justice to a franchise like Baaghi because his action is one-of-a-kind. I’d love to do a quirky comedy with him some day—he has a humorous side which gets dark at times.”

Her recently-released dance film with Varun Dhawan, Street Dancer 3D, failed to hit the bullseye, but for Shraddha, the journey matters more than the destination. “I was super excited to be a part of Street Dancer and that will never change. Remo sir (D’Souza, director) has created a platform for dancers in India which goes beyond the box-office,” she asserts.

Going forward, Shraddha wishes to sign films which gives voice to certain social issues. “Cinema is a medium which can influence thought process, touch issues not being discussed. I’d love to be a part of this shift,” she exults. The 2017 horror comedy, Stree was a game-changer for the actress. The climax was a cliff-hanger and she was recently spotted outside producer Dinesh Vijan’s office. So, what’s happening with the sequel? Is another collaboration on the cards? “I just dropped in to say a ‘hi’ to Dinoo. We do meet for discussions outside films too,” she signs off.

Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 25, 2020)

On a lazy winter afternoon, Shraddha Kapoor, in a no-makeup-look, curls up on a sofa and apologises for being approximately 15 minutes late. As she settles in and is asked about her earliest memories of her Street Dancer 3D co-star Varun Dhawan, Shraddha is overcome by nostalgia. “Varun and I were in rival schools. When you’re growing up, if you’re in one school and your friend is in another, your conversations are mostly about how your school is better. This has happened through our childhood,” she says.

“Varun has a very special place in my life and heart. I’ve grown up knowing him. He’s so down-to-earth,” she smiles. So what are her thoughts on the actor Varun? “He’s got a spark which makes the masses feel he belongs to them. It’s so amazing to watch him on the big screen,” she shares.

Shraddha says both ABCD 2 (2015) and Street Dancer 3D are “important” films for her. “ABCD 2 helped me fulfill another childhood dream, that of dancing on the big screen. Street Dancer 3D, and ABCD 2, required me to do professional-level dancing and explore dance styles that Remo (D’souza; choreographer-director) sir brought to India.”

Shraddha reveals she gets “a panic attack” every time she needs to pick up a choreography set. “Questions keep popping in my head – Will I be able to do it? Will it be a one-take shot? What should I wear? This is followed by my team calming me down. As you start rehearsing, you realise some steps are way more difficult than what they looked like. So you strengthen your body, chart a workout plan, set your diet, hydrate yourself and change your sleeping pattern,” she elaborates.

Rewinding to her childhood, she laughs, “I realised I love dancing from the moment I learnt to walk. My parents used to make my brother and I dance. They’d set up big cameras in a way we couldn’t see them. Then they used to play I Love You from Maha-Sangram (1990) and other songs of Sridevi and Madhuri (Dixit Nene). I used to be crazy about them. My parents knew if they played these songs, both of us would come before the mirror and start dancing.”

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; January 23, 2020)

Shraddha Kapoor is back to dancing on the big screen with Street Dancer 3D. While she proved her mettle as a dancer with ABCD 2 (2015), this time around she is all set to raise the bar. In a conversation with BT, the actress spoke about the various new dance forms she learnt for the Remo D’Souza-directorial, working with co-star and childhood friend Varun Dhawan, her relationship status and more. Read on…

The audience has seen your dancing prowess in ABCD 2. How different is Street Dancer 3D from your previous dance film?
We have taken the dancing notches higher by introducing moves, which are a lot more challenging. The choreography that the team worked on is mind-blowing. It was quite a challenge as there were instances when we came up with impromptu moves. Among the new dance forms that I learnt for this film, I really enjoyed New School, Afro, Locking, Popping and Robotics. I just enjoy dancing. While growing up, I was floored by Madhuri’s (Dixit Nene) adaas. I also think Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Katrina Kaif are incredible dancers.

In the film, Nora Fatehi and you are a part of teams that are competing against each other. She is a fantastic dancer, were you worried about matching steps with her?
I know that Nora is a fantastic dancer. We shot a dance-off for the movie, and it was a lot of fun clashing with each other for the sequence. I am fond of great dancing and good dancers. Whenever I see great dance videos on social media, I make it a point to praise and encourage the dancers. In 2017, when Nora had barely stepped into the industry, I had commented on her dance video. However, I didn’t get a reply from her. My comment probably got lost in the many messages that she had received for it. When we met for the first time on the sets of this film, I told her about the incident. When I got to know that Nora would be a part of the film, I was super excited. I believed that if we had her on board, it would only make our team and our film stronger.

Though this is your second film with Varun Dhawan, you have known each other for many years. Has he changed over the years?
No, Varun hasn’t changed a bit. He is the same VD I have known for so many years. I like the way he bonds with people and the way he gels with his teammates on a film set. He is extremely friendly and approachable.

Varun recently mentioned that while growing up, he had a crush on you...
(Cuts in…) He had that kiddie crush on me. He thought that I didn’t know about it, but I knew back then that he had a crush on me.

In a recent interview with BT, Mohit Suri, who directed you in Aashiqui 2 (2013), said that he had reservations about casting you in Malang, since you are ‘India’s sweetheart’. Do you see this kind of an image as a shortcoming?
Mohit means a lot to me. If he is saying this, then I want to continue being that. I like being ‘India’s sweetheart’. The kind of love I get from smaller towns is extremely special. It can be in any form, like when you see your photo on the back of an autorickshaw, it makes you feel loved and admired. I just want this love to grow. As for being typecast, it is not something that I can decide. That depends on the audience. I keep doing films with different subjects and varied roles, be it Stree (2018), Chhichhore (2019) or Saaho (2019). In the end, it is all about how the audience reacts to the film.

You had started prepping for the Saina Nehwal biopic, but later, you left the project. What went wrong?
What happened is, I couldn’t say no to Remo sir. The dates of Street Dancer 3D were clashing with the sports biopic and I could either do this project or that film. So, I went ahead with a project that was helmed by someone who has given me a movie like ABCD 2. I was committed to the biopic, but finally, I had to opt out. That was quite unfortunate, and I wish it hadn’t happened. The training that I underwent for that film helped me better my performance in Street Dancer 3D. I became fitter, which helped me play the role of a dancer.

So, you picked a relationship over a film project?
Absolutely. There are a few people in the industry who I will stand for and cannot say no to. These people include Mohit and Remo sir, they mean so much to me. This is the second time that I am working with Remo sir. When someone gives you something special to be a part of, you will always be there for that person, in whatever way you can. So, when Remo sir offered me Street Dancer 3D, it was a no-brainer for me, I had to be a part of the film.

Your forthcoming film, Baaghi 3, marks your return to the franchise…
Yes, I am really looking forward to working with the team. Also, Tiger (Shroff) is so much fun to be around. We went to school together, so there is a certain comfort level in working with him. There is an entirely different side of his personality that I know of. He is shy around people who he doesn’t know very well, but he is a mastikhor around me. He comes up with these poker-faced one-liners, which I cannot share as they are often inappropriate (laughs!).

There is buzz that you are dating celebrity photographer Rohan Shrestha, and that the two of you are planning to tie the knot soon. Is that true?
Right now, I don’t have the time to think about anything apart from the movies that I am doing. And like you said, it’s only ‘buzz’ (laughs!).

Actor Shraddha Kapoor is happy with the kind of scripts and roles that she is being offered
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 15, 2020)

Shraddha Kapoor has had a whirlwind 2019. She had two back-to-back releases Saaho and Chhichhore besides being busy with the shoot of her other films. This year is going to be no different, as Shraddha again has two films releasing — the dance-based film Street Dancer 3D, and an action thriller Baaghi 3, which is the third part of a popular franchise. But the actor does not want to slow down, in fact she says let them keep coming. Excerpts from an interview:

Your upcoming films are both franchises, is it more pressure to be a part of such films?
I feel like there is some kind of pressure anyway, whether it is a franchise film or not. Although, with a franchise film, I suppose the pressure is to do better than the last instalment in terms of box office numbers, and the way the audience loves the film.

How does it feel to have back to back film releases/shoots?
I love being in front of the camera. So, for me, being on set is a big high. To be a part of a medium like cinema feels amazing because it reaches so many people.

You had a busy 2019 with two releases, and this year again, you have two releases.
I want to be in back to back films as much as possible for my fans and audiences. I am able to manage my schedule because I love what I do. Yes there are times when it gets exhausting but the love of my fans keep me going.

Do you want 2020 to be a bit more relaxed?
As long as my sleep isn’t compromised, I am happy to be crazy busy. I love it. I love doing things non-stop. At the same time, I also love to take some time off whenever possible. We didn’t take a family holiday in 2019 so we need to make sure that we take one in 2020.

How has your process of choosing films changed over the years?
I would say it is the same as it was during the first year of my career but surely the options that come to me, have changed, which helps me achieve my purpose of doing good cinema.

Many female actors are turning producers in order to be part of films they believe in, have you ever felt the need to do so?
Currently, I am in a happy space as an actor. There are still many roles/characters that I would like to do or be a part of. In the past few years, I’ve been lucky to have played so many diverse characters in different genres of films. So, I’ve been enjoying that a lot. I would say I am glad about the kinds of scripts that are coming my way. Don’t let them stop (laughs).

Shraddha Kapoor is excited to be in two franchises this year and the extensive prep they entailed
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 11, 2020)

In 2020, Shraddha Kapoor returns to familiar territory with two franchises—Street Dancer 3D, in which she faces off with Varun Dhawan and Nora Fatehi, and Baaghi 3, opposite Tiger Shroff. “I love learning different forms of dance and it made the experience of working on Street Dancer even more enriching. You will see me dance my heart out in the film,” she gushes.

The dance flick, which releases on the Republic Day weekend—a first for the actress—has a patriotic angle to it. Quiz her about it and she says, “It is an interesting story built around a healthy competition between two teams from two countries. We all know that public interest is at its peak even during an India-Pakistan cricket match, so I am really excited about our film.”

In Baaghi 3, Shraddha reunites with Tiger after playing the female lead in the first instalment. This time, she is reportedly upping the ante with stylised stunts. Elaborating on the extensive physical prep that both of her upcoming films entailed, Shraddha shares, “For Street Dancer, I had to train in a lot of dance forms, and for Baaghi 3, I trained in Judo and mixed martial arts. I am just happy that I got trained by the best in the industry.”

Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 1, 2020)

Coming up in 2020: Street Dancer 3D and Baaghi 3

You have an array of exciting films lined up this year. What are your personal expectations?
To start with, I wish the year 2020 also stays as positive and satisfying as 2019 was. As an actor, the New Year also looks extremely exciting to me. I love being in front of the camera and honestly, even this year, I would like myself to do what I love the most — act. I have Baaghi 3 and Street Dancer 3D coming up, which makes things very exciting for me.

How you look at the year gone by?
Honestly, it was extremely delightful and satisfying that two of my films got me so much love from fans. It was a busy year but I totally love being caught up with work. I would call 2019 a content and happy year — on the professional as well as personal front — since I could also spend some quality time with my family. But this year, a full-fledged family holiday is on the cards (smiles).

Last year, your films — Saaho and Chhichhore — did big numbers. That must be really satisfying for you?
Absolutely! To see your work getting widespread acceptance and appreciation is what I strive for as an actor. Both the films were very different from one another but still, they received lots of love. So, I feel really good and want to keep delivering the best to the audience.

And lastly, any special highlight for you, from 2019?
It has to be juggling between the shoots and then having two back-to-back releases. It’s my professional contentment that became the biggest highlight for me. Also, the two different characters and beautiful scripts are my biggest takeaways from 2019. That makes me do new things and work with fresh energy and different people, and explore new sides of myself as an actor.

Both of her films have crossed the ₹100-crore mark at the box office this year, but the actor will not let self-satisfaction set in 
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 28, 2019)

Shraddha Kapoor is basking in the glory of her two hit films this year — Saaho, a sci-fi thriller, where she performed heavy stunts, and Chhichhore, a coming-of-age drama, where the actor played the role of a vulnerable woman in a rocky conjugal relationship. Both the films raked in the moolah at the box office, making 2019 a fruitful year for Shraddha. Excerpts from an interview:

Professionally, how fulfilling was 2019? Have you had the time to introspect on your professional journey?
For me, this year has been great. From being part of amazing projects like Saaho and Chhichhore to shooting for my next films, everything has been surreal. The year became even more fulfilling because of the love that I’ve received from the audience. As far as contemplating on my professional journey is concerned, I’m enjoying it thoroughly. I’m loving every minute of this professional nourishment.

Both Saaho and Chhichhore crossed the ₹100-crore mark. Is that the benchmark of success for you?
There is no benchmark that I have set for myself. It’s definitely a great feeling when two of your films do exceptionally well at the box office and ₹100 crore is a big number. But it is the love from the audience that matters to me. I am happy that the audience loved both the films, making them such successes.

How much will the box office performance of these films affect your subsequent film choices?
The performance of your previous projects definitely motivates you, and keeps you going. I guess this is exactly what I would take away from the success of my films and will continue to give my best. It does not affect one’s choices but makes me push the envelope to explore and choose the best for me.

Have you now started to expect more from your performances?
As I said, there should never be a pool of complacency, but there should be contentment around you. I love pushing myself and my expectations only rise with each passing day, when I know that there are so many people who look forward to your work. There’s so much you can do and nothing should stop you.

Would you call yourself a bankable star today?
That is not a question I can answer but my producers can. I’m just committed to giving my best.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 2, 2019)

Basking in the good opening weekend of Saaho, Shraddha Kapoor is all set to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with aplomb. “I am feeling really good and grateful. It’s my first pan-Indian film and for it to have such a wide reach and acceptance feels really good. Just filled with a lot of gratitude right now,” she gushes. She also has the release of Chhichhore to look forward to this week.

The Stree star has been busy juggling the promotions of her two back-to-back releases, but today, she will make sure to be there for the festivities. “It has been extremely hectic but I am trying my best to come out of work mode and be at home for Ganpati, even if it’s for a short while, as this is one festival that’s close to my heart,” says the pretty actress.

Shraddha has fond memories of the celebrations from her childhood. For several years now, the family has been bringing an idol of the elephant-god to her grandfather’s place, which is in the same building as the actress’s home. Her grandparents are no more but they have carried on with the tradition of hosting Ganpati. “My first ever modak was given to me by my nani. What I love the most about this festival is that I get to catch up with all my relatives during this time. While growing up, all my cousins, aunts and uncles would come to the house and we would do the aarti together. My grandfather, Pandharinath Kolhapure, was a classical singer and we’d have a musical evening. Even my mom and aunt would join him. I’d be extremely nervous to sing in front of everyone but I would, and I gradually got better with each year,” she smiles.

Interestingly, it was during this festival that Shraddha discovered that she has aunts who are younger to her! “Ganpati is the best time to meet everyone from my mother’s (Shivangi Kapoor) side. And that was when I found out that there is a big age gap between my mom and some of her cousins,” the actress laughs.

Since the last few years, they have been bringing an eco-friendly Ganpati idol home. “The credit goes to my aunt Tejaswini (Kolhapure). She is environmentally conscious, and does everything for the cause. She was the one who told us about it and we followed it,” says Shraddha. They host the God for one-and-a-half days and during the period, there is a veritable Maharashtrian feast at home. “There is everything from varan bhaat, koshimbir to khatkhata. There is Idli also. It is spread out on a leaf and we all sit down on the floor and eat. It is great fun,” she shares.

On the day of the festival, Shraddha usually wears salwar kameez while her mom and aunt drape traditional saris. “I feel better in a salwar kameez because it is convenient to run to and fro bringing plates or glasses. I enjoy this aspect also where all of us work together,” she says. What will she ask the Lord for this year? “I won’t ask for anything. I will just pray and thank him for everything,” she says signing off.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; August 24, 2019)

Shraddha Kapoor has had a busy schedule this year, shooting for three films — Street Dancer, Chhichhore and Saaho. “It’s been very exhausting. I think I can cope with it only because I love what I do, be a part of such amazing films and live my dream,” she exults. And now, the actress is gearing up for her first release of 2019, Saaho, which also marks her debut in South cinema. Not only that, in a fresh pairing, she plays the love interest of Baahubali hero Prabhas. Ask her how it was to work with the Telugu superstar, and she gushes, “He has such a warm smile. From the moment I met him, he was so kind and happy. He spreads good energy around him. He is passionate about the work he does and that charges you up. After interacting with him, I was like, ‘Oh, my God!’ he’s so humble. He also has an amazing sense of humour. And he took such good care of my team and me on the sets.”

In another first, the film will see her wielding the gun as she plays a crime branch officer. “Holding and firing a gun gave me a sense of what it feels like to be in a responsible position as a police officer, who has the licence to use a weapon. Throughout the shoot, I got so comfortable holding the gun that it almost felt like an extension of my body,” smiles Shraddha, who will be seen doing a fair amount of action sequences. “It was absolutely amazing to work with international technicians and action directors. Also, for the first time, I spoke in Telugu, which, of course, was challenging, but also so much fun to do something new,” she enthuses.

Interestingly, a week after Saaho, her next film Chhichhore will hit the screens, and she will start promoting the Nitesh Tiwari directorial, too, simultaneously. “Throughout this year, I’ve been juggling the shoot of three films and now, it is ironic that two of those films are releasing just one week apart. It is the first time that something like this is happening to me. Promoting two films at the same time is going to be hectic, but I am excited about both the projects, especially, because they are so different from one other,” she says.

In Chhichhore, which is based on university life, Shraddha says it was a blast revisiting college days. “They are the best days of your life. Woh mastiyan, woh pal, I got to relive them. There was a lot of nostalgia,” she grins.

The actress has also been in the news for the Saina Nehwal biopic, which she was slated to do, but now Parineeti Chopra has taken over. When asked if she regrets letting go of the film, she says, “I don’t regret anything in my life. I just wish I could do all the things that are offered to me. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do this film because I fell sick on the first day of Saina shoot and then it got pushed. Later, Street Dancer came my way and because Remo (D’souza, director) had given me ABCD 2, I couldn’t say no to him. So, I had to let go of Saina.” But, with her lean physique and athletic body, she fits the bill as a sports personality. Any other sportswoman that she would like to essay? “Sania Mirza. Not only the fact that she is a tennis champion, but I think her journey is very interesting,” she muses.

Hits and flops are a part of every actor’s career trajectory, and Shraddha is no exception. Last year, she got a big hit with Stree after a couple of box-office failures like Haseena and Half Girlfriend. However, her next release, Batti Gul Meter Chalu, which came on the back of the hit horror-comedy again did not fare well. “You know, even if a film doesn’t do well, and people like your work saying you have done something different, you feel appreciated. Whether the film does well or not is not in your hands. Ups and downs happen, but I just want to continue being a part of good films, work hard and do my best as an actor,” she signs off.

Shraddha Kapoor on playing a cop in her Prabhas co-starrer, learning how to hold a gun and completing a decade in films
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 17, 2019)

Having changed from a nude lacy number, which she had worn for the trailer launch of her upcoming film Saaho, into a white dress with black embellishments which she pairs with chunky heels, Shraddha is a study in primness. Her entourage of makeup artistes and stylists shadows her as she flits from one interview to the next. A fresh coat of lipstick, a few mascara strokes and a fuzz of hairspray later, the actress settles down for a chat with an ear-bud in hand, dabbing at the corner of her eyes which are watery from the touch-up. She checks with her secretary if the light and camera team can leave, now that she’s talking to print journalists. When someone offers her peppermint tea, she refuses politely, signalling that she is ready for our tête-à-tête.

With Saaho releasing a week before Nitesh Tiwari’s Chhichhore, Shraddha is juggling promotions for both films but is unfazed. “It’s the producers’ call. We don’t have a say,” she points out, adding that it’s “exhausting but exciting”. “They are two entirely different films so, there’s no question of an overlap. Besides, I get to see myself on the big screen twice in such a short interval. What can be better than that!” she exclaims.

Ask her how she went from urban glam-girl to straight-faced crime branch cop, Amritha Nair, in the Prabhas action thriller and she exults, “It’s the first time I am playing a cop. An officer is in charge of the citizens, and it’s a privilege. It felt like tapping into my moral side. Amritha inspired me to be the right person and do the right thing.”

Since she had never held a gun before, it took some getting used to. “It’s a weapon of violence but as a cop, you use it for protection and defence. So, once again, there was a sense of responsibility in holding and firing it correctly,” Shraddha explains. Did she go to a firing range to learn how to shoot? “No, I practiced on the set. We didn’t shoot the complicated scenes till I was comfortable with the gun.” She goes on to reveal that she doesn’t have many action scenes in the film, compared to Prabhas. “But whatever I could do, I have tried my best,” she shrugs.

Besides gun-toting, mouthing dialogues and reprimanding Prabhas in Telugu as well as romancing him took the actress out of her comfort zone. “Speaking a language I didn’t know was tough but doable. But there were nights when I’d be awake, learning my lines, understanding what I was saying and then sitting with Sujeeth (director) to rehearse them before a shot. A coach also came home to help me get the dialect right,” she says.

Before she met her co-star, she’d expected a larger-than-life person, a la Bahubali, to greet her on the first day of shoot. But Shraddha remarks that she didn’t even get a chance to be intimidated by Prabhas. “He is extremely warm and welcoming and immediately put me at ease. He is also quite comfortable with Hindi and helped me with some Telugu lines,” she grins, adding that everyone on the set went out of their way to make her feel at home. “That’s why the film has turned out so well… we were all so comfortable during the shoot.”

After Saaho, which was shot simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi, Shraddha feels multilinguals are the way forward. “You get to explore different ideologies, interact with people from different industries, and try your hand at different languages. What’s stopping us?” she asks but is less forthcoming on the subject of her upcoming films. “As of now, I have only signed Baaghi 3,” she shares, adding that she doesn’t have “that much action” in it either. “I just remembered I have a lot of action in Baaghi 3. I don’t know why I forgot...I think I am just trying to underplay it,” she adds quickly.

While she is happy with the roles coming her way, she rues the fact that she is left with no time to sing. “I love singing but it has taken a back seat as I focus on my characters,” she shares, the smile still intact.

Next year, Shraddha will complete a decade in the industry—she made her acting debut in 2010 with Leena Yadav’s Teen Patti. A mention of the approaching milestone takes her by surprise. Taking stock of her career, she says, “I really enjoy being a part of commercial films, to have that mass connect. Right now, I am here, and I am very happy to be here. Next, I don’t know where I will be. I like to go with the flow. I have no plans but work-wise, I always feel that the best is yet to come,” she concludes on a promising note.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; August 17, 2019)

If the trailer of Saaho is anything to go by, the actress, with a petite frame, can pack quite a punch. Shraddha Kapoor, who was loved and appreciated for films like Aashiqui 2 (2013), Haider (2014), Ek Villain (2014), ABCD 2 (2015) and Baaghi (2016), experienced a downslide when a few releases didn’t click at the box office. But things turned around for her with the release of Stree (2018). She now knows how to celebrate the highs and handle the lows, and today, she’s ready to sink her teeth into roles that challenge her physically and emotionally. Excerpts from a conversation:

During the launch of Saaho’s trailer recently, you said that,‘Mera shareer dard karta hai... I have been shooting continuously.’ Would that aptly describe the last three years of your life?
(Smiles) I don’t know if it would define the last two-three years, but the truth is that I am exhausted. This year alone has been full of hard work and physically-exhausting films. It’s also been amazing because I have had a chance to be a part of some really cool films and play distinct characters. So, the exertion is totally worth it.

You are making your debut in Telugu cinema with Saaho. What was the first brush with Southern cinema like?
I met the team for a reading session in Hyderabad before the shoot commenced. That was the first time I met Prabhas. The meeting ended with all of us hanging out together over some amazing food, and that proved to be the best icebreaker. Prabhas is very kind and gentle, and he made sure I was comfortable from the word go. The rest fell into place gradually.

Saaho’s trailer offers a glimpse of the action scenes you’ve done in the film. You had expressed the desire to go all out and do some action scenes even in Baaghi, but we didn’t see any of that. Have you had your fill with this film?
(Laughs!) Yes! Honestly, the action scenes are so hard on the body. You wish you had trained for them for at least ten years before shooting. You are required to run, kick and punch, which requires a lot of strength. You can’t suddenly do these things, and make it appear like you’ve been doing it for years. It takes a lot of practice to develop that kind of strength, which makes you look sharp and comfortable while performing these scenes. With my limited prep and rehearsal time, I’ve tried my best to make it seem like going after the bad guys is a cakewalk for Amrita Nair (Shraddha’s character in Saaho).

You shot Saaho over the last two years while juggling Remo D’Souza’s next Street Dancer 3D, in which you play a dancer. Considering the fact that both the roles were physically demanding, it must have been extremely tiring? How did you cope up with it?
Oh, yes, it was! I was working on Street Dancer, which was just as physically draining as Saaho, but in a different manner. I suffered more bruises on the sets of Street Dancer than Saaho. Fingers, toes, muscles, neck, shoulder, wrists… I had injuries everywhere. There are so many rigorous dance forms, and the schedules were so demanding. The good part is that I love action and dance equally, and neither is easy. But yes, it’s rewarding when you see the end result on the big screen.

Today, being an actor is not easy. Besides facing the camera, there are various other things like promotions, social media presence, attending events, etc., that are now a part of the package. Most artistes, in different ways, have spoken about the struggle the profession entails. What have been your struggles, and how have you dealt with them?
Our profession requires a lot of effort, but people don’t get to see that. They see the final product, but not the labour that goes into it. In most cases, it’s actually more difficult for women. For instance, our call time is always before everyone else’s. It takes longer for us to get our hair, makeup and costumes done, and then to get out of it. That itself adds extra hours to our day, averaging to about 14 hours. You have to love this profession to be able to do this tirelessly day after day, and make it look easy and fun. It’s been my childhood dream to be an actor, and now that I am one, I love every bit of the work I do. In the last two years, I’ve not had much time to unwind, and I know I need to take some time off. But I am a workaholic, who loves being on a film set more than taking off on a holiday. I was exhausted on the day we wrapped up Street Dancer, and I could only think of chilling with my folks. But after three days, with not much to do, I was restless and wanted to go back to a set. You can feel all battered and tired at work, but staying away makes me realise just how much I love being in front of a camera, and how badly I miss it. Breaks are very important to improve your output as a professional, but I think that I work much better with no breaks.

There was a phase between Aashiqui 2 (2013) and Baaghi (2016) when you spent a lot of time shuttling between sets, doing everything from lead roles to special appearances, and most of it had worked. Rock On 2 (2016) flagged off a phase where your films didn’t work at the box office, until last year when Stree released. As an actor, have you wisened up?
I don’t know about that, but I would credit my father (Shakti Kapoor) for this beautiful phase that I am in right now. He is the reason Saaho came my way. The makers called my father and asked him if they could meet me. Dad urged me to do Saaho because he liked the script. He also played a big part in my decision to take up Chhichhore. I often discuss the scripts that come to me with him, and usually, take up whatever he feels will work for me because his cinema sensibilities are fantastic. Today, I feel privileged to have a varied line-up as each film has something different to offer.

During the phase when your films were not working at the box office, what kept you going?
It takes some effort not to let anything affect you. My dreams are way bigger than the bumps that have come along the way, and bigger than the hurdles that I’ve faced. People conveniently forget that I didn’t have a cushy launch pad or someone backing me when I started my career. My journey into the business has been like that of an outsider despite being an industry kid. I was rejected at auditions, and people didn’t want to work with me. That was a challenging and hard phase right at the beginning of my career, but it was worth it. I wanted to be in this profession so badly that I held on to it with all my might. After Aashiqui 2, I barely got a break. For me, 2019 has been full of challenges, too. I had dengue in September, which hit me so hard that I couldn’t even walk. When I joined the cast of Street Dancer and Saaho after it, I thought, ‘How am I going to do this?’ To my surprise, these films worked like a rehab for me; they ensured that I get better. The greatest healers are the people and things you love to be surrounded by. Being on a set is therapeutic for me, and being with my family has the same effect. Yes, it hurt me that some of my films, like Rock On 2 (2016) and Ok Jaanu (2017), didn’t work, but I loved them nonetheless.

While your sudden exit from Saina Nehwal’s biopic benefited Parineeti Chopra, Katrina Kaif’s exit from Street Dancer got you aboard the project. Are actresses really that easy to replace? And does this game of musical chairs in the casting space affect your equation with your colleagues?
Sometimes things just happen. I wanted to do the Saina Nehwal biopic, but I couldn’t resume work on it after a few days of shooting. I was unwell, and that impacted the project in a big way. When I got back on my feet, I had also become a part of Street Dancer. I wanted to do both the films, but that was not an option. It would have been unfair to make a filmmaker wait for me, so I opted out of Saina’s biopic. Parineeti and I even spoke about it and we were cool with it. Few would know that Pari was the first choice for that film. The project was meant for her and the universe just made it happen. While I haven’t spoken to or met Katrina in recent times, I feel she’s an amazing dancer and a very cool actor. I am grateful to her for Street Dancer. Whatever was her reason for exiting the film, I became a part of it because of her; I landed a chance to reunite with my ABCD 2 family. So, it’s a misconception that replacing an actor or getting replaced will mean that one of us will hold a grudge against the other. There is enough work for us to make a mark, and we all bring our distinct qualities to the characters we play. Against perception, we’re all fairly appreciative of each other’s work. People can gossip all they want, but there’s no trouble there.

While you’ve been working on one film after another, you have also consciously made the effort to spend time with your family. Your father often shares pictures from your family vacations on Instagram...
I hope I am giving them enough time. Over the years, I have realised that it’s your family you need to be with as much as possible. No matter how much time you give them, it feels like you’ve never done enough. In the last year or so, I have taken out time to be with my dad, mom (Shivangi) and brother (Siddhanth) because valuing your family is important. They are the only ones who will be with you, come what may. We will be planning another holiday soon.

There is talk that you are in a relationship with photographer Rohan Shrestha, though your dad has denied it...
I think the lesser said the better. No matter what I say, when it comes to my personal life, something different comes out. So, right now, let’s put it this way… I only have time for work and nothing else. I’m looking forward to starting Baaghi 3 next month.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; June 15, 2019)

Recently, the makers of Saaho released a poster of the film, which has Shraddha Kapoor holding a gun with an intense look on her face. Add to it, the red background and she looks menacing. Not only is the light-eyed actress making her South debut with the movie, but it’s also the first time that she is donning the khaki. Understandably, she can’t contain her excitement! “I am super-excited to play the role of a cop for the first time. It’s such a privilege. The police do so much for the country, it’s an honour for me to represent them,” beams the actress.

Shraddha confesses that she has always wanted to portray different characters from varied professions, whether it’s a doctor or a cop.

“But, definitely, essaying a police officer is a special one because you are representing  such an integral part of the security force of our country. It feels awesome to be playing one,” she gushes.

Ask her if she met any police officers as part of her prep and she says that in recent years she has interacted with them. “I took inspiration from those interactions, but more than anything I took guidance from my director (Sujeeth),” she informs.

Shraddha also found the trajectory that leads to her becoming a cop in the film interesting. “People’s personal journey plays an important role in how they are in their profession and that’s what shapes Amrita (my character) into being the kind of cop she is,” she avers.

Of course, the gun is an integral part of a police officer’s life and the Stree actress is thrilled that she got to fire one, even sans bullets! “Throughout the shoot, I got so comfortable holding the gun that it almost started feeling like an extension of my body. On set, if I didn’t have my weapon with me, I would always enquire about it. The fact that you have to use it responsibly was another thing and it’s amazing that a police officer’s mind is so sharp in terms of how they need to use the gun and in what situations,” says the petite actress.

Though she is shuttling between the shoot of three films — Saaho, Street Dancer and Chhichhore — simultaneously, Shraddha is enjoying it. “In which other profession can you essay so many characters? Going from one film to another is something that I truly enjoy. I feel that it helps my performance as the three characters I’m playing get a break from each other. It’s fun to be one person one day and be another the other day,” she signs off.

Deepali Singh (DNA; April 29, 2019)

As early as two or three years of age, all it needed was her parents to put on some music, and Shraddha Kapoor would get up to shake a leg. “My earliest memories while growing up — I mean, as early as I can remember being on my feet — are of dancing. Dance has been a passion of mine since then,” she recalls. Although she did indulge in short stints of training for various forms, the Stree actress never ended up learning it formally.

“In school, as part of the curriculum, and like any other kid, I did a bit of whatever dance was required of us. So, I learnt a bit of Kathak.  Then I joined Shiamak Davar’s and Ashley Lobo’s classes for extremely short spans of time. At Boston University, I was a part of the college dance group called Chankaar and there are many precious memories of the same,” she adds.

However, it was when she was cast in Remo D’Souza’s ABCD 2 (2015) that Shraddha got an extensive opportunity to explore dance. “There were so many styles that we learnt a bit of — locking, popping, whacking, krumping and house, to name a few,” she tells us.

The actress, who is currently filming Street Dancer with Varun Dhawan, reveals that these forms are being re-explored in this movie as well. “It’s been super-challenging, especially because one needs a lot of practice, years and skill development to be able to dance really well. It is a lot of hard work,” she admits.

Right from Dance Basanti in Ungli (2014) to Milegi Milegi in Stree (2018), Shraddha has been a part of some of the most popular dance numbers. Not to forget, she has matched steps with some of the best in B-Town, including Tiger Shroff and Varun.

Remember Cham Cham in Baaghi (2016) and Sun Saathiya and Bezubaan Phir Se in ABCD 2? “Whatever love and appreciation I’ve received, I’d attribute it to the little bit of dancing I did while growing up and to Remo sir as well as his team that focussed on me during the prep of ABCD 2 and now, Street Dancer,” she adds.

Shraddha, who counts Hrithik Roshan, Shahid Kapoor, Varun and Tiger among the best dancers in the industry today, says that while she has become better at her skills, she is never satisfied with herself and wants to keep improving. “I make sure that I enjoy everything that I do, because that is the only way to do anything you love,” she signs off.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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