Exclusive Interview with Vaani Kapoor

“What I like about him is the fact that he has absolutely no ego at all or baggage of having given so many hits”.

VAANI KAPOOR tells JYOTHI VENKATESH that though she is happy that she is being compared with Katrina Kaif of Hindostan Ki Thugs, as Katrina is a wonderful dancer, and a beautiful actor, her part is written very differently and the subject and the film are very different from Thugs of Hindostan.

For this interview, I met Vaani Kapoor who was looking gorgeous in the film Shamshera in which her sizzling chemistry with Ranbir Kapoor is being widely appreciated, after the trailer of the film was unveiled and she has been showered with praises for her professionalism and acting prowess.

What is Shamshera all about?

The story of Shamshera is set in the fictitious city of Kaza, where a warrior tribe is imprisoned, enslaved and tortured by a ruthless authoritarian general Shuddh Singh, played with aplomb by Sanjay Dutt Sir.

It is the story of a man called Shamshera who became a slave, a slave who became a leader and then a legend for his tribe. He relentlessly fights for his tribe’s freedom and dignity.

The high-octane, adrenaline-pumping entertainer is set in the 1871 in the heartland of India and has the big promise of a never seen before Ranbir Kapoor, who plays Shamshera in the film!

What is your role in Shamshera?

I play the character of Sona, the most sought after travelling performer of India in the 1800’s. I have always chosen roles where my character pivots the script in a certain direction and in Shamshera too, Sona plays an important role in building the narrative.

I’m thankful to Karan Malhotra for seeing me in this role. He held my hand at every step of the way and guided me to bring Sona to life.

How did you prepare for your part?

To prepare for my strenuous part, I had to learn horse riding for months to ace my role in the film with élan!

Yes. I had to go through horse training because when you’re training with an animal and you want to work with an animal on a film you have to make a relationship with the animal. I trained with the horse for the longest time and eventually that horse became a friend.

Do you mean to say that you need an emotional 'connect' even with a horse?

Yes. Even for horse riding you need that emotional 'connect' with the animal. They will throw you off otherwise. I remember I used to get this whole packet of biscuits and that’s how the trainer also told me to feed the horse, befriend the horse and it’s so cute.

I mean they’re the loveliest animals. I think it’s extremely important to be friends with them first. They only know the language of love.

How easily could you adapt to your role as Sona?

As a child, I had actually grown up in a farm house which also had an animal shelter, and hence I had no fear at all as far as animals are concerned.

I made it a point to learn horse riding professionally. You have got to understand their wavelength and connect with them. Animals teach you compassion. I had to develop a new relationship with the animals to prepare for my part in Shamshera.

Tell me how did you internalise your character of Sona?

Sona has a strong will power, she’s confident; a go-getter yet has her own emotional vulnerabilities. She’s definitely one of the most refreshing characters I have played on screen.

It is indeed amazing teaming up with Ranbir Kapoor - a powerhouse of talent. He’s truly a very special actor and my personal favourite.

What I like about him is the fact that he has absolutely no ego at all or baggage of having given so many hits. I have a lot of respect for him.

The grapevine insists that your rope in Shamshera is very similar to that of Katrina Kaif in Thugs of Hindostan. Is it true?

I have seen Thugs of Hindostan and I have worked in Shamshera and I understand there is a huge difference and there is no comparison as such.

The part is written very differently and the subject and the film are very different from Thugs of Hindostan. Katrina is a wonderful dancer, actor, everything and I am glad if you are comparing me, but if you compare me to her beauty, I'll be very happy.

How was your thought process when you were working on the sets of Shamshera?

Words will fall short if I were to reply to this question. I have never worked with a director like Karan Malhotra or actor like Rabir Kapoor earlier and I was subconsciously imbibing different thought processes and so much rubbed off on me which I had to soak.

You were appreciated for your performance in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, co-starring Ayushmann Khurrana.

Frankly, it was after the film Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui was released that I could actually ‘feel’ the love of the film industry as well as the media.

The film motivated me to do more films with meaty and unconventional path breaking roles like the one I did in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui.

I am keeping my fingers crossed and hope to get more such roles on my own steam. I am trying to pick sensitive parts and challenge myself in my various capacities as an actress

Were you disheartened when the film did not do well at the box office?

To be frank, I was very disheartened when the film did not do numbers at the box office which I had expected because at the end of the day, it is the business of a film that counts in the industry and you just cannot make any mark if you churn out just an average hit.

To what extent has your journey with YRF made you grow as an actress?

I have done the maximum number of auditions for YRF. They are aware of the fact that I can easily pull off any kind of a challenge when it comes to a role.

I should also tell you that they are very fair and square and just do not go on the basis of your last film’s performance. If only you do not fit the part, they will not approach you for the part. I am blessed that way.