Shivangi Verma Interview: Said ‘Badass Ravi Kumar’ movies Offer More Freedom & Flexibility

Shivangi Verma Interview: Last week, actor-singer and music director  Himesh Reshammiya's film Badass Ravi Kumar was released in theatres. In this film, Shivangi Verma starred alongside Himesh. Recently, Shivangi gave an interview to the media where she shared insights about her reason for choosing the film, her experience working with Prabhu Deva, the differences between working in films and TV shows, and her upcoming projects.

Here's what the actress Shivangi Verma had to say about her experience on Badass Ravi Kumar:

The film has been receiving a great response, especially the chemistry between you and Prabhu Deva. What do you have to say about this?

Himesh Reshammiya is very passionate about his vision. He has the ability to turn anything into a blockbuster. This film is very special for me because I had worked with him once before, on the album Terre Pyaar Mein in 2021. Now, this is my second project with him.

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The main reason I said yes to this film was because of Himesh Reshammiya. I heard about Prabhu Deva sir only later. When he explained the story and everything, I felt really good. I’ve been a huge fan of Prabhu Deva since childhood. Working with him felt like a dream come true because sharing the screen with him is a big achievement for any actor. Plus, this is my Bollywood debut, which makes it even more special.

How was your experience in Bollywood for the first time?

My Bollywood debut was a very positive experience. Since I had already worked with Himesh, when I went from Mumbai to Muscat, I found that the production house was the same as before. Himesh Ji’s wife, Priya, also took great care of everyone, and I met her back in 2021.

You’ve also worked in television. How do you find the difference between working in TV and Bollywood films? Is one more challenging than the other?

As an actor, you perform the same way on both platforms. The difference lies in the freedom and flexibility that you get in movies. Additionally, the subject matter of the story also varies. Movies can be bolder at times. The production process is also different. In TV, you have to deliver footage quickly, whereas in films, things move slower, with more focus on perfection. This slow pace and attention to detail are what make films unique.

The film features several well-known personalities. How was your experience working with them, both in front of and behind the camera?

The journey from Mumbai to Muscat was very smooth and beautiful; it felt like home as I saw so many familiar faces. When I reached the set from the hotel, I saw  Prabhu Deva sir. He was sitting with the director, and I had a conversation with him. Then I met Himesh and everyone else. We started shooting after that. I still remember that Prabhu Deva sir said, "Shabash Shivangi, very good." That made me feel so happy. The scene was appreciated by everyone present. After that, the director welcomed me, saying, "Welcome to the family." This was a moment of achievement for me as an actor. I will cherish this experience for the rest of my life.

You posted a story on Instagram about your film and Loveyapa, where you mentioned how every artist contributes individually. What do you think about the box office reactions?

It’s great to see our film being compared to Loveyapa. It’s very satisfying to see that we’re surpassing their movie in some aspects. Our film has great dialogues, packed with entertainment, energy, and romance. Also, we used the same song in the film that I shot with Himesh Ji back in 2021. And yes, whenever there’s any news about the film, I will definitely share it on my Instagram.

When big stars support a film, it increases its marketing value and it doesn’t get trolled, but why do solo artists promoting their own films get trolled more?

In Bollywood, if a film is backed by a big star, it can’t really be trolled because its marketing value increases, whether it’s through PR or media. On the other hand, if a talented artist brings their own film and promotes it independently, they tend to get trolled more. If someone has a godfather or support in the industry, they become stars quickly. But people like me, who don’t have such support, have to rely on hard work and time to find success. I don’t believe in moving forward without hard work and support; it doesn’t sit right with me personally.

Since this is your Bollywood debut, did anyone from TV congratulate you for this project?

Yes, my dear friend, celebrity chef Ripudaman Handa, who won MasterChef India Season 3, congratulated me. He is a great friend and was very supportive.

With so many big stars shifting to OTT, what are your plans in this direction?

I have several films lined up. I will be seen with actor Govind Namdev in one of them. Additionally, I will start shooting for another film in March, and I have a South Indian project coming up as well.

Can we expect to see you on Bigg Boss anytime soon?

I am a huge fan of Bigg Boss and haven’t missed a single episode. If I get the offer, I would love to be part of the show.

Shivangi Verma has previously been a finalist in the dance reality show Nach Baliye Season 6. She also portrayed the character Mehr in the Star Plus show Hamari Sister Didi.