Shreya Dhanwanthary, "My name is on the poster of Chup now with all the great artists. What more could I ask for.".... BY Lipika Varma

Directed by the ace director R.Balki 'Chup the Revenge of the artist 'is all set to release on 23rd September 2022. Sunny Deol,Dulquer Salmaan,Pooja Bhatt and Shreya Dhanwanthary comrise the cast.

How are you enjoying your work now, do you consider yourself lucky?

For me in the sense no one apart from my family has seen Cheat India. Having said that, my journey has not been so great. After that I did Family Man, Scam and Mumbai Diaries.

I was lucky that all these projects were hits on OTT and because of these successes I got Chup. So after my first film I got so much work and then I did a web series and it’s been a good ride since then.

How much did this series,"Family man" help you?

It gave me massive exposure. It was India’s first series which was a huge hit and I got to work with Manopj Bajpayee. When you work with actors like Manoj you get to learn so much. I can say that he is a friend now.

He considers me his friend and to work with directors like Raj and DK, who are churning hiit after hits and are completely in demand, it was indeed a privilege. But for me and everyone else it was a hit and then came Scam which really took off.

My name is on the poster of Chup now with all the great artists. What more could I ask for.

How was it romancing Dulqer in the film?

It was great; I had a lot of fun. For this I have to thank Emraan Hashmi who taught me the art of romancing on screen. I have decided to romance him on screen now.

Emraan was also popular as a serial kisser?

That is difficult to match. I prefer to romance like him, on screen for now.

We recently saw that you posted pictures of yourself in a bikini?

I had been for a holiday and I decided why not. Bikini is nothing new. I liked my pictures and decided to post them randomly. There was no motive for posting those pictures.

Shah Rukh Khan is also known for romance?

The beauty of SRK is that he makes the women look and feel more beautiful. He is the baadshah of Bollywood. I have not met him yet. I have met Salman Khan’s entire family. Helen Auntie is the one who gave me Bombil.

Do you think it was luck or hard work that worked for you?

Honestly, I have been working hard for the last ten years. I have been lucky that I was favored for this work. I have been working hard for ten years and that is a long period and maybe I generated luck. That’s why I have got so much work now.

How do you look at your success journey now?

My only ambition is to do any project whether it’s a film, commercial or a web series. I have only one goal, which is to have work the next day.

I should not be idle. I have dreams that I hope I get to do such a role or do amazing work, I have a great entry in this film and it will be talked about. Yes that’s what I would want but honestly my only thought after one film is that I should have a job the next day.

My name is on the poster of this film with all great actors. I had a dream from my childhood and it was my secret that one day I would do all this. It was the most inner secret that I cherished.

I never imagined that I would be seen on screen doing such glamorous roles. I was a nerdy kid and had thick spectacles. My mother used to oil and plait my hair and send me to school.

My dad would apply bindi on my forehead. Today I am playing the lead and my directors like me. The critics have appreciated my work. I can't believe that I nourished my dreams and I am here today.

The film also has a tagline Revenge of this artist?

I can’t say anything about the tag line as it relates to my character. I can only comment once the film releases, The film is not just about critics. It’s about people who love films and yet criticize them. They don’t write well about it.

When you love someone, be it someone from your family, you won’t be rude to them. You will make them understand with love. This tag line is for such people who fake their love for art.

How do you take criticism?

So far they have been kind to me but I know that in the future they will not be so. There will be a time when I will be ripped off. I will answer this question at that time.

Is there scope for improvement as an artist when you are criticized for work?

Of course, but that comes only when there is constructive criticism. If they say that my expressions were not good or my wardrobe was not right and I could add something more to my role I will work on that but they don’t do that.

Having said that, I am my own worst critic. When I see myself on screen I feel that I have done a bad job. I don’t like anything about myself on screen. I don’t think anyone can criticize me better than me.

Are you unkind to yourself?

Too much. I don’t like watching myself on screen because I find so many flaws within myself.

So is it the case of revenge of an artist as far as your work is considered?

I love my work hence I put in all the efforts in my work. My mom also supports me a lot. People take me as a serious actor hence they choose me for such roles.

How was it working with Sunny Deol and Pooja Bhatt?

He was very sweet and concerned. I used to call him Paaji and he treated me like a daughter. I grew up watching his work and Pooja Bhatt’s work.

I was worried how I would face the camera with them but they were so nice and they encouraged me so much. Never did they let their seniority affect me.

I have watched all their movies since I lived abroad. I think even kids in India must not have watched their movies as much as I did.

Will we see you in Family Man series 3 and 4?

They have not started the writing too,

You are very vocal about your opinions on social media?

My parents scold me, my lead hero also scolds me. I feel since I am not in the spotlight I can express myself so openly.

If I am on their panel then it will become difficult. Let’s see, as long as I am not so popular I can get away with it. Once I am in the spotlight maybe I will have to learn to keep quiet.

How do you take opinions?

I take them lightly. I don’t care. People will have opinions and they will realize.. I will realize to keep quiet then.

How was it working with Balki Sir?

I was so excited to work with him and the cherry on the top was working with Sunny Deol and Pooja Bhatt. I operated as a new student on the sets. I have fun with all kinds of people when I am new so that I get to know them and that makes me comfortable on the sets.

I talk to people, get to know them and interact with them. I try to soak in the atmosphere of the sets. It puts me at ease.

Tell us about forthcoming projects?

I have done a film with Nawazuddin Siddiqui titled Adbhut and one more film with Dulqer and I have Mumbai Diaries 2 also.

When do you keep quiet?

I keep quiet only when I am sleeping.