Disha Patani Interview: I’m happy and lucky to be where I’m without any kind of support

Newcomer Disha Patani, who is just two films old in Bollywood, is very clear about what kind of roles she wants to essay in movies. She is in no hurry to signs projects left right and center and expedite her career in films because she feels her one wrong move can ruin all the hard work she has put herself through to reach where she is today. After MS Dhoni: The Untold Story and Kung Fu Yoga’, her third Bollywood film Baaghi 2 enters cinemas today. Just a couple of days before the release of the movie, BollywoodMDB correspondent Mohnish Singh had a candid conversation with the actress. Here’re some excerpts from that interview.

Q. We don’t get to see you as much as Tiger in the trailer of Baaghi 2. Is there any particular reason?

A. A trailer is just the first impression of the film. It’s not the complete film. When you see the film, you will realize how important the characters are in it and how they’re placed. It doesn’t matter how much I’m shown in the trailer, it’s about how you connect with me through the film.

Q. Is action all that we get to see in the film?

A. It’s an action love story. There is a reason why Ronnie aka Tiger is fighting in the film, and that is for love.

Q. What, according to you, is the reason that Bollywood does not produce female-oriented action films?

A. There should be female-oriented action films. Unfortunately, not many producers are ready to invest in a film on a girl fighting. Katrina (Kaif) did such a thing in Tiger Zinda Hai but we have never had a full-fledged female action film. Be it in any profession, girls are yet to get their dues. Hopefully, this will change. People still cannot imagine women fighting; they have the idea of them being beautiful. Films are a reflection of people’s perspective and are made to cater their taste. If the society accepts women doing action, then films will start showcasing that.

Q. What are the factors you keep in mind while selecting a role?

A. The story and my role are the most important for me.

Q. We know nothing about your character.

A. My character in the film is still very suspicious to the audiences, one will know all about it once they watch the film. The film is about rebels in love and how they are fighting the world to make their lives happier.

Q. Are you a rebel in real life?

A. I think I’m a rebel because I want to be relevant in this industry and left my studies for it.

Q. How did your journey in Bollywood begin?

A. My family is very supportive. Initially, they were skeptical but they were never hesitant of the idea. I was doing B. Tech and wanted to be an air force pilot. I was a very shy girl and socially awkward. I never thought I could be an actress. I didn’t know how acting was done. I won a beauty contest in Mumbai, which I did for fun during a summer break. Then I was called for a shoot and a modeling agency called Toabh wanted to sign me up. I did it and also started auditioning for TV commercials. I used to stay back for a day during the contest and do these auditions. I feel lucky because I used to get what I used to get into. I started making money. I was 18 and was feeling very independent. I shifted to Mumbai after being kicked out of my college. I was made to decide it was either modeling or studies. I was just a normal girl with no idea about the industry. I had to audition and keep doing the work, which I did for survival. And that’s how films happened.

Q. Has your perception changed about Bollywood after working here for some time now?

A. Since I had no idea about the industry, I had no perception about it (laughs). Acting is a job and I take it that way. I don’t think so much about it. I’m happy and lucky to be where I am without any kind of support. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

Q. What kind of films do you like?

A. I love action films, superhero films, and horror films. I really liked Avengers, Hulk, Iron Man and Wonder Woman. I also like Everything Undisputed, Mission Impossible and the likes.

Q. It is being said that Tiger Shroff had recommended you for Baaghi 2, can you confirm the same?

A. I wish to get suggested for films but having a producer like Sajid Nadiadwala, who is very clear about who and what he wants, he cannot be suggested of things. And this question should be asked to Tiger.

Q. Do you think it’s your off-screen chemistry with Tiger that has made you cast opposite him in Baaghi 2?

A. I’m sure the producers must have thought about it and cast us.

Q. What’s your next project?

A. I am doing a south film called Sangamithra which will be a trilingual film.

Q. Are you also doing Student Of The Year 2?

A. I’m not doing Student Of The Year 2 and was never approached for it. Currently, I don’t have Bollywood projects in the pipeline.

Q. Are you being very choosy in selecting your roles and taking your career slow?

A. It’s not about me taking my career slow. It’s about me signing the right film. I don’t have anyone to shield me. If a film doesn’t work, I don’t know if I will get another chance. So any step that I take, I have to be careful and proud to do the work I do. I’m selfish for a good role.