Bollywood's youngest stunt woman

She's all of 20 and can kick ass some of our leading heroes to shame.
Meet Sanobar, the youngest stunt artiste in Bollywood who has doubled up for actresses like Aishwarya Rai, Bipasha Basu, Preity Zinta and Esha Deol.

This intrepid go-getter loves embracing challenges, even if it means risking her life. The latest dare devil stunts she has done for is Abbas-Mustan's upcoming Race, starring Saif Ali Khan, Bipasha Basu and Katrina Kaif.

"There's no substitute for the way I feel when I am doing stunts," enthuses Sanobar who also doubled up for Priyanka Chopra in a Hero Honda commercial.

Sanobar bares her heart out to Swati R Chaudhary.

You changed your spelling from Sanober to Sanobar. Why?

Yes, it was for astrological reasons. I strongly believe in astrology and God. Bejan Daruwala, who's like a father to me, suggested that I change it. And ever since I changed it, I can only see good things happening.

Male counterparts are given more opportunities than you.

Yes. Very few people know about me in the industry. Then there is the money factor. Certain people cannot afford me. They would rather rope in a man (who doubles up for an actress), and who would charge about Rs 2,000. Some even use a dummy.
What kind of stunts have you done? Which are the most recent ones?
I am adept at skydiving, helicopter jumping, kick fighting, fire stunts and cable works, and have done umpteen number of stunts like the Nakshatra diamond ad (with Aishwarya Rai) and more recently, the Hero Honda commercial where I'm riding the bike for Priyanka Chopra.

I have also doubled for Bipasha Basu and Katrina Kaif in Abbas-Mustan's Race, where I had to skid the car at a very high speed, on the edge of a mountain, without toppling over. It is a skillful driving technique that involves controlling various factors.

Tell us about your Bollywood stunts.

There was a taxing fire stunt in Dhoom where I had to jump off the stage with Uday Chopra. It was the dance sequence (Dhoom Machale) where the stage was set ablaze and Uday tries to rescue Esha Deol. It was very difficult for me since the flames were nine feet high.

I've also done stunts for Dhoom 2 like bungee jumping and bike riding stunts. Remember the scene where Aishwarya jumps off with Hrithik? Well, I executed the entire mass sequence though Aishwarya did do a few stunts herself.

Other stunts I did were for an English film, The First Lear and Veer Zaara (for Preity Zinta).
Which has been your most challenging stunt to date?
The Mahendra Renault ad was the most dangerous stunt of my life. You see it for 30 seconds on TV but no one knows what goes into those 30 seconds. I was nearly hanging out of the helicopter waiting for the truck to arrive. I precariously held on to a rod, which was very risky. Things could have gone haywire since I had to land on the truck and unlock myself.

One stunt you enjoyed the most?

A film like Dhoom 2 is every stunt artiste's delight. I enjoyed all the stunts in Dhoom 2.

What made you choose this high-voltage profession?

I was obsessed with speed and stunts ever since I was a kid. I got my Honda Hurricane (bike) while I was still in school. I began (the stunt profession) at the age of 15. Anything that challenges me as a stunt artiste is exciting.

Is the money and thrill worth your life?

I am not doing it for money. I am doing it because it's my passion. Besides, I am a physiotherapist and a weight loss consultant as well, so money is not a criteria
How much are you paid for one shift?
I am a professional and I charge my own fees. The locals get anywhere from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 a day. I charge per stunt depending on the stunt and the risk factor involved in executing it. I make a lot more than the locals.

Have you undergone any professional training?

I am trained in gymnastics and marital arts. I have participated in kart-racing on the national level and have won trophies at the Mumbai level. I've done quite a few water stunts as well. The knowledge of underwater swimming and surfing helps.

How is your rapport with the actresses you've worked with?

Most of them are confined to their vans when the action scenes are executed so I hardly get to meet them. And even if they happen to be there, they are quite indifferent. There are no words of appreciation.

Aishwarya Rai and Saif Ali Khan, however, are the exceptions. Aishwarya is dignified, unassuming and caring. I remember when we were shooting for Dhoom 2 in Durban and bomb blasts happened in Mumbai, she insisted that I call my fiance, Prakash, and inquire about his whereabouts. She even offered me her phone.

She has always acknowledged my work. And unlike other actresses she never blows her own trumpet about her stunts.

Saif Ali Khan has also appreciated my work. When we were shooting for Race, he was very helpful and concerned about my safety. He is very warm and approachable. I had the most amazing time with Aishwarya and Saif.

In the picture: Sanobar executes a stunt with Dino Morea in Chehra
So you haven't got your dues yet?
There are times when we've been asked to shut our mouths and not reveal the stunts we've done. This really upsets me. But at least the end of the day, I have my self-respect intact.

Given the nature of your job, weren't your parents skeptical?

My parents have been very supportive. Especially my mother.

Are there enough safety measures for a stunt artiste?

It depends on which action director you are working with. They are many who don't care about you, though there are exceptions.

Have you ever sustained injuries or hurt yourself?

Luckily, I've always escaped unscathed. I'm well versed with the various techniques of gliding, falling and rolling over.

Do you harbour dreams of becoming a Bollywood actress some day?

I don't want to be like the quintessential Bollywood actress. But I'd love to be a hardcore 'action' actress. Running around trees and breaking into impromptu jigs doesn't excite me.

What do you do in your spare time?

When I'm not on the sets, I am very reclusive. But when I'm doing stunts, no one can be livelier than me.
(i think this pics are from Dhoom 2 )