EXCLUSIVE! Anushka Sharma reveals how Diljit Dosanjh came onboard for Phillauri

Have you ever imagined having a conversation with a ghost and the spirit doesn't harm you in any way? Well, it does sound a little different and Anushka Sharma with her upcoming film Phillauri has tried something which is hatke. In the film, Anushka is seen playing the character of a friendly ghost Shashi. The whole concept of the film has grabbed attention as it talks about the myth of a maanglik getting married to a tree in a humourous way. 

While she was promoting the film, we got a chance to personally meet her and talk about Phillauri. In an interview with us, she opened up on her experience of working with Dijit Dosanjh and much more. 

Excerpts from the interview:

This is your second film as a producer after NH 10. First one was received immensely well. Any pressure with the second one?

I don't feel any pressure because I believe in my film and if I didn't, I wouldn't have invested in the way that I am doing right now. I think somewhere when you are confident of your product, it helps you not have those kind of nerves before the film's release. What people are going to say about the film, that nervousness is there. But, it's not in a negative sense. So far, the response has been really good. It seems like everything is heading in the right direction. 

What are your expectations from Phillauri?

The best, obviously. Whenever you give your best in the film you always want it to be a huge success. I think it's a special film. It's a complete family entertainer and kids can watch it with their family. We are playing with different elements like ghosts, recreating a character and creating a completely fictional character and you have not seen a ghost like this ever. It's exciting to see that people are excited to see all this. We were a little nervous when the trailer came out. 

Diljit is a Punjabi superstar. But he didn't have a Bollywood debut when you signed him for Phillauri. What made you sign him for the movie?

In one of the flights, I saw one of Diljit's film Jatt & Juliet. I had known of him as a singer and may be I have seen a couple of his videos. But, I didn't know of him as an actor. When I saw Jatt & Juliet, I found him very engaging and intriguing. He knew how to balance his act - he was vulnerable and funny at the same time. He is also a very honest actor. It did stay in my mind and when we were discussing who to cast in my film, his name was one of the names I came up with. Karmesh told me that I want someone without a turban and when you  have been writing the script for a long time, you have certain things in your mind about how a character should be and then we kind of moved on. But then his name came up again, we were like he's just right fit for it and has a personality. He has done a great job and he didn't have any Bollywood film that time but were always confident of what he has put on the table. 

How was it working with him?

Diljit is a very natural actor. It's very good to work with such actors and I also feel like this is a very different film for him too. His fan base is also excited to see him in such a role. He is a huge asset to the film and he plays the role with subtlety.  

It has been said that there is a striking similarity between your film and Tim Burton's Corpse Bride! What's your take on it?

There is no similarity between Phillauri and Corpse Bride because Tim Burton's film falls in dark humour space. Secondly, the whole concept of a maanglik getting married to a tree is a very Indian concept so it can not be a copy of anything. But, I understand when something different comes out, people are like 'are different hai toh kisi ka copy toh hoga'. 

What was the idea behind putting the concept of a maanglik getting married to a tree and incorporating it to the plot-line?

It was Anshai's idea as he has a friend who is a maanglik. It started as a joke with his friends first and then he came up with this idea for a film and then Karmesh (Anushka's brother) said that it's an idea and let's see what comes out of it. When it was narrated, we saw the potential in it and what the film can be. The idea was very interesting. 

Be it Oscars or on the sets of Sholay, Shashi is everywhere. How did this idea strike you? 

We have a digital team. A while back, when we were discussing the themes we could have for marketing the film because it's a ghost and you could do anything while promoting the film. So, they came up with the idea of #ShashiWasThere and then we discussed it with Fox and we thought it could be funny as Shashi could be anywhere at anytime and she doesn't have any restraint. Shashi Was There memes have now become popular.

Did the reports of Virat having invested in the film annoy you?

I was sure that people might come up with these questions when I'll be promoting the film. To ensure that, I put that Instagram post up and I don't feel the need of explaining it again as I did put it out, how I felt and why I felt. 

Talking of Virat, he posted an adorable picture wishing you on International Women’s Day. Are you both more comfortable making things official now?

I don't want to comment about my personal life and I am very clear about it and I don't want that to be talking point in my life. 

You share a great equation with both Kangana and Karan. But what is your take on the recent controversy between them where they are taking potshots at each other over nepotism in Bollywood.

I think whatever the people have talked about it is their right to speak. Me commenting or not commenting doesn't add any value to this thing. I don't want to be a part of this controversy.

Your upcoming film - Rehnuma with SRK is grabbing eyeballs. How has the film shaped up?

It's not called Rehnuma. I think very soon they'll announce the title.

Has your equation with SRK changed since the time you debuted with him in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi?

Yes, I think I have become more comfortable. I think having known him personally now has made it easier. You can talk to him about anything and everything. We talk a lot on the sets. He is so well-read and he gives you so much information about many facts. I really enjoy shooting with him. 

You also shot for your role in Dutt biopic. Is it done? What is your role - a journalist or a lawyer?

I would just say I am playing a fictional character. It's a cameo.

Lastly, you have turned a rapper with Phillauri. Any plans to pursue full-fledged singing?

In the beginning, I was a little frightened but Shashwat has full confidence. I have walked out many times and he was like you have to do it. He made me understand rapping. I used to wear a cap and a chain and it used to make me feel like RnB artist.