Pinkvilla.com Exclusive Interview: Growing up was quite protected - Shraddha Kapoor

Shraddha Kapoor’s debut movie Teen Patti went unnoticed. But she bounced back with a noteworthy performance in Yash Raj’s Luv Ka The End. With a 3 movie deal with the Yash Raj banner in her kitty, her career seems to be going in the right direction. Pinkvilla.com got an exclusive interview with the gorgeous Shraddha where she talked about her stint with the Yash Raj banner, her growing up years and her thoughts on being a star kid (Shraddha is Shakti Kapoor’s daughter and the niece of Padmini Kolhapure)

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Your portrayal of Rhea in Luv Ka The End was highly appreciated. How did that feel?

There was a lot of appreciation. From film critics, directors, my family, friends but the best feeling was getting feedback from the people who saw the film, people who told me in person, the general audience, the youth. The film connected a lot with the youth. Especially the girls. The first hand reaction of some girls and guys that I met post the release of the film was beyond amazing. The excitement on their faces expressing how they enjoyed the film & my work, not to forget the things that we did to Luv :P . I didn't get reactions on such a scale for my 1st film. Its because I was given a kick ass role. Rhea represents just any other 18 year old out there only with a broken heart & what the consequences of that can be, coming from a sweet girl you wouldn't even think would be so vengeful. Oh it was so much fun :)

Could you let us know a bit on your 3 movie deal with the Yash Raj banner?

I am on a 3 film non exclusive deal with them. For them to have such belief in me makes me really really lucky. People would go to any extent to do a Yashraj film. So I know that the shoes that I have on right now are good :) & I'm going to cherish them & make sure that I push my limits & exceed them.

Are you open to working under other banners?

Of course I am & I am meeting people from a variety of production houses. There are so many upcoming & existing productions which are beyond talented. Its a great time to be in films right now coz there is a plethora of opportunities to new talent. This wasn't the case a few years ago. I've come at a very good time :)

Belonging to a family of actors, was acting your first career choice?

Always. Ever since I had my first set of memories. I remember dancing to all the happening songs when I could barely walk, with the help of any kind of support I could get my hands on. There are so many videos of me dancing in front of my family, in front of mirrors, wearing my fathers, mothers clothes. We all laugh so much when we sit & watch these videos. They're hilarious! I remember one of my favorites to dance to was "I love you, pyaar karu chu, zhaala mala prem zhaala" a madhuri song. I was a huge fan of Madhuri & Sri devi when I was really really little.

Do you ever ask your dad Shakti Kapoor or aunt Padmini Kalhapure for career advice?

Yes its pretty inevitable since we discuss each other lives constantly so suggestions and advice are always floating around the family. I value their opinion because of their experience & the tremendous success that they have been blessed with.

People always imagine a star kid leading a fancy life. How was your growing up years like?

Growing up was quite protected. My father made sure that I was always accompanied by a maid to school every morning even though it started getting annoying as I grew up. I eventually out grew it but he held on for as long as he could. I wasn't allowed to go for any school trip, can you imagine? & I'd fight and fight with my parents to let me go but they just let me go for 2 overnight treks till the 9th while my friends went on for every single trip, every year. Also I'd beg to be allowed to travel by rickshaw & finally after a lot of fighting my dad allowed me a few times with my maid. I wanted my own pink rickshaw as a little girl haha quiiiite silly.

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of being a star kid?

Advantages:
1. easier entry in to films because your family knows other "filmi" people.
2. You get to have a beautiful lineage backing you & running through your veins.
3. Its really really really cool to have a movie star for a father and aunt

Disadvantages:
1. rumors and false stories floating about. It affects you sometimes but I guess its a part and parcel of this industry.
2. Keeping up with the expectations. Are you half as good as your father or aunt? Pressure pressure!

You have mentioned in a lot of interviews that you and your mom are more like like buddies. Could you elaborate?

She’s my best friend & I just love spending time with her. She is my mom I know but there are things that I can talk to her about like a buddy which I think is awesome. We fight a lot & have the best times together. My mornings are always entertaining when we have our chai together.

What kind of roles would you like to take up as an actress?

I'll tell you my favorites. Prem Rog - my aunt's role. Natalie portman in Black Swan, Closer. Julia roberts in pretty woman. Waheeda rehmanji in Pyaasa. Sri devi in Chaalbaaz.

A list of directors on your wish list?

There are so many new and veteran directors that I'd like to work with but to name a few, Aditya Chopra, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Anurag Kashyup

A list of actors you would love to be paired opposite?

I want to work with quite a few of them. There are the established actors who if given an opportunity to work with, I'd be thrilled coz there'd be so much to learn from them & also upcoming ones who are competent, individualistic, & bring freshness.

One look at you and one spot a healthy glowing skin. What is your skin care regime like?

Thank you but really I always feel my skin has to keep getting better and better. I wash my face twice a day, use a vitamin e enriched moisturizer and keep sipping on water. I think there are a lot more factors which make your skin look good. I do my best to get quality sleep & since the passed year or more I do my best to have my dinner before 7.30pm. That’s drastically improved my health & my workout results have bettered triple fold.

How do you stay fit?

Oh I have to get a lot more fit. & whenever anyone asks me "you're so slim how do you maintain yourself" I remember that sacrifice that I have to make. Food. I love food to another level. It's my biggest weakness. Turns out, its the biggest obstacle too, if you want to be healthy and fit. So i try (sometimes) to curb my food urges. It really helps but i think the smartest change i've made is having my dinner at 6.30-7 every day. Its helped me drastically & i've gotten healthier and fitter. I also think its thinking happy thoughts :) & watching funny videos that work my tummy muscles haha

You get a lot of positive comments on Pinkvilla on the way you dress up. Are you a fashionista?

I don't think I'm a fashionista. I never intended to gain any kind of attention for my dressing really. My focus is to be a good actor. But if people have liked how i dress, hey, thanks a lot. Its only a visual expression of my thoughts really. I do like fashion but i don't consider myself to be a follower of fashion or that i have to have the "in" thing. Sometimes it gets annoying actually, to see girls dressed like each other, having the "latest bags". I appreciate individuality. I love helena bonham carter, lady gaga, britney spears.

A message to your fans

Thank you all for loving me & giving me such amazing positive feedback. I've recently joined & want to keep in touch with as many of you because it really feels so damn nice to interacting with all you guys. Dream big! Love, Shraddha