I find the working pattern to be the same in Bollywood as well as Tollywood. Especially because most directors of photography from the Telugu industry operate in Bollywood, too.
After graduating, I began auditioning for films while continuing to model. I did a few fashion shows, ad shoots, and even got a few Bollywood offers, but nothing great.
My parents were never into films, but I hope to make them proud with my work some day. In any case, in Bollywood, your surname matters only till your first, second, or third film at most. Beyond that, you are on your own.
Star kids always get an upper hand at the start of their career. People in the industry often know them from the time they were toddlers, so they show support to them when their film is about to release.
I have declined projects made under big banners because I didn't have much to do in them.
Sudheer Varma is very easy going and very confident director. He knows exactly what he wants. He has a very good vision and knows how many shots he wants for a scene. He is super fast. He gives freedom for actors to try different things. The atmosphere on the sets was never serious. We had great fun working together.
Modelling was never a career option for me; it was always a hobby. I was modelling while I was pursuing my B.Tech, so the obvious choice after finishing my studies was to do a job. But while I was modelling and doing TV commercials, I really loved being in front of the camera. I enjoyed the shooting process.
I am very instinctive when it comes to a script.
Luckily, for me, my first producer Sajid Nadiadwala treats both Tiger Shroff and me like his kids. He's very protective.
I wouldn't have taken up modeling as a profession. It was more of a hobby.
Sonam Kapoor has a great style.
These days, we are scrutinised by everybody. Girls in the industry put a lot of effort into it. You can't be overdressed or underdressed, your make up has to be subtle and there's a lot of brainstorming that goes into it.
I don't know how I would react to the casting couch. I'm sure that at that moment, you won't really know what to do. Whatever you do at that moment is instinctive.
You have to face fears head on.
I actually moved from engineering to acting. I think what's important is how talented and passionate you are.
I don't know how much of the 'casting couch' exists in the industry, as I've not seen it myself. I'm glad that I've not had to.
For me, my first hearing of the script matters. It has to excite me as an actor and as an audience.
The first film is very important, and one needs to choose the right kind of debut project. I also think the second film is equally important, as it needs to be a notch higher.
In the mornings, I use a good moisturiser and a colouring lip balm. In the evenings, though, I like to go a little glam.
I am sweet and diplomatic in real life.
'Dilwale' has increased my audience reach; I have gained in every way possible.
If you don't come from film family, it takes time for people to register you. When you don't come from film family, the connection with the audience takes time to build up; it happens eventually.
When you don't come from a film background, getting the right debut is important and difficult, as you don't have the sensibility to know what will work and what won't.
I would never do anything that's derogatory to women.
I come from a family of working professionals: my dad is a chartered accountant, and my mom is a professor.
My career is doing well both in Tollywood as well as Bollywood.
The more successful you become, the more known you become, everything you say is minutely scrutinised a lot.
I would love to do a biopic on Madhubala. She was very pretty. I really admire her.
I am just a beginner. The two films so far are baby steps. If I develop an attitude, I'll be finished even before I've started. Besides, if I started misbehaving, my folks would give me a tight slap.
I hope I get an opportunity to work with Akshay Kumar and Prabhu Deva, as they are very supportive people.
Destiny plays an important part, but talent and hard work is also important.
Whatever you learn will never go waste. It will be beneficial for me in future.
I think education is something that is very important no matter what you are doing. It makes you feel secure, independent, and helps you build confidence in yourself. It grooms your whole personality. So if it starts from the basic level; if the basic education that a girl and a boy receive is the same, I think a lot will change.
I don't think one film is enough to showcase your talent or to show your abilities as an actor.
I think less is more. Sephora has these nude themes, which is like 'no make-up' make-up.
The industry has been very warm and welcoming, especially since I am an outsider.
I particularly like Shah Rukh Khan's style. He is very laid back and very comfortable with whatever he carries.
We are all somewhere or the other a little grey, not black and white. We have our imperfections.
I feel that modelling has groomed my personality and made me a confident person, but even today, when I go on the ramp, I get nervous. I am more comfortable being in front of the camera than walking on the ramp.
If you request for a little time to fulfill a commitment, you're accused of being arrogant. I repeat, I've achieved nothing to be arrogant about.
After a point, it doesn't matter where you come from. There are many star kids who haven't done well in the industry and rank newcomers who have done amazingly well.
It's scary to imagine yourself failing. But I do know that in Bollywood, every Friday changes your destiny, and unfortunately, every Friday also changes the way people look at you.
I go with the flow of the film. I feel if it's the demand of the script, then you should do it.
I have been a little lucky to get work. I know there are people who struggle a lot to get a film; I believe a lot in destiny. Things have fallen into place for me.
I played a tomboy character in 'Dohchay.'
The moment I lose weight, it shows on my face, and given how sharp my cheek bones are, it doesn't look good.
Categorisation of actors has become outdated now.
I'm not much involved in sports, and I don't play, either.
My mom keeps khabar of everything, so I don't feel lonely.
