All an actress needs to become an overnight sensation is to star opposite a superstar. And if that superstar happens to be South Indian film legend Rajnikant, then fame is inevitable.
This is exactly what happened to Shreya Saran, who is basking in the glory of Rajnikant's blockbuster Sivaji. Now, she is all set to have a major Bollywood release with Mahesh Bhatt's Awarapan co-starring Emraan Hashmi.
A conversation with Saran:
How's life after the release of your Tamil blockbuster Sivaji?
I am on a high right now as the response to the film has been phenomenal. Such has been the initial response that I have not managed to get a ticket for myself to watch my own film at Chennai theatres. It's a privilege for any actress to act opposite Rajni Sir and to get a film like Sivaji is dream come true for any actress.
You have been doing fairly well for yourself with Telegu and Tamil films, so how did you land a role in Awarapan?
Well, I have been in constant touch with Vishesh Films, which is Mukesh Bhatt's production house. Though I was doing well in regional films, I was looking for a good opportunity to act in Hindi films. So, when they wanted a fresh face to play Emraan Hashmi's romantic interest in Awarapan, they asked me whether I would be interested in playing the part. I immediately jumped at the offer.
Usually a romantic film with Emraan Hashmi would involve kissing. Were you perturbed by this fact or mentally ready for such scenes?
Actually, Emraan is going for an image makeover from the serial kisser. He is playing a part he has never played before. I can tell for sure that at least between the two of us there are no kissing scenes in Awarapan.
So how was your experience of acting with Emraan Hashmi?
Emraan is one of the most intense and hardworking actors I have worked with. I play his romantic interest in the film and our sequences were shot mostly in Jodhpur. He was such fun during the shoot. He took a keen interest in the local food, people and places. So it has been a good experience acting with Emraan.
How has your role shaped up in Awarapan?
It's an amazing, performance-oriented role. I play a Muslim girl who is madly in love with Shivam (Emraan). Our love life is beautifully depicted in Jodhpur's scenic beauty. But it soon comes to a tragic end. The sensitivity Mohit Suri (director) has shown between Emraan and me in the romantic scenes is simply mind-blowing.
What is your take on the music of Awarapan?
It's fabulous. The Bhatts are known to have the best music. The best part about the four-track album is that each song is an intricate part of the script and actually takes the story forward.
You already had a successful release with India's biggest budgeted film Sivaji and now Mahesh Bhatt's film Awarapan is due for release. What are your expectations from the film?
One always expects a great response. Frankly, I want the film to get its due and do well, as we have all worked extremely hard on it!
Awarapan releases in the UAE today
Did you know?
- Shreya Saran began her career with Telugu films and then slowly walked her way into Bollywood.
- Her earlier Bollywood films Thoda Tum Badlo Thoda Hum and Shukriya flopped.
- Her most popular films include Tagore in 2003, Santhosham in 2002, Nenunnanu in 2003, Mazhai in 2005 and the just released Sivaji: The Boss.
