Age is just a number: Shazahn Padamsee

Your father Alyque Padamsee is an ad-guru-cum-theatre personality, while your mother Sharon Prabhakar is a pop diva. How have they influenced you?

Though I've always been a part of theatre, I prefer films — as the audience reach is far greater in films compared to theatre. You also get to be more famous in movies. I've started practising singing with my mother a few months ago and I quite enjoy it.

Was your parents' separation difficult for you?

I've had a happy childhood. I think you should do what makes you happy in life because you get just one chance. My parents are still married, but live separately and share a healthy camaraderie. If they are happy, I'm happy.

Who are you more like — your father or mother?

I'm a culmination of both. My mother is very emotional and loving; she is also the one who compliments me a lot. My dad is more critical about my work; he's my biggest critic. But he always gives me the right advice.

Tell us about your stint in South Indian films.

It was a great learning experience. People used to report at 4.45am on the sets; the schedule was strict. In comparison, shooting in Mumbai for Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji (DTBHJ) started at 8.30am. It was party time for me after the gruelling schedule down South.

Have you been hit on by an older guy in real life like your character in DTBHJ?

No. But I don't think there is anything wrong in an older guy. Age is just a number; you don't choose your partner according to age, height or colour of his eyes. You choose your partner on the basis of how he treats you.

What was it like working with Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi and Omi Vaidya?

It was great to work with all of them, especially Ajay Sir, since I am a huge fan of his films. He is an extremely versatile actor and has very good comic timing. It was great to work with an actor of his calibre.

I did not get to work with Emraan and Omi a lot, though I interacted with them during the promotions and they are great. Omi was the funniest guy on the sets. He is a child at heart. He is a laugh riot. However, the hottest guy in Bollywood today is Ajay Devgn. BM