A step to stardom

The 22-year-old Bengaluru-based model-turned-actress Anushka Sharma wouldn't have imagined in her wildest dreams that she would make her debut in a blockbuster directed by Aditya Chopra, opposite Bollywood numero uno Shah Rukh Khan.

And the icing on the cake is that the script of the film, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, is part of the Oscar library.

And if that's not enough, Sharma has won accolades for her debut performance, which critics believe has outshone Khan's presence in the film.

Sharma, Bollywood's latest star, has come out of her shell to share her thoughts on her debut film.

Extracts from an interview:

Did you expect RNBDJ to be such a huge success?

I am ecstatic about the success of RNBDJ. I never anticipated such a phenomenal response, though I knew I was starting my career with the biggest names in the film industry.

Why weren't you a part of any promotional campaign?

Aditya Chopra felt that, being a newcomer, it wouldn't make sense for me to promote the film or give interviews. He would rather my performance did the talking.

How did you react when you were signed as the leading actress opposite Shah Rukh Khan?

I had no clue I was going to act opposite Shah Rukh Khan. I got a call for the audition and later came to know that it was a Yash Raj Film to be directed by Aditya Chopra.

But it was only when the shooting was going to start that I came to know Shah Rukh Khan would be playing the lead — I was speechless.

You have given a confident debut performance. Did you go for an acting course for the role of Taani?

I didn't. Since I was already into modelling, I wasn't scared of facing the camera. Moreover, much before RNBDJ happened, I had enrolled on an acting course when I didn't have much to do. That came in handy.

Shah Rukh Khan has said your performance has helped him improve his own. How much influence did Khan have on you?

Shah Rukh is just being humble. He can deliver terrific performance irrespective of who his co-star is. I have to give credit to Shah Rukh for the appreciation.

He made me feel comfortable and allowed me to be myself. I think Shah Rukh is one of the most gracious people I have met.

Were you able to identify with Taani in RNBDJ? What is your take on Taani not being able to recognise her husband, just because he shaves off his moustache and gets his hair spiked?

I did identify with Taani. As far as Taani's not recognising Suri is concerned, I think it was quite convincing, as Suri was a simple, boring man and Raj was the opposite.

It was improbable that Suri would turn into such a lively character overnight. If I weren't convinced about this, I may not have been able pull off the role.

Do you foresee changes in your personal life after RNBDJ?

I won't change as a person. But there will be people who will react differently.

What's next?

I have a three-film contract with Yash Raj Films and have no clue about my next film.

Would you, in real life, marry an unexciting man like Suri?

I will, because love such as his has no boundary. Love goes beyond physical appearance. This was what was shown in RNBDJ and I believe in it.

— Abdulla Mahmood is a UAE-based freelance writer