Raring to go

Candid conversation

Child actors Hetal Gada and Krissh Chhabria are on top of the world. They can’t seem to hold their excitement as Nagesh Kukunoor’s ‘Dhanak’ will release on June 17, where the duo are the lead actors. In a chat with Tini Sara Anien, they talk about their journey with ‘Dhanak’ and the transformation they went through.

Tell us something about the film.
Hetal:I gained a lot from the movie, be it the acting experience or the bond I share with Krissh who’s like a brother to me.
Krissh: ‘Dhanak’ was a fun film and I learnt a lot from the movie. The film has a lot to do with natural acting and that is what Nagesh sir taught us.

How was it to work with Nagesh?
Hetal: It was such a big deal for me to work with him. Nagesh sir is like a godfather to us. 
Krissh: He treats kids and adults with utmost respect. I've grown a lot from what I was before ‘Dhanak’. Nagesh sir polished us into what can be seen in the movie.

Having acted earlier, how different was this project?
Hetal: There was no artificial acting involved. Every scene seemed like a natural one and we were explained that overacting is what we had to stay away from.
Krissh: We have learnt to tone it down and be natural at whatever we do.

Difficulties you faced during the shoot.
Hetal: Everything was enjoyable, right from our acting to being on the sets. Nagesh sir had to break us and form us again into what we are now. It was a tad bit difficult, but within a week he was able to mould us into what he wanted in ‘Pari’ and ‘Chotu’. 

What kind of a bond do you both share?
Hetal: We play siblings on screen and I feel like Krissh is my own brother. I’m protective about him as I don’t have any siblings. 
Krissh: I have a sister but I really enjoy Hetal’s company and goofing around with her.

An interesting scene from the project.
Krissh: The scene where we are riding on the bike with Rajiv Laxman was the funniest one. When we were shooting, there was a car coming from the other side which had a camera on it and I looked at it unknowingly, though I play the role of a visually handicapped boy in the movie. Everyone was looking at me, reminding me about my character.

The movie has a scene where Pari gets inspired to set off for the journey because she sees Shah Rukh Khan on the poster of an eye-donation drive. Is he your favourite actor?
Hetal: He’s definitely my favourite. I absolutely love him and have been a big fan of all his works.
Krissh: I’m a fan of Salman Khan. I believe he is a great person. 

Did you feel the pressure?
Hetal: We never got time to think about pressure and expectations. The shoot was hectic and there was a lot to do. I was super-excited that I had been selected for the film and after that, everything fell in place. All the credit for this goes to Nagesh sir.

How did you prepare for your respective roles? 
Hetal: I was expected to pick up nuances about how to behave around visually-handicapped people. Also we underwent an acting workshop.
Krissh: We visited a school for the visually-handicapped and that’s where I tried to understand their body language.

How excited are you about the release?
Hetal: We have been waiting for this for a while now. It will be nice to see how the Indian audience reacts to the movie.
Krissh: I don’t know how to put it into words. I’m just jumping with joy.