'It was Akshay's decision to cast me'

Launch vehicle

In Patiala House, I play a simple girl who isn’t allowed to do what she wants. The film is based on the generation gap between today’s youth and their parents.

My character wants to be a rapper but is afraid of her father (played by Rishi Kapoor). The character is very close to what I am in real life because that is exactly what happened to me.

Casting coup

It was actually Akshay Kumar’s decision to cast me. Nikhil Advani and Akshay saw me performing in Jhalak Dikhla Ja in the Giddha Bhangra episode. They then chose me as they thought I was perfect for this role.

Stepping stone

I don’t have any acting background neither have I done any course. It’s just a little bit of drama classes at school. I just watched some acting lectures on You Tube and realised that acting is not pretending. You just have to put yourself in the character’s shoes and react to the situation.

First shot

The first shot was taken at Film City, Mumbai and it was for a song called Tumba with Rishi Kapoor and boy, was that scary but I got along with him really well and love being around him as I get to learn so much.  He’s so professional and extremely particular even after all these years.

Stumbling block

I’m quite professional with everything I do and love facing challenges. The only thing that annoys me is waiting around for my shot or a technical problem. You never know what’s going on or when you are needed so a whole day may be wasted on one shot.

Lessons learnt

In this industry, one thing never changes — people who pull you down. I just try to live a good life and do my work. I never care about what people think as long as I’m doing the right thing.

Idol

My role model is my mother. She has always supported me and was there for me at my lowest point. I look up to a lot of people. I love being around Akshay Kumar and Rishiji but Dimple Kapadia actually makes me feel a little nervous and starstruck. She’s so beautiful. I would love to work with Irrfan. Ayan Mukherji, who directed Wake Up Sid, is also good and I would love to do a film with him. But my dream is to work with Quentin Tarantino.

Future projects

I’m getting a few more film offers but right now, I’m most excited about the release of my new single Desi Dance featuring D12.