SPICE APRIL 2017 IPAD LR

STAR BUZZ ||||| ANUSHKA SHARMA
The actor in Phillauri with Diljit Dosanjha
right writers, filmmakers and
technicians to deliver good films. With
Phillauri too, the idea was to invest
similarly – especially VFX of the ghost,
etc.
How is it acting in a film that you
are producing?
It is strange you know, to strike a balance
between being a producer and an actor. I
sometimes wonder as to why I became a
producer. I could have led a normal
actress’ life. But then producing is
something that I not only enjoy but has
given me a long-term goal. The challenge
is always about when to get involved and
when to disconnect and focus on acting.
The prep you do for a film and postproduction
is the toughest. There are
days when you have to firefight. But I
have a very good team that has helped me
maintain a balance between being
producer and actor. Fact is, on the set, I
would not even speak to my brother to
stay in my “actor zone”
The leads are so diverse in their
backgrounds - you, Suraj Sharma and Diljit
Dosanjh. What was the chemistry between
the three of you like?
Yes, we two were very different in our
approach to the material. But I think I
can speak for all of us that once the
camera starts rolling, it doesn’t matter
how we approach things. As a matter of
fact, Diljit refused to be part of Atul
Mongia’s acting workshop right before
filming began. My brother was nervous
about Diljit not being okay with the
workshops. I can understand where
Diljit comes from. It could be fear,
anxiety or anything else. But as long as
he performed on the set, I was okay with
it. Suraj is very committed. He used to
always take notes, and made all of us
insecure. So, his 100-page script became
a 200-page one because he added so
many notes.
You have rapped in Naughty Billo. What
was the experience like?
I loved the song. It was such a catchy
number. Actually, I insisted I wanted to
be part of it. I have rapped in it for the
very first time. I don’t think I will take it
up seriously but I loved doing this one.
You have been constantly followed by the
media ever since you went public about your
relationship with Virat Kohli… Does that
bother you?
I am indifferent to it. They are probably
doing their job. I didn’t ask them to
follow me. I don’t think there’s any harm
in this. Everyone has a personal life but I
would like to keep a few things very
personal and the media too should
respect my privacy. Both Virat and me
are busy with our individual work
because our focus is on our careers. As
long as the media does not step on my
toes, I am cool.
Will you be producing more films?
Certainly, but I want to go slow. As I said
acting remains my priority and I will
produce films as and when I come across
good scripts.
94 ||||| APRIL 2017