She easily evades uncomfortable questions and can talk non-stop. It’s been over three years in Bollywood, and Anushka Sharma sure knows her way around gossip and controversy. After the release of her successful debut movie, ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, opposite Shah Rukh Khan in 2008, the 23-yearold from Bangalore was hailed as one of the most promising actresses in Bollywood.
But the excitement died down when her next movie, ‘Badmaash Company’, did a little over average at the box office. Then came ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’, which fetched her the IIFA award for Best Actress and nominations for other awards. More from the actress on what keeps her sane and her next comedy, ‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’:
My reality check is my family and my wonderful friends. I’m still Anushka to them.
In 'Ladies vs Ricky Bahl' , I’m playing a go-getter.
Yes, this is my second movie with Ranveer Singh . In fact, the crew members and most of the actors of ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’ are working in this movie. Ranveer is a great actor to work with. He is good at what he does.
During a scene for 'Ladies vs Ricky Bahl', we had to jet-ski. Ranveer fell during a stunt and burned his left leg badly. We didn’t play any pranks on each other but we had a lot of fun working together.
Contrary to reports, I am not doing a Yash Raj movie with Arjun (Boney Kapoor’s son). He is a good friend and we hang out together.
Playing Shruti Kakkar in ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’ was tough. There is this scene where I break down after realising that Ranveer’s character is not in love with me. It is my toughest scene till now. Maneesh (Sharma, director) helped me do that scene.
My favourite actor is Shah Rukh Khan. He is such a charmer, very down to earth and inspiring as a person. I love his movie, ‘Chak De India’. My favourite director’s list will go on, but I like Vishal Bharadwaj for the kind of movies he does. I love Rani Mukerji for the way she has handled her career. ‘Saathiya’ and ‘Yuva’ are my favourite movies.
I enjoy travelling around the world and would love to do a travel show someday.
I’m not dating Ranveer Singh or Arjun.
I bought a Range Rover a few months ago, my biggest splurge.
I try to meditate twice a day. It calms me. I also went to Ananda (in Rishikesh) last year, where I meditated and met new people. It was a serene experience.
I love what I’m doing right now. I feel privileged to be in the movies, working with the biggest stars and directors. As long as I get good projects, I will continue doing it. The moment I stop enjoying acting, I will quit.
I think it’s my girl-next door appeal that works in Bollywood. People say they feel connected to my characters.
Coming up, I have a film opposite Shah Rukh Khan, which will release next year. I feel so lucky to work with him again. There’s ‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’, and a Vishal Bharadwaj movie along with Ajay Devgn. ‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’ is scheduled to release on December 9, 2011.
Up close
She wants to do a course in Philosophy
She is a late sleeper
Spends her free time on YouTube, watching movie trailers
Meditates twice a day