BENGALURU: Sneha Kapoor known as The Indian Salsa Princess is here in the city for a film. This role, in a Hinglish film, will be her debut as an actor. She is also conducting a workshop in the city. City Express catches up with her for a quick chat. Excerpts from the interview:
What brings you to Bengaluru?
I was born and brought up in Bengaluru. I moved to Mumbai six years ago and now am back for work. Kirti Kishore, who now owns Latin Dance India company, and I used to dance together. So, when I came back, she said that we should do something together. So, that’s how we decided to do a workshop.
About the workshop...
It’s a Bollywood freestyle dance workshop by the Latin Dance India. It is open for everybody above 10 years of age. Even those who haven’t danced before in their lives can join. I have programmed it in such a way that anyone can learn what I have to teach.
About your project in the city...
I am here till end of July to do a film. It will be my debut as an actor. I am shooting for two months. It’s an offbeat film called Project Papa. It is about the relationship between a father and a daughter. I play the role of the daughter’s best friend who tries to help fix their relation. The three of us are helping each other to fix our lives without each other’s knowledge. It is 70 per cent based on our lives. Kanika Batra, the girl who is playing the daughter, is my childhood friend. She is playing herself in the movie and her father Mr Batra is playing himself. It is written and directed by Kanika.
Did you have plans to get into acting?
I started giving it serious thought one and a half years ago. I auditioned for lots of serials in Mumbai but nothing worked for me. So, when this project came up, I was excited. I am doing it with the people I know. There are no stereotypes like in Bollywood films. It does not involve a huge production like in Karan Johar films. I am just playing a nice character. The film will be released in six to eight months. And, I am doing my first film project here in Bengaluru. I am excited about that.
How does it feel to be back in the city?
My family lives here in the city. I am happy that I can get more time to spend with them. I usually pay them a visit for a week once in six months or so. I don’t get to come here so often due to work commitments. It is good to be back and stay with them.
I believe you started your career here in Bengaluru. Also, you were an athlete. How did dancing happen?
I was a complete tomboy at school. I was athletic and my mother enrolled me for classes at Kanteerava. I wanted to be the fastest runner and represent India in Olympics. But while training, I suffered an injury and had to rest. During that period, my college friends asked me to participate in a college competition. I hated being on stage. My friends lied that I would be dancing behind everybody else and, even if I made a mistake, no one would see it. But I was placed in front. After all that, the choreographer Richard Tholoor who was in-charge of all these things asked me to come to his studio. I wasn’t interested but he convinced me to just join. I was a shy person but over the time, the art form grew in me. I realised that dance was my calling.
You are referred to as the Indian Salsa Princess. How do you feel?
It is really very humbling. I got all fame but as you get recognised more, the responsibilities also increase. You need to maintain the standard you’ve set.
Which actors would you like to choreograph for?
I want to work with SRK for sure. Among the young talent, I would say Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor and Alia Bhat. Working with each person is an experience. So, I do not really have any favourites in particular.
The workshop will be held on June 12 at Latin Dance India, Koramangala 6th block at 4 pm. Registrations are open till 3.30 pm. For further details, call 9448380213/ 9686300213.