After remaining in news for its peppy songs and the title, Aayush Sharma and Warina Hussain-starrer Loveyatri is set to hit the silver screens on October 5. The Salman Khan Films production was earlier titled Loveratri but the name was changed following complaints of religious sentiments being hurt.
Both the first-timers come from different backgrounds. Aayush, who belongs to a political background, happens to be golden-hearted actor Salman Khan’s sister Arpita’s husband, while Warina comes from the war-ravaged land of Afghanistan. Just like any other debut actor, they are also nervous and excited about their first film, a musical romantic drama, helmed by debutant Abhiraj Minawala.
About the film that is set around the festival of Navaratri and love, Minawala, says, “It’s the story of a simple boy from Baroda. And we wanted a girl who looks like she belongs to London so we chose Warina for the role. Salman has seen the film and has given me a thumbs up. It’s now the audiences turn.”
Aayush had no acting or modelling experience and being Salman’s brother-in-law was not enough for him to enter the B-town. He says, “Before getting this film, I had worked as assistant director on Bajrangi Bhaijaan. I was strictly told not to mention about my background. Salman instructed me to learn the ropes of film-making on the sets from every department, right from costumes to production. I was asked to watch other actors perform. That was my learning on the sets. Only when he was confident that I could be launched, did he launch me as a hero. And I have realised that acting is not an easy job.”
It wasn’t a cake walk for Warina either. The model had to audition for the role several times. “After a series of auditions, Salman Khan chose me for the role. I was called for a meeting at 6 pm, but the time was changed to 9 pm later, so I kept roaming on the streets outside. When I finally met him, he gave me the signing amount through Sonakshi Sinha, who was present there.”
The film is the first independent project of Minawala, who has worked as chief assistant director for Salman’s last blockbuster Sultan. “I wanted to take a break after Sultan. It was then that Salman asked me what my plan was and if I will work on his production. I was getting married and was going to Europe on a holiday. So he asked me to meet him after the holiday. He had a script in mind he never told me who it was for but it all came together,” says Minawala, who is anxious to know the reaction of audience.
Aayush will be seen playing the role of a guy next door. “I wanted a simple film, which will entertain people and make them smile. When I heard the script I felt that it was a feel-good film. It celebrates love. I have put in my best because I don’t want to let Salman down. Ultimately it’s the audience, who is going to make the final decision.”
Warina is on cloud nine and her family and friends back home are equally elated. She says there is no looking back for her now. “I have got a huge opportunity. It has not been an easy process for me. I have put in my hundred percent to reach here today. I receive a lot of fan mail from people of my country. They believe that I have not only followed my dreams but inspired them too. It’s definitely a huge responsibility and I want them to be proud of me,” she says.
Both the actors did not know each other before working on the movie. “We were both awkward when we met for the first time,” says Aayush. “Photographer Rohan Shreshta asked me to do the romantic scenes properly as it was a romantic movie. My scenes were not working right. I was so nervous that I called my wife Arpita. She also told me to make sure that the chemistry looks right in the movie. So I was the one who broke ice with Warina on the sets.”
On the other hand, Warina enjoyed working with Aayush. She says, “He is very chilled out but I am an introvert person. He made me comfortable on the sets. As a co-star he helped me with script as I didn’t know anything about films.” Now, it’s the audience that will decide the trio’s fate.