What did it mean to be Shatrughan Sinha's daughter?
To me, he was just my father. We were brought up in a regular normal way. I would travel in rickshaws to go to school (Arya Vidya Mandir) and take trains to college. If we ever showed off, we would be reprimanded at home. My mom had left her career as an actress when she got married and was strict with us.
How did you land up in films?
I never felt that I would land up doing films till I was shooting for my first film. I was the student of the year at SNDT where I studied fashion designing for three years. During this time, I started losing weight as I realised it was not healthy to be overweight at such a young age. I would not be able to run two minutes on the treadmill and that was pathetic. I did swimming, spinning, gymming and yoga and started losing weight. Dad and Salim uncle (Salim Khan) were friends and so, when I was in college, Salman would lecture me for hours, saying I was wasting my life and that I should drop fashion, lose weight and get into acting. I was not trained as an actor and, looking at me, no one could say that I would become an actress. So, I would never take him seriously. But he would always say, 'tum mein woh filmi keeda hain'. When I lost weight, Arbaaz Bhai met me backstage in a fashion week show and offered me Dabangg. It was unspoken and understood that I would. My parents were happy that I would start off with a family that they were so close to. And Salman of course just says now, 'see I was right'.
What is your dad like?
He is extremely caring and a good role model to have. He is well-spoken and is a good person. Even though I am not as social as he is, I get my easiness to speak to people from him. However, I am also a reserved person and that could be misconstrued at times for being snobbish. My dad is quite boisterous. I am controlled. My brothers always like to believe that my father pampered me and I am spoilt. While it is not true, they felt that way as for my dad, I could not do anything wrong. So, if I did something wrong, I would put the blame on them and he would shout at them.
Is he dominating?
That's the persona he has. He is 6 ft 2" tall and has a strong personality, but he is a real softy inside. He likes to help people and maintains good relations with everyone.
Do you have memories of going to Patna?
Till my grandmother was alive, we visited Patna every year. I would usually not go out and be with her at home. I remember just after finishing school, once I had gone with my dad during elections and people were taking my autographs just because I was his daughter.
Who are you most attached to?
I am most attached to my mom as she is more involved, has always been there and knows what is happening in my life.
How have you managed to stay away from any controversy?
I am not a very social person and have a few friends who have been with me since school and college. I hate going to parties and events and would rather sit at home and watch TV. Parties are the place where controversies happen. So, I guess I am automatically away from it.
What was it like working with three big stars — Salman, Ajay and Akshay — so early in your career?
I felt I was in an envious position working with them as they are all superstars. Salman is straightforward and I love how he does not take his stardom very seriously. He knows it is there, but he does not rub it in your face. Akshay is funny and makes life easier for everyone on the set. Ajay is intelligent and just watching him on the set is so nice.
You are now working with stars your age — Imran and Ranveer. Do you find a difference?
I choose my films based on the scripts and not on how old my co-stars are. I enjoy my work, no matter who I am working with. Even if you give me a solo silent film, I will enjoy it. I learnt a lot from Salman and Akshay. With Imran and Ranveer, we are at the same level and they keep teasing me. I was pulling Ranveer's leg the other day saying, 'you better pull up your socks if you want to be Salman Khan in 20 years'.
Do you have friends in the industry?
I can call Akshay and Salman my friends. I would totally count on them .
You have done 10 films so far. Do you have a favourite?
I have had fun in my other films. I have acted in Lootera. I think it's because of the role and Vikram's (Vikramaditya Motwane) direction that it has turned out special for me. Vikram is one of the best directors I have worked with. His set was the most disciplined one I have been on. It was like going back to school. No talking, stay in character, lunch at 1, evening nashta at 6 and always pack up on time.
Does your Indian look and non-zero size work to your advantage?
In this perfect world, there are certain imperfections that catch your eye. That's what works for me. I don't concentrate on being perfect, but instead put that effort behind my craft and being true to myself. I don't conform to pressures outside of me. I am confident about myself. It would stress me out if I were sitting at home without any work. But I am doing really well for myself and am doing my parents proud. My imperfections are actually my USP and I am proud of them.
Do you see yourself getting married?
Yes of course, eventually, once I find the right guy. I don't see myself doing this all my life. The minute I find the right person, I will run.
Is there a similarity between any of the stars you work with and your dad?
Salman used to tease me in Dabangg saying that his moustache was like my father's.
