How did Harshaali get the role?
Kajal: I had casually dropped in to meet casting director Mukesh sir (Mukesh Chhabra). He just conducted a basic audition with Harshaali. A few weeks later, he called us again. This time, the test was a lot more detailed; her body language and emotions were put to test. A few more weeks passed by. We were informed that she has been shortlisted for a Salman Khan film. Kabir Khan conducted some workshops with her and a few other kids. And eventually, they took five kids including Harshaali to meet Salman sir. I didn't go along. Then, we were told she has been finalised for the role.
It must have taken some time for that news to register?
Kajal: It did because we weren't expecting it.
Were you expecting your daughter to come out with flying colours on the big screen?
Kajal: Yes, because I know my daughter has a passion for facing the camera. If she doesn't do her homework, all I have to say is, "Harshaali, I will not let you act again." And everything is done with clockwork precision and in record time (laughs). When I asked her what she told Salman sir when she met him, Harshaali said: "I told Salman uncle that I want to be a superstar like him." I was stunned with her confidence. Before she started shooting, I asked her, "Baby. will you be comfortable doing sobbing scenes?" She replied: "Mamma, I will. If I don't do my part well, how would people watching the film feel Shahida's pain?"
There must be plenty of offers now?
Kajal: There are, but most are for TV shows. And I don't want her to do those. I don't want to drain her. A break is a must. And I'd be happier if she did few but good ad and film projects. I will be monitoring the movies that are offered. After working hard and getting this far in her career, I don't want her to do miniscule roles. The production house, the character and the length of the role will all matter. She's in Std 2 right now. After passing Std 5 or 6, I'll have to stop her from working. Once she's 18, and passes class 12, she can start again. Studies are a must, and I have drilled that in her.
Did she miss her classes while shooting for BB?
She missed quite a few, but we had her principal's permission. She had clearly told us that she can't miss her exams and she must complete her notes and homework. So, her father and I teamed up and made sure she misses nothing of what is taught in school. Sometimes, he went to school and fetched the notes, and sometimes, her teachers would tell me on the phone and send her worksheets by email. We covered up everything, and she passed with decent marks. She was in Std 1 when we started shooting. So, the pressure is not all that high.
Did you have to play the mediator between Kabir, Salman and Harshaali?
No, I always let them be. They communicated on the sets directly. I just watched from the sidelines because I let Harshaali hang around with them on the sets right from Day 1. So, she had a great rapport with almost everyone on the sets. She even had queries at times which Kabir sir answered patiently and lovingly. Today, Harshaali and Kabir's daughter Saira have become great friends.
Suddenly, Harshaali joins us...
You hurt your leg?
Yeah, I fell off.
You were running kya?
Yeah.
Were you running like this on the sets of BB?
(Shakes her head)
Was Salman uncle scaring you?
Nahin. Woh acche hain!
What happened when you met Salman uncle for the first time?
(Shies and covers her face with her palms) Kuch nahi...
Which is your favourite subject in school?
I love Maths.
Your mother told me you want to become a superstar?
True.
A superstar like?
Salman uncle, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Nawaz uncle.
Which Salman uncle film do you like the most?
Apart from Bajrangi Bhaijaan, I like Kick. Actually, I have seen all his films. Sab acchi hain.
Kick had both, Nawazuddin uncle and Salman uncle. Whom did you like more?
I liked both, I can't choose between the two.
Did you play games with Salman uncle? He loves playing with kids...
We didn't run so much on the sets. We played games on his mobile phone and I used to sit in Kabir Khan uncle's lap while playing. We played Barbie.
Did you teach the game to Salman uncle?
I tried. Lekin boys log ko kahan aata hai ye sab.
Do your teachers miss you in school?
No, they don't.
What did your teachers say when your first poster and teaser came out?
I didn't go to school for the first seven days after that.
Did you share your shooting experiences with your friends?
No. Mamma had asked me not to, because that would have given away too much from the film. Woh log picture mein kya dekhte phir?
Has your family liked the film?
Yeah, everyone has loved it.
You didn't have a dialogue in the film. Were you okay with that?
I don't like dialogues. Fewer the better. So it's ok.
Were you scared of any of the scenes?
Action scenes. I started crying when they were beating up Salman uncle.
Salman uncle has also cried a lot in the scenes. Who consoled him on sets?
I never consoled him. He's older. So he can stop on his own.
Did Kabir uncle ever scream at you?
No.
Your mother did?
Haan, but not in front of everyone.
Were you scared playing with sheep in the film?
No, they are cute. We get wool from them.
Have you spoken to Kabir uncle again after your shoot got over?
No. I didn't call him. I only called him when my promo came out.
Between Salman uncle and you, who is the better actor?
Salman uncle! He's the best!