From being a shy tomboy as a young girl to becoming a
confident young actress, Disha Patani has come a long way. Ahead of the release
of her debut film, M.S. Dhoni- The Untold Story, where she plays the
cricketer’s girlfriend, she sits down for an interview with SpotboyE.com and
reveals many aspects about the person behind the actress. Excerpts from the
interview:
Your debut film M.S. Dhoni - The Untold Story releases this
Friday. Tell us about your journey during the course of this film?
For anyone their first film is a beautiful journey. Every
day is special and as exciting as the previous day. I had lots
of fun and learnt a lot from every actor and, of course, the director Neeraj
(Pandey) sir.
You are kick-starting your career in films with a biopic on
M.S. Dhoni, who is great sportsman. So were sports an important aspect of your
childhood?
I was a state level basketball player and my family is crazy
about cricket. I remember every one would gather around the TV and watch World
Cups and T20 matches. I like cricket, but not a fan of the sport.
Have you followed Dhoni’s game?
I used to follow his game till I was in school. Post that I
shifted to a hostel in college and didn’t have access to a TV. He is in an
inspiration; be it his long hair, which became a fashion statement or his
famous helicopter shots, he has always left me mesmerised. Also, his struggle
to become the captain of the Indian team and how he has
changed himself from that phase to this phase, is very interesting.
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Did you always dream of becoming an actress?
I never thought I would become an actor because I
was extremely shy. I couldn't speak to people and thought they would all
judge me. In fact, I hardly had friends till I was 15. Becoming an actress was
pure destiny and I think not knowing what’s going to happen next, is the best
way to explore yourself.
So how did modelling happen?
My mother is fond of beauty pageants and wanted me to
participate. I took part in a city-based pageant, but I wasn't into it so
much then probably because I was a tomboy while growing up and couldn’t think
of wearing heels and make up. I was declared the runner-up and soon after,
began getting offers from Mumbai for modelling. I was making money off it so I
thought, ‘Why not?’ Eventually there came a point when I had to pick between
pursuing B.Tech or modelling and my inner voice told me that the latter was my
calling. I was apprehensive about living alone in Mumbai, but I gave it a shot.
Now, I am here and am happy.
What was your family's reaction when you told them that you
are taking up modelling as a full-time job?
I remember I was 18-19 years old and was confused between
B.Tech and modelling. At that point, my mother came up to me and said that I
should do what my heart says and they would always be there for me. They are
the ones who got me here and whatever I am now is because of them (smiles).
Did you face any unpleasant experience during your struggle
period?
Every day was a struggle and I had to repeatedly convince
myself that I can make it. I felt low because, in a way, I felt I was stuck in
Mumbai. Also I was very young and immature. All of a sudden I had to be this
woman who has to look good and make an effort to convince people about her
abilities through her commercials. I would miss my friends back in college and
the small things like sitting in the canteen, chilling. However, slowly and
steadily, I began enjoying being this independent woman. My family was proud of
me and that was moment when I felt that this is where I belong.
You left studies (B.Tech) midway, but were you academically
sound?
Yes, I was. I would also participate in
extracurricular activities like dancing and games. But when I joined
college, the medical students around me were only interested in studies and
nothing else. Somewhere I began feeling that I don’t belong here because I
always wanted to something apart from studies. I never attended classes but I
was the student who would study the night before and still
score good marks. 
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We have all had a first crush. Who was yours?
It was Goku from Dragon Ball Z (A Japanese anime series that
was huge hit amongst school kids and even college teens in the late '90s and early 2000). I know it is weird, but I used have dreams about him when
I was young and I felt that he is my kind of guy. My sister and I used to park
ourselves in front of the TV set everyday to watch the show. In fact, we even
watched the repeat telecasts. 
Image Source: youtube/t-series
Coming back to the film, tell us how was it working with
Sushant (Singh Rajput)?
He is amazing. He is a very friendly guy and
doesn’t, for once, make you feel intimidated or nervous. He doesn’t tell you
what you have to do, which I feel is his best part. He knew I was newcomer and
there will be a few things that I don’t know, but he gave that space
to explore it myself. Also we both are Rajputs, so we would talk about
food and Delhi.
What kind of cuisines do you enjoy?
I miss Delhi food so much. If you have grown up in Delhi,
Lucknow or just anywhere in North India, you wouldn’t be able to forget the
food; it’s unbeatable. Here, I have tried the vada pav from the famous
joint near Mithibai College and it was tasty. I have a soft spot for sweets; I
love chocolates.
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It is said that two actresses can never be friends. How was
your experience of working with Kiara Advani, who is part of the film too?
I met Kiara for the first time during the promotions of the
film. And we bonded well. She is a sweet person; we should've worked together.
Coming to the captain of your ship, Neeraj Pandey. He is a
very talented filmmaker. What is that one thing you learnt working with him?
Do not act. He used to tell me that these are your lines,
just say them as you will in your daily life and it actually works well because
when you will see those scenes in the film, you will feel for the characters.
Your special friendship with Tiger Shroff has been spoken
about a lot. Does it bother you? What will you say about Tiger and your
camaraderie?
You know, so many people have asked me about him
and have talked about it, but no one has ever printed or shown that anywhere. So, it does not affect my relationship with him. If
anything, it’s only my work that affects me. These things (rumours) are part
and parcel of our life and shall come and go. Right now my film hasn’t
released, so they know me as somebody’s girlfriend. But once my film is out, I
want them to know me for just my work.
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