Disha Patani: My Relationship With Tiger Shroff Remains Unaffected

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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