‘I get inspired by Alia a lot’
In 2013, Aashiqui 2 (2013) made Shraddha Kapoor an overnight star. Interestingly, around the same time, a number of other young actresses such as Alia Bhatt, Parineeti Chopra and Kriti Sanon also made their entry into Bollywood. “I get inspired by Alia a lot. She is a very fine actor, and you feel inspired to see such good work. It makes you think, ‘wow, that’s really great and it’s so nice to see [such quality work],” says Shraddha. The Ek Villain (2014) actor admits that regardless of who her contemporaries are, “what’s good is good; and you have to give them (actors) the credit for whatever it may be.” She says: “If something is good, and you don’t acknowledge that, it doesn’t make sense. Every single day, there is so much to learn from everyone. As for me, I want to do better than what I did the last time. I aim to improve myself every time. But if I like and feel inspired by my contemporaries’ work, then it’s great.” So, doesn’t she ever get insecure? “I get insecure about myself and my work. So, right now, I am thinking, ‘what have I got myself into by agreeing to do Saina. Is it a good decision? Will I be able to do it? Do I have it in me to give it that kind of time, preparation and effort?’ I don’t know, but I will find out along the way. But it’s scaring me. I played basketball in Half Girlfriend but in Saina, sports (badminton) will be a huge portion. So, I have to become a pro,” she says.
If something is good, and you don’t acknowledge that, it doesn’t make sense. SHRADDHA KAPOOR, ACTOR