IT’S NOT ABOUT WORKING WITH BIG STARS
Disha Patani says that she is a ‘selfish actor’, as she only does work that makes her truly happy
With one big project after the other — Disha Patani is truly enjoying the current phase of her career. 2020 will see her starring with Salman Khan in Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, and also headline Ktina, in a quirky avatar.
“I have done only a few films, it’s time to gear up and do more work,” quips the 27-yearold, whose latest release Malang opened to mixed reviews and has registered decent collections.
She is happy with whatever response it has got, and says, “Malang is doing great at the box office, and it definitely is a good feeling. I believe more than the figures, it is the overall appreciation and love, which makes me content. With Malang, I feel grateful that everyone is praising my role. That makes me happy.”
But with appreciation comes a bit of criticism as well. What’s been the best compliment Disha has received for her performance, and how does she react to the trolling and memes made on the film? “The best compliment I have received is that I look as hot as a live wire. That is something I had never heard and coming from the audience who have watched the film, makes me happy. We went to the theatres and looking at the reactions, I feel blessed for all the support that I have been receiving,” she adds.
Barely five years old in showbiz, Disha has done seven films till now, out of which Bharat (2019) and Baaghi 2 (2018) have been with stars such as Salman and Tiger Shroff. We ask whether going forward, her focus is solely going to be on working with big names, and she says, “It’s not about working with big stars. It’s always been about me. I am very selfish as an actor. I have always been loved, regardless of what I play in films, even if it’s a small role, be it in Bharat or MS Dhoni — The Untold Story (2016). I always made sure to love what I do.”
But the experience working with Salman for the second time is what she cherishes. “It’s been amazing,” Disha gushes, “Radhe... is in a different genre. I am also working with Prabhudheva sir, it’s great!”
It’s only now that Disha is getting a chance to explore her acting chops, apart from just being glamorous. Does she feel that she been typecast in this image? “It’s the other way round actually,” she says, “I have done de-glam roles, played a mother in Baaghi 2. Bharat, again, saw me get Indian with a little bit of song and stuff. Malang was the first time I got to be glamorous and look western.”
At this point in her life, she might be content with her professional achievements, but the one thing she rues is not getting enough space. “I guess the toughest part for me is not getting enough space. I love my space, follow a disciplined schedule,” she says. One might think then that the constant speculations over her relationship status would bother her, too. But she clarifies, “Honestly, it doesn’t matter. Everything depends on the film, and the box office report when it comes, if the film is a hit, or doesn’t work.” Rishabh Suri
I have done de-glam roles, played a mother in Baaghi 2. Bharat, again, saw me get Indian with a little bit of song and stuff. Malang was the first time I got to be glamorous and look western. DISHA PATANI, ACTOR