SHREYAS TALPADE: I LIKE CHALLENGES THROWN AT ME

Shreyas Talpade says there have been times when he was written of as an actor but he always managed to prove his talent

Shreyas Talpade says there have been times when he was written of as an actor but he always managed to prove his talent. In his 19- year- old career, Shreyas has had a mix bag of hits and flops but every film has been a learning for him, says the actor.

“Coming from a non- film background, all you need is an opportunity to show your work, show your versatility. And I am grateful for all the work that I have done and reached this far and still doing work I think it is great. Every film has taught me something. The journey is not over yet,” he told PTI in an interview.

Best known for his critically- acclaimed turns in Dor and Iqbal, the actor says he has learnt to balance praise and brickbats that are a part of being a performer. “If everything is going in your favour or is good, then you will become complacent. I like challenges thrown at me... I don’t mind when I am not called a star, or when people say I am finished or think I am a non- actor. I know what I am capable of. I believe in myself.”

Shreyas says it is tough to sustain in this industry and he is aware that everyone goes through highs and lows. “Even the biggest of stars including Amitabh Bachchan sir had to go through a weak phase, he had to struggle. It is part of your professional journey. One who has the hunger and passion for cinema will do whatever it takes to do good work.

“One thing that the industry has taught me is that it is never too late to start or restart at any point. Like how Bachchan sir reinvented himself,” he says

Kashmira Irani always wanted to do films and see herself on the big screen. But the actress says working on the small screen taught her a lot and brought the best out of her.

She made her debut on television with Amber Dhara, and went on to do shows like Dharmakshetra and Dosti... Yaariyan... Manmarziyan. In Bollywood, she has featured in Rangoon, Tiger Zinda Hai and Salman Khan’s latest Bharat. She essays the role of Salman’s sister in the film.

“TV has been my foundation in the acting world. It has taught me a lot and brought the best out of me. Sometimes in TV, we work in not very pleasing circumstances but that only helps you get better as an actor,” Kashmira told IANS over an email.

“It challenges you because of time constraints but then I guess the pressure is not always a bad thing. And yes, I always wanted to do films and see myself on the big screen and today it’s happening. All I will is to only up the game hereon,” she added.

The actress would love to be back on the small screen. “I would love to work on TV again if I get something that resonates with me. No matter what the medium, what matters and what interests me is how is it pushing me as an actor and how it helps me get better at my craft.

“For me, it’s all about becoming one with character and doing complete justice to it. I want people to watch me and connect with my character or emotion I’m portraying. That’s when it feels right and worth it,” she said.

Talking about her experience of shooting with Salman, she said: “It has been an absolute honour to work in two films back to back with him. I fed off his vibrant energy on set which enhanced the entire process. He is so true to what he does and that I found that very inspiring.”

What’s your next project? “There are few projects in hand yet to be materialised. Once it’s confirmed, everyone will know,” she said.

Kashmira said she loves dancing, and “would love to make the dance magic come alive onscreen” like she did during her stint on stage musical Zangoora. “I hope I get a chance soon to be part of an exciting project that allows me to do that -- maybe a dance musical.”