Hindustan Times (Gurugram) - Hindustan Times (Gurugram) - City
I’m proud to be Salman Khan’s protege and grateful for it: Daisy
Daisy Shah might have done only a handful of films but she isn’t complaining. After being an assistant choreographer to Ganesh Acharya for a decade, she made her Bollywood debut in 2014 with the Salman Khanstarrer Jai Ho, following it up with Hate Story 3 (2015). However, it’s her upcoming release, the star-studded Race 3, which Daisy is most excited about. She’s hopeful that it will “let the audience see me in a different avatar”. In a candid conversation, she talks about her journey so far, turning down Bodyguard, and more. You can say that, but everybody has their own journey. I took a little time, but eventually, I’ve reached my destination. That’s the goal, isn’t it? I wouldn’t blame anybody. My debut was delayed because it was my decision and my choice. And I believe in leaving things to time. I was very uncertain of what I wanted to be after being an assistant choreographer. The next step would have been to be a choreographer. I like dancing but when it comes to conceiving steps, I can’t do that — brains and dance don’t match in my case. But I realised that if I get into some other field, I’d have to start from scratch, which would have taken another 7-8 years.
The next stop for me was modelling and, thankfully, I got in touch with (actor) Salman Khan while shooting for Dabanng (2010). Later, he offered me Bodyguard (2011), which I refused. It was really gracious of him to ask me again for another film — Jai Ho and, now, Race 3. Not really. I was offered Hazel Keech’s role (who played Kareena Kapoor Khan’s best friend). I gave my reason that I come from a dancing background which [that] role had nothing to do with. Though it was a prominent role, that particular character had not [much] to perform. I don’t bother. I honour their words. I am proud to be Salman’s protege and I am very grateful for that. I wouldn’t deny that it doesn’t happen, but luckily, I haven’t been through it. I’ve never needed a casting director, honestly. I can’t say that more work will be offered, but as a person and actor, I hope that more doors open for me and people look up to me as a person who can deliver.