When Radhika Madan was star-struck
For Radhika Madan, her upcoming film, Angrezi Medium, has been a learning opportunity. The actor describes her process of working as “observing and absorbing” from her co-actors, and this time has been no different. She says that Irrfan’s way of approaching his characters and scenes makes him a star. “He approaches every film as if it’s his first, which can make or break him. He still gets nervous before shooting for an important scene,” she says.
She shares that she’s overwhelmed by the experience that he brings to the table. “Irrfan wants to keep learning with every project. He gives every film his all and he continues making notes for every scene.”
Moreover, Radhika believes that Deepak Dobriyal is “excellent at improvising”. She says, “His improvisations leave a huge impact. Even if a character is not written in an interesting way, he’ll make it interesting. He is a genius.”
Ask her about working with veteran actor, Dimple Kapadia, and she excitedly replies, “She’s a sweetheart! She slips under the skin of her character so well and plays it so effortlessly. She might look intimidating but she isn’t.”
But, it was Kareena Kapoor Khan who left her star-struck. “I was trembling when I met Kareena. I’ve been her fan for life,” she says and adds, “I’ve watched Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (2003) and Jab We Met (2007) innumerable times. I had posters of her films all over my room. Tashan (2008)’s poster was my phone’s screen saver.
Chhaliya [song from Tashan] drove me crazy. The moment I shook hands with her, I froze. But I didn’t let her see that I was fangirling as she might’ve been creeped out (laughs). She’s a very warm person.”
The Pataakha (2018) actor says that the film was like a “university” for her. She elaborates, “I used to keep telling myself to just observe them and take notes. I used to ask them so many questions about their process and method. None of them made me feel like I was working with stars. That’s why, they are where they are today.”