I am a complete opposite of a rebel!: Tiger Shroff

Zee Cinema will soon showcase the World Television Premiere of ‘Baaghi’ on Monday, 15th August at 12:30 PM. One of the biggest action blockbusters of 2016, ‘Baaghi’ stars Tiger Shroff in an intense yet compassionate character along with the radiant Shraddha Kapoor in an all new action avatar. Spectacular action choreography, mind boggling stunts by the lead pair along with chartbusting music, the movie is sure to entertain audiences on television.

Ahead of the World Television Premiere of ‘Baaghi’, Tiger Shroff speaks about his character, importance of action, father Jackie Shroff amongst other things…

Q.How was it working with Sabbir Khan and his team, after ‘Heropanti’?
It has been overwhelming. Sabbir Sir is my mentor and we share a great comfort level. While filming Heropanti, I was really nervous and shy but he taught me the techniques of the craft. Even within limited resources, he has an amazing ability to amplify everything as a director. I am thankful that my debut film was accepted well. That doubled the expectations for my next movie ‘Baaghi’ and I am glad that both the director and the producer considered me worthy of such a huge production again.

I wanted to give viewers a better version of myself with Baaghi

Q.What made you accept the role of a baaghi in ‘Baaghi’?
Going by the response that I received as an actor for Heropanti, I wanted to give the viewers something more…a better version of myself. Sabbir Sir had mentioned that he wanted to make a complete action drama and ‘Baaghi’ was that film. I loved the script and felt that this is exactly what I should take up as I could use my talent and potential to the fullest.

Q.But even ‘Heropanti’ had fair amount of action…
Honestly, in front of ‘Baaghi’, ‘Heropanti’ is not an action film. Sabbir Sir scraped the surface of action in ‘Heropanti’ which is essentially a love story. ‘Baaghi’ is truly an action film in that sense.

Q. ‘Baaghi’ must have called for extra-ordinary preparations…
Yes it did. People think that I don’t need to train a lot for such roles but that’s not true. This role took a lot of efforts and physical strength. I learnt martial arts. I underwent backbreaking training and workshops for Kalaripayattu by Grandmaster Shifuji Shaurya Bhardwaj. I had to be perfect in self-defense and close combat forms for the film.

Q. An action film like ‘Baaghi’, acting can go on a back burner. What is your view on the same?
That’s not true. As actors, acting is our prime profession and we are skilled to do that. If we add no soul or emotions to even our action scenes, the purpose of having us in a movie fails.

Q. Don’t you fear being type-cast as an action hero?
Not really. ‘Baaghi’ is just my second film and the reason behind the action sequences in this movie is love, which is very strong. But even if it is for action, I am glad that I have created an identity for myself, so early in my career.

Q. How was it working with Shraddha Kapoor?
Shraddha and I go way long way. We were school friends and our fathers have also worked together. We are so comfortable with each other and thus it was a stress free environment on the sets. Shraddha might come across as a delicate and soft hearted person but she is a strong individual. When we used to shoot, she would often ask me how her shot went just to be sure. Honestly, I could say nothing because it seems she has been doing it for years. Throughout the shoot, we used to keep telling each other how strange it feels to work with our childhood friends. But the rapport helped us filming the action and romantic scenes easily.

Shraddha was a consistent winner in acting and dance competitions

Q. Shraddha Kapoor has also done some serious action in the film. Was she a little skeptical while shooting?
Not at all. I think Shraddha has always wanted to be an actor so she puts in great efforts to learn anything for her role. I remember in school, she had been a consistent winner in acting and dance competitions. She was really passionate and had a clear idea about what she wanted to be. As for me, I was a sports lover in my school days. I always wanted to be a sportsman. Acting happened to me by chance. So whenever people ask me about having a plan B in life, I tell them that is what I am actually doing. So there can’t be anything better than this.

I am scared of my parents and disciplined in real life

Q. How much of a Baaghi are you in real life?
I am a complete opposite of a rebel. I am scared of my parents and disciplined in real life. Yes, I am very restless and have a lot of anger within me but I channelize that through my dance and exercise. I believe in expressing anger in the right way.

Q. How does your father Jackie Shroff react to your success?
My father really likes it when someone comes up to him and says ‘Arey Whistle Baja ke Daddy’ or ask him where am I. He is extremely happy with the kind of work that I have done so far.

~Watch the World Television Premiere of ‘Baaghi’ on Monday, 15th August at 12:30 PM only on Zee Cinema~