Shahzahn Padamsee : ‘I was in shock’
Shahzahn Padamsee talks about her debut in Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year
Q: Are you dating Ranbir Kapoor?
A: I have no idea where this sprung up from.
How does it feel debuting in a Yash Raj film opposite Ranbir Kapoor?
It feels very nice and exciting but, at the same time, it isn’t easy. One has to go through various auditions; knock on a hundred doors and hope that at least one of them opens. So it isn’t a cakewalk. But it definitely feels great now, since I’ve finally done a film.
What was your first line of thought when the movie was offered to you?
I was extremely excited but it took time to sink in. I was in shock actually (giggles); it was quite a big thing happening to me. And you’re constantly in doubt since you never know whether or not you will get the job or will be dropped at the last minute. Luckily it didn’t happen to me. I think once I started shooting, I realised that I’m indeed a part of this movie.
What is your character in the film? Is this your dream role to debut with?
I am not permitted as yet to say anything about the character or the part I’m playing in the film. But definitely this is a dream role to start with.
How nervous or excited were you when you gave your first shot?
I wasn’t very nervous at the shooting as I have done a lot of ads before. The camera wasn’t something new to me. And then of course it helped that everyone is very professional; Ranbir and Shimit Amin were extremely professional. It really helped me as they both are very meticulous people and they would go through each thing a couple of times.
Any preparations before starting the film?
I didn’t exactly prepare for this film but I was getting myself ready to be in the industry. I worked on my Hindi diction and also joined dance classes to improve my dance. I have also done theatre for two years and I guess that’s the best training ever.
Did you recognise Ranbir with his beard? How helpful was he as a co-star?
Honestly that was the only Ranbir I knew. I was more scandalised when I saw him without the beard! That’s the time when I didn’t really recognise him. The Ranbir I knew had a beard and was in a Sardar get-up. As a co-star he was very helpful and I really admire him for achieving so much at such a young age. And he works really, really hard, which is very inspiring for me as well as everyone else on the sets.
Are you dating Ranbir Kapoor?
I have no idea where this sprung up from; I have never given any quote about this and I don’t want people to drag it up any more.
Did Gauhar Khan and you have a major fight about who is the lead actress?
I don’t know how these things come up. I have just shot for a day with her so I don’t really know her. So there is no question of a cat fight or anything else.
Is it true that you just have very few scenes in the film?
It’s not about the screen time you have, it’s just the impact you make in the film. Meryl Streep had just a couple of scenes in Kramer Vs Kramer and she got an Academy Award for that. People who judge the actors by their screen time in a movie are very narrow minded. It’s about the character you play and how well do you portray it, whether you have three scenes or forty.
