Ahead of the release of their much waited film, the star cast of Kalank spoke about their experiences on set, how they liked working with each-other and the challenges they faced shooting such an intense film. The film is directed by Abhishek Verman and is all set to release on 17 April. It also stars Aditya Roy Kapur and Sanjay Dutt.
Alia, how different is your ‘Roop’ from the person you are off-screen?
Alia Bhatt: I think a lot of our qualities may be similar, but she isn’t like me. She is very ahead of our time, she’s a strong girl, a brave girl. I believe I am those things too. She follows her heart a lot, which is where I connect with her the most. But she is probably way braver than I could ever be.
And Varun, did you connect with ‘Zafar’ in any way as a person?
Varun Dhawan: Not at all! The character has a lot of angst, I would constantly ask Abhishek about the character’s childhood to build a back story in my head. There was a scene in which I smiled and you could see my teeth, and Abhishek said “No! Zafar cannot show his teeth. You’re supposed to be arrogant. You can’t smile like that.”
Sonakshi, how different is it to act in a multi-star cast as opposed to when you’re the only main lead?
Sonakshi Sinha: I think it is very different. I am coincidentally doing more ensemble projects but what is common is that my role is very important and doesn’t get lost in the film with the other characters. The same way with Kalank, the way the film is written is each character has a very important part to play and I was more than happy to be a part of it.
Madhuri, how was it acting in a set that huge? It has been reported that it was even bigger than the one you had in Devdas....
Madhuri Dixit: Oh yes! The Heera Mandi set is beautiful, it is so exceptionally done, so aesthetic. It was a huge set, nothing gaudy, very genuine looking. It has itr shops, chandeliers just like old times...I would take a walk around when I had free time, it is just beautiful and looks so nice on screen!
Alia, how was it dancing with, Madhuri? She is best known for her grace as a dancer....
Alia Bhatt: Oh, I prepared so much! I think I got a white hair preparing for this song! It wasn’t easy at all, I am not a great dancer myself and this was a different level altogether. There was so much grace and I think I have the body language of a boy. The choreography, I did it for two months straight, everywhere. Everyone thought I had gone crazy.
Varun, you’re someone who has managed to please the masses and the classes, how do you think that has happened?
Varun Dhawan: I think as an actor I am very greedy. I see digital shows like Made In Heaven and Sacred Games, so I definitely want that too. I have also started my own YouTube channel for extra content. When the time is right, I want to get into digital too. With that said, I also love Bollywood masala. I want to do everything. I have done so many college films, I keep asking myself “Main pass kab huunga?” (When will I graduate?)
Sonakshi, did you find the film a little too intense to shoot at times, did it ever get tiring? From the trailer your character seems to constantly be making tough decisions...
Sonakshi Sinha: I don’t take my characters home with me. It is literally like a button, switch on or switch off. I think the most difficult part of an actor’s job is to be able to emote without saying much. Satya is that character, she says a lot with her eyes. There was a scene with Aditya that I did and it was very difficult, I can’t imagine myself being in that situation. But I know how to switch off...
Madhuri, how was it working with the youngsters? Did you ever think you were learning from them too?
Madhuri Dixit: Oh, that is a very good question, because people keep asking them and I believe learning is something one does throughout life. Everyday is a learning experience. When I work with the youngsters I learn from them. They handle social media while doing all this, like Varun is a marketing genius, Alia is such a lovely actor - I am such a fan of her films, she becomes her character. She is so disciplined, so prepared. She reminds me a lot of myself. I think there are so many good actors now, Sonakshi, Anushka, Deepika, Priyanka... I love all of them.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)