Little Miss Muffet

ATHIYA SHETTY was the talk of the town prior to her entry into Bollywood, for making her debut under Salman Khan’s banner and starring opposite Sooraj Pancholi though her debut film Hero didn’t fare well at the Box Office, that hasn’t stopped her from planning her journey ahead. Athiya doesn’t regret anything, making sure to walk the talk. In a candid conversation with Shravan Shah, the actress talks about the pressure before her second film, her filmy soul sisters and more.

- Shravan Shah

It’s been almost a year since we saw you on the screen. Now there are talks that you have signed your second film. True?

I have not signed my second film as yet. I think the second film is the most important film of your career and it gives you a stepping stone. It also determines whether you are here to stay or you’re just a one-film wonder. I have to make the right decision for my second film, and patient, which is most important.

But does being patient added pressure?

Yes, it does. I believe that your first film chooses you and you choose your second film. And that choice is really important.

Looking at the younger lot, there has always been a gap of a year or more between the first and second film. Is this gap necessary?

Yes, it is necessary. In this gap, you understand your strong and weak points. The things you need to work on as an actor. I don’t think an actor can ever stop learning. For me, this is only a process which helps me become a better actor and a performer, be it dancing, diction or being more confident. This gap also helps you understand your surroundings. 

Of late, we’ve also seen actresses turn action protagonist, and producers willing to take that risk. Will you be up for such a role?

I would love to do such films. My dad has been a action hero, so I have always wanted to do something with action. I am actually learning mixed martial arts right now, which is a way of releasing stress, and a great workout.

Do you think that means Bollywood actresses are done playing damsel in distress?