Exclusive: Tiger Shroff | English Version

Rabu, 21 Agustus 2019 14:38:32 WIB Selebriti

I am happy to be known as the new-age action hero

Bolly.id - There was a little cub who came to Bollywood with illustrious surname but was not treated to too kindly initially. But one day the cub transformed into a Tiger and everyone started to call him Tiger Shroff. His vulnerable and charming look made him the darling of the masses. With his first film Heropanti in 2014, he became a lovable rising star.

There was no looking back since then because the stardom surrounding him never died down. He had the same vulnerability which was seen in Salman Khan when he joined Bollywood in his early 20s with the movie Maine Pyar Kiya. Tiger was a lovable young filmi boy who wanted to work in films and largely wanted to promote dancing and action.

After Heropanti, Tiger appeared in films such as Baghi, Baghi 2 and The Flying Jatt which helped in confirming his position as the charming new action hero. The biggest fans that he has is children and youngsters, which clearly makes him the hero of the new generation.

This can be gauged from the fact that Tiger is the face of most of the advertisement that we see lately.

An ardent admirer of Michael Jackson, Tiger has smilingly invaded all the criticism made on him over his looks, nepotism, and his name. Though he was born in a religious family where he was named as Jai Hemant, he loves the name, Tiger. Father Jackie Shroff and mother Ayesha Dutt, who too worked as an actress in films initially now are celebrating the success of Tiger.

Though the actor is linked with Disha Patani, another rising star, Tiger has always remained tight-lipped about the relationship. Though they claim to be good friends who have made appearances together, the two have never really presented themselves a couple. He would rather focus on his work but have made an appearance in a couple of ads. While most star kids are working as per the instructions given by their parents, Tiger has been totally independent and has been working to gain his own mark.

Thanks to his active life where he is constantly dancing and performing the action, his body is getting used the perks that come with it. Till now, Tiger has injured himself several times. He was recently spotted on a wheelchair as he appeared for the promotion of SOTY2. He was expected to dance with his fans, but he had ruptured a ligament on his leg.  

Father Jackie Shroff has never made an effort to highlight Tiger’s presence in Bollywood. Nor has he ever tried to promote him. Superstar Aamir Khan, who has been Jackie’s neighbour for long. It is even reported that Tiger has been supported by Aamir, and was also a part of his initial promotions when he made an appearance in Heropanti.

People close to Tiger confirm that he is one of the most soft-spoken people. He has never been a filmi boy and enjoys spending time with the family. Tiger’s politeness with the media and he has learnt to take the Bollywood life head-on:         

How does it feel to complete five years in Bollywood?

Well, I am not as nervous as I used to be five years ago. I love to see myself being recognised and enjoy the way I have been getting love. This has been a learning experience. Fortunately for me, I loved every bit of highs and the lows. Baaghi 2 was a huge hit, and now I am again on the moon as I appear in Student of the Year 2.

What was your reaction to be a part of Student of The Year 2?

Initially, I was surprised to find myself considered for the role. The minute I heard the script, I wanted to be a part of it. The character of Rohan was very much like me a boy who is emotional but has a tough exterior. People are asking if I am excited or nervous. I am nervous because SOTY was a huge hit. It had set the standards too high, due to which now I am wondering if I will be able to live up to the expectations.

So you are wondering if there will be a comparison between SOTY and SOTY2?

The comparison has already started. In fact, it started ever since the movie was announced. We cannot escape that because it is not easy for people to forget what a rage the old one was. The movie got three actors (Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Siddharth Malhotra) into the limelight.  I am enjoying the frenzy surrounding the second instalment in the franchise. Can’t escape the fact that the movie will be compared with the one that released earlier.

Since there is a sudden rise in taking up offbeat roles, but you have largely done action movies. Would you like to experiment more?

I am in a happy space right now. I love action and this is the choice I would want to make. Bringing in a new action on Indian screen is all I dream of these days. I am still in my learning mode, and I enjoy working on my strength. Most of my fans enjoy the action that I have done so far, but I need to take it to another level. I would never want to change at least for now.

Noone can stop talking about you and Disha Patani.

I am a shy person, and not very comfortable to talk about my personal life. But being in public life it is not easy for me to escape the discussion on my life. Disha and I are very close, and we have been totally supportive of each other. This is the reason that there is a lot of speculation surrounding us. Disha and I are still working on our careers, trying to strengthen our abilities. I personally believe in taking a relationship to slow so that it remains for long.  

You are known to be a wonderful family boy. Something that youngsters must understand?

Isn't it a natural thing to be close and connected to the family? I have always been very close to the family, and have loved being pampered. I now feel elated that I am able to support and look after my family well. There are a few relations which can never go wrong come what may, and love for the family is one of those. I have learnt to love from grandmother and father.

What is your take on Nepotism. Considering most actors are from filmi family?

There are pros and cons to everything. The pros are that people notice star kids faster and for which is very grateful because most newcomers wait for attention. But the worst part is most of those coming with filmi surname have to face double the pressure. The biggest of which is that the audience looks at then with great expectations.

You have been a fitness freak and have always promoted workout for a perfect body?

I have been a supporter of fitness and sports for long. I played football for long, but could not make a career out of it. This is how I got inclined towards a healthy body and mind. I have always maintained that one should not cheat. Since I was 14, I learnt martial arts, Kung fu, wushu Tae Ku Do and more. While growing up I was regularly seen learning gymnastic moves at Juhu sea beach that was mainly because there is no scope of shortcuts.

I would always tell the youngsters to take up a sport and enjoy the physical activities to make the body muscular. Eat right and always enjoy the natural food and more importantly refrain from smoking and drinking.

Tell us about your love for dancing and the influence of Michael Jackson?

I have been a dance enthusiast, and loved to keep myself entertained. The movie Munna Michael presented a few streaks of my love for Michael Jackson. I have done a lot of dancing all my life and that is healing. I would like to tell the youngsters that dancing can help in more than many ways. It changes the way one looks at life, makes you liberated and creative.

Tell us about Baghi 3. Do you think it will be as much a hit as the previous films of the franchise were?

The idea of Baaghi 3 has been received very well and I personally loved the script. I am glad that Sajid Nadiadwala has shown faith in me and the product. It's not very easy to convince the audience in this day and age when the competition is too much. I have been liking all the attention. The fact that people call it new age action enthrals me. We have a great cast, and I must say that we will not disappoint the fans. Rather try to give that extra fun that most audiences expect from me. The movie is scheduled for March 2020, so we have to wait and watch.

Since you have largely been associated with films that have been from the action genre. Do you feel you will be typecast?

Honestly, I do not feel threatened at all. It is not easy to find feet in Bollywood. Getting an identity is a huge achievement. I am glad that I am known for my dancing and acting abilities. Actors need to find a direction and I am happy that of the many actors who join Bollywood, very few are identified for their strength. I see no reason that one should be threatened by being typecast.

Priya S