“To say that I am lucky is an understatement” – Daisy Shah: Part 1

By Satish Sundaresan -

January 21, 2014 - 1:15 AM IST

Until recently, whenever someone uttered 'Jai Ho', it was referred to Oscar winning film Slumdog Millionaire's smash hit song. But today, it is the title of Salman Khan's latest film that is all set to hit the cinema halls this week. Amidst the plethora of actors in the film, there's one doe-eyed face that stands out and magnetises you towards her. She is none other than the debutante actress Daisy Shah, who is enjoying the time of her life as her debut film is opposite none other than the mammoth superstar Salman himself!

Satish Sundaresan of Bollywood Hungama caught up with the sweet and extremely down to earth girl for an exclusive interview. Here's presenting the first part of the two part interview with Daisy.

Daisy, to start with, how does it feel to be the lady of the moment, with all the eyes on you?
I feel special because there are so many people looking up to me in a good and also in a bad way. They are expecting lots of things from me, ready to judge me and also ready to rip the hell out of me.

Don't you feel that your story resembles a typical Bollywood story plot, like that of Urmila in Rangeela and Manisha Koirala in Akele Hum Akele Tum...
I would say that it's more like Rangeela. I have thought of it so many times. All that I can say is that reel life stories are not reel life all the time. Sometimes, it does get converted into real life (smiles).

In the same breath of Rangeela, please tell us as to who is the Munna (Aamir Khan) of your life?

No one yaar! Please help me find one. (Laughs)

Not many get a second chance in life, especially when it comes to working with Salman Khan. After refusing Salman's Bodyguard, don't you consider yourself extraordinarily lucky to be cast opposite him in Jai Ho?
Let me tell you very honestly, that 'To think that I am lucky' is an understatement for me! I really know that I am extraordinarily lucky. I have heard and also know for a fact that Salman does not approach anyone for the second time. When someone says no, there is no chance of him looking back again.

How is Sohail Khan as a director?

He is a very chilled out director. I have seen directors screaming their lungs out on the sets. I have never seen Sohail bhai in stress or even lose his cool even once! In fact, there were times when the people around him would be restless and stressed out, but definitely not Sohail bhai. The reason for him to be so is because he knows his work very clearly.

How did you land up getting the much coveted role?

It was totally out of the box. After having refused Bodyguard, I knew that I had lost Salman forever. But, I feel that there must be something good that I must have done that I got the role.

What's your role in the film?

“To say that I am lucky is an understatement” – Daisy Shah: Part 1

I am playing Pinky, a pile-on neighbor of Tabu, who forever wants to patao her brother (played by Salman Khan).

What are the locations in which the film was shot?

We have shot the major portion of the film in Hyderabad, Lavasa, Romania, Dubai and some other locations.

Can you recall any funny or memorable incident during the shoot of the film?

When we were shooting for the 'Photocopy' song, I fell down five times! Since I am a trained dancer, everyone was wondering as to why am I not able to get the steps right. The reason that I kept on falling down was because I used to slip on my dress everytime!

Please tell us about the audition that you had to undergo for the role?

I underwent a proper screen test. Besides, there was an additional test also in my case. And the test was to behave like a drunkard girl trying to catch ducks!

Salman, in a recent interview, went on record to say that he doesn't care about the Rs 200-300 (crore club) and that he doesn't want to be a part of this number game. What's your take on the number game? And also do you feel that Jai Ho will be able to break the power packed records set by landmark films like Dhoom 3, Chennai Express etc...
When it comes to number games, I am too small to talk about it, because I don't even understand that term! But I really hope and pray that Jai Ho breaks all the records (laughs).

Now that you are a part of the big whirlpool of stars, you will have to live with rumors and controversies almost every day. Are you ready and mentally prepared for the same?

Don't you feel that all of this has already started! It's totally ok with me. I am a very contended person that way. I know what is the reality and as far as me and my near and dear ones know the reality, it's ok ... others can think whatever they want to... it makes no difference to me whatsoever!