Exclusive: Evelyn Sharma talks about her role in SRK’s Jab Harry Met Sejal
The very pretty Evelyn Sharma will be seen in a special appearance in SRK starrer Jab Harry Met Sejal. We caught up with the actress for an exclusive tete-a-tete a day before the release of the film. Excerpts from the interview.
We hear it is a special appearance you have in the film. What motivated you to sign for it? Was it Imtiaz Ali or the presence of SRK?
I felt really honored to be asked by Imtiaz Ali to join his film and of course sharing screen space with the king of Bollywood, SRK who is amazing! I hope to work with both, and Anushka on many more occasions. However, why I signed on this film was the opportunity to bring one of my skills into the role – speaking German – which is a chance you don’t get very often in Bollywood. I in fact play a girl from my very own hometown Frankfurt and that just sounded too much like destiny to miss out on it, even being a small cameo.
What is your favorite thing about shooting films and acting?
What I love most about my work is the creativity and to make new friends. Mr. Bachchan once said that as an actor he enjoys most the time of shoot, the time he gets to spend with the co-stars and crew. I completely feel the same way and on the sets of JHMS I remember most the fun times we had joking or hiding from the sudden thunderstorms in Punjab. Working with old friends like Bosco Martis and making new friends like my dear co-star Aru Krishansh Verma!
How was it interacting with SRK? What were the learnings?
SRK and Anushka both made me rethink the speed of my speaking! Both of them are so talkative, especially in Hindi. Making one joke after the other and if you don’t follow quick enough the jokes will be on you! Haha! So I definitely learned to pick up my speed of speech from them!
How did you find Anushka?
Anushka is one of the warmest co-stars I have worked with so far. I love working with strong female actors and definitely try to learn the most I can from them. She has been in this industry much longer than me and I can learn a few tips and tricks from her talent. Seeing her as a producer talking on the phone and co-ordinating with her team besides being focused on her shoot was most impressive. She is a all-round multi talent!
How was Imtiaz as a director?
Imtiaz sir is extremely encouraging and always makes you feel like you’re super talented! I don’t know if that’s just me, but he gives me a feeling like he is always proud of me and that really means a lot to me.
You are so good looking and talented. You have worked with good directors like Rohan Sippy, Ayan Mukerji and Dhavid Dhawan. What keeps these directors away from casting you in a lead role?
Thank you! Yes I have worked with really big names in this industry and am super happy about it. I think they appreciate a new-comer who isn’t too picky about whether it’s the lead, second lead role or a cameo. I love being part of great scripts and interesting projects more than craving the quick fame of doing a wrong role. People only know the films I have done, but not the films I have turned down, and there are many, most of the horror and sensual thriller genre. I’m simply not interested to show myself in a way that I wouldn’t be proud of in future. I have worked with fantastic directors on many films and I am proud of all the roles I have played, especially the ones in Nautanki Saala, YJHD and Main Tera Hero. My first solo lead was in Ishqedarriyaan and I am very grateful to my director V.K Prakash and producer Rajesh Banga for bringing out the Punjabi girl in me. Luvleen is who I am. The small town girl who wants to run a charity foundation and find true love. It is my favourite film forever! How many actresses can say that today about their first film? I believe more important than quick fame is knowing who you are and being true to yourself. Then everything else will fall into place, too.
What’s next in pipeline?
My next film is titled Jack & Dil, a light hearted rom-com about relationships and life, in which I play the lead opposite Amit Sadh (of Kai Po Che fame). The film will release by the end of this year. Besides this I am reading scripts for women centric films right now and am looking for more skits in comedy films. I love to make my audience feel good and walk out of the cinema hall with a smile on their face!