The more you have Salman around, the more you want him to be around: Tiger Zinda Hai actress Anupriya Goenka

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s Tiger Zinda Hai has been breaking records at the box office. Tiger Zinda Hai has already crossed Rs 250 crore mark at the box office. Well, Tiger Zinda Hai is probably one of those films in Bollywood, which is not only famous for its lead pair but it will always be remembered for its supporting actors’ performance.

Yes, we have seen characters like Abu Usman played by Sajjad Delafrooz, Azaan Akbar played by newcomer Paresh Pahuja are noticed widely by the audiences. However, there is one more actress who has not only garnered attention but her acting skills caught everyone’s eyeballs for her role of nurse Poorna in Tiger Zinda Hai.

Recently, Sumit Rajguru of Free Press Journal asked Anupriya Goenka aka Poorna about her overall experience, role and upcoming projects in Bollywood. Excerpts

How was your experience working in Tiger Zinda Hai?

It was a dream come true for me in every way. The cast of the film, the director, YRF it felt like it was all planned in a beautiful manner. I truly enjoyed every bit of being a part of the film and really want to thank Shanoo ma’am (Casting Director Shanoo Sharma) who made it all happen.

The cast – ah what can I say when you are told that you will be a part of a Salman Khan film. I felt like a little girl who wanted to scream and jump when I first met him. I couldn’t have asked for more. Working with him was just so wonderful. Before our first scene was shot I was little nervous but on the shoot day, the way Salman sir made me comfortable was truly amazing… (smiles)

Unfortunately, I did not have any scene with Katrina, but our little interactions on the shoot schedule and after have been great! She is a gem of a persona and has a beautiful heart. I made a family there and they still continue to be a very important part of my life.

Does the character of Poorna relate to you in your personal life?

I come from a business family where at an early age I had to take charge of my entire family because of the circumstances. So willingly or unwillingly I have been the stronger one in times of trouble and even though at times there was little fear inside or lack of hope I masked it up and put up a brave front. That is one place where I truly relate with Poorna because in times of complete distress she seemed collected, a pillar of strength and also looked after each and every nurse without losing sight of the bigger picture around her.

How did you get the role in Tiger Zinda Hai?

It’s a long story but I’ll try to make it as short as I can (smiles). I got a call for Tiger Zinda Hai from Shanoo Sharma our Casting Director and her team and I went for the meeting. Shanoo, took the first audition which was a scene from Sultan. There was another round of audition where I tested for Poorna and another part and Poorna truly intrigued me. When I met Ali, our director for a meeting we discussed the film and his vision and after another round of audition, after sometime I was called in to share the news that I will be playing nurse Poorna. Honestly! The time taken was long but I feel it was truly worth it.

How did Salman Khan help you on the sets of Tiger Zinda Hai?

His presence is very infectious, the more you have him around the more you want him to be around (smiles). He is funny, he makes you comfortable, which is a big support system when you are in front of such a big star.

I remember my first scene with him and how I was extremely nervous while going to the set. I had not slept for two nights, was rehearsing my lines again and again so I don’t stammer, was thinking how I will introduce myself etc, etc. But the moment he walked in it all seemed very smooth. He made us all laugh, sang and while I was in front of him, I felt all tension and nervousness go away after a while cause he kept cracking jokes. I could deliver my scene very well. I truly feel when someone that big treats you like one of his own and without speaking understands what a newcomer feels like is a beautiful quality and I feel truly blessed for such amazing experiences at the beginning of my career. He is larger than life and has a very protective vibe about him.

As you are a part of Padmavati. What is your take on Padmavati controversy?

I’m just happy to read all the news about its release.

Since you have done a lot of work for web short films as well as youth TV shows, tell us what do you feel about today’s youth and problems they are facing?

One problem that I truly feel for is homosexuality. Being a part of India’s first ad on it, made me do a lot of research on how one thinks, acts and issues that are faced.

 

I feel the youth today truly need to give due credit to themselves, for what they are and not feel sorry for themselves or succumb to peer pressure or trends. The self-love and recognition and trust in one another is what I see is completely lacking which then leads to many other disastrous things and has direct repercussions on their families.

What is your take on the issue of nepotism in the industry?

Well, I come from a simple business family and have been working here for few years, while I do feel when you are new here you have to figure things out yourself which is our learning phase but nobody can take away the due credit of your talent and hard work. For me, I have faced struggle but also met people who support talent and work hard at promoting them.

Tell us about your upcoming projects?

I have a film due to release which is directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, Maya, where am playing the lead and two web series on very interesting concepts.

Lastly. Anything you want to say to your fans?

It’s been a truly blessed journey with Tiger Zinda Hai. Thank you for liking my work, for accepting me and giving me so much love. Please continue to share your valuable feedback. Each message I have received on social media platforms has only made me happy and grateful and given me the motivation to do more interesting work. So thank you for all the love and your best wishes.