I am not in Ranbir Kapoor's league as an actor, says Shamshera actress Vaani Kapoor

Shamshera is a period-action film based on a fictitious warrior who fought against a merciless leader to free his tribe from his exploitation and dominance. The Free Press Journal caught up with the actress for an exclusive chat. Excerpts:

Do you believe that the stakes are higher for you with Shamshera after the massive success of Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui?

I feel people have a short-term memory, they tend to forget you. So, with every Friday, you have to prove yourself all over again since it's a new start and a new film. I think people want nothing but only the best from you. I have always taken the self-inflicted pressure because every project and its business is serious for me. If my character demands heart and soul, I will try and give 100 per cent to it.

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And Shamshera was so exciting for me since I haven’t done anything like this ever before. This is my first film that has a grandeur and cinematic spectacle and it does cater to mass and class both. For me, Shamshera is larger than life in every aspect possible.

How was your experience working with Ranbir Kapoor for the first time as your co-star?

I am a fan of his work and I can’t compare to his league but I genuinely feel that it is so exciting if you get an opportunity to work with someone like Ranbir. I admire him a lot and he inspires me. It is a dream for any co-actor to work with him. The other filmmakers who I had worked with in the past and friends used to ask me how it was working with him, I used to tell them that it was so easy. He made me so comfortable since there’s no ego involved.

How challenging was it for you to play Sona with no reference point considering it's a fictitious story set in the 1800s?

My reference point was my director Karan Malhotra. I completely submitted to his vision for Sona. The clarity for it was so on-point be it her costumes or her thought process. There was a set understanding between me and him (Karan) with regards to Sona. Karan was very clear with everything. I feel no matter whatever period it is, you are a human at the end of the day with those many emotions.

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Sona has a lot of flamboyance and charm, she is enchanting but has many layers to her as we peel. This exciting arc is a sense of vulnerability to her. I believe that Karan has induced all kinds of emotions in her.

Do you feel Shamshera is relevant in today’s time especially when narratives have changed?

I think a film should entertain the audience. As an actor, I should have belief and conviction in the story, all I hope is that some kind of emotion can evoke it. Karan has narrated the story in a very celebratory way. I am a Delhi girl, I haven’t seen this world and life so for me it’s bigger than a dream. Shamshera offers pure entertainment.