This story is from August 17, 2018

I’d like to apologize to the Vadodara police for breaking traffic rules: Aayush Sharma

I’d like to apologize to the Vadodara police for breaking traffic rules: Aayush Sharma
Newbie actor Ayush Sharma’s Vadodara trip with co-star Warina Hussain, for the launch of the song Chogada from his debut movieLoveratri, turned out to be a dramatic one for more than one reason. The lead pair’s plans to do photo-ops near Lord Shiva’s statue at Sursagar lake went for a toss, as fringe groups, who have been protesting against the film’s title, greeted them with black flags.
As if that wasn’t enough, they were later fined by the Vadodara Traffic Police for riding without helmets. However, as we caught up with Aayush at the hotel amidst heavy security, it was heartening to see him greeting everyone with a lovely smile, and in a composed and confident manner. He obliged his admirers with selfies and was at his chatty best, as he spoke to us while savouring Vadodara’s famous lilo chevdo. Excerpts from a chat with Salman Khan’s brother-in-law, who is pretty upbeat about his upcoming Bollywood debut:
This was an eventful Vadodara trip. How did it go?
Vadodara will always be special for me because the first shot of my first film happened here. We were shooting along the roadside and just as I was about to perform my first ever scene, an elderly gentleman stopped his car, looked at me and asked, ‘Yahan shooting ho rahi hai kya?’. In my mind, I was like, ‘Sir, it is my first shot and I am already nervous! And you are barging in between me and the camera!’. Realizing it, he moved away but this memory will stay with me forever. I loved staying in this city because it is cosy and has certain wonderful aesthetics of a small city, which still sticks to its traditions.
Yes, my latest visit was a little problematic and I want to apologize to the city’s traffic police for breaking traffic rules. Actually, I was so overwhelmed by the warm welcome and love of the fans that it didn’t strike me to wear the helmet. It is a lesson learnt and at the same time, I would request everyone to follow traffic rules, which are for our safety.
You shot in Ahmedabad as well. How different was the experience, as compared Vadodara?
Ahmedabad is an amazing example of how a city can balance both tradition and modern lookout. I had a few scenes by the Sabarmati riverfront, and I was in awe of its infrastructural planning. It is no less than riverfronts of certain foreign countries. I also got an opportunity to be at the pol houses. The kind of planning and heritage appeal that the old city area of Ahmedabad has made it a phenomenal experience. Besides, the hospitality in Ahmedabad is praise-worthy. While shooting in the
pols, we kept getting farsaan and other Gujarati food delicacies from the people who stayed in that locality. It felt amazing!
Loveratri also stars Gujarati actors like Pratik Gandhi, Alisha Prajapati and Jayaka Yagnik. How was it to work with them?
I had only one scene with Alisha and it was good, but I couldn’t get to know her or Jayaka much. Pratik is an awesome actor and human being. He is immensely talented, very grounded and there’s so much to learn from him! Every time our director narrated a scene to us, we would look at Pratik for guidance, as he would effortlessly understand exactly what the director wanted. He is an amazing person and we learnt a lot about this state and its traditions from him.
Considering this film has been produced by Salman Khan’s banner, how comfortable did Salman make it for you to sail through your debut film?
Salman bhai as a mentor, elder family person and guide is very strict and there’s a lot to learn from him. He is a pretty strict mentor when it comes to fitness and I have experienced it. But as a producer, he believes in giving liberty to the entire team. He gave the entire cast and crew enough creative freedom, which made the overall experience fun and comfortable for all of us.
While promoting Ram-Leela in Ahmedabad, Deepika Padukone had mentioned how garba is one of the toughest dance forms. In Loveratri, garba is a vital element too. Your thoughts?
I completely agree with Deepika. It was difficult for me to grasp it, as garba requires a lot of grace, the right poise and the right facial expressions. I have learnt Bollywood, hip-hop and contemporary dance forms but those do not require these elements, and you can afford to keep an expressionless face and get away with it. But you can’t do that with garba. Also, my character Sushrut is a garba instructor and it was a huge responsibility to get my moves right. But thankfully, the choreography team made me get the steps right. I had never done garba or dandiya prior to this film in my life. I remember Arpita (his wife) mentioning about heading for dandiya in Mumbai but I never got a chance to go for it or learn it.
Tell us more about your bond with Arpita. Also, has fatherhood changed you as a person?
We have always been friends and that is the strongest base of our relationship. Neither of us feel any change in our relationship even after marriage. Many kept telling us, ‘Shaadi ke baad sab badal jaata hai, you become more responsible.’ But frankly, we felt responsible with Ahil’s entry in our lives. While we continue to be best friends, now we feel this sense of responsibility towards Ahil’s upbringing. I remember telling Arpita that I will never change diapers of our baby but as soon as he was born, I started doing that. I would say I am a pretty hands-on dad but I am not the strict parent, which Arpita is. I guess I will end up pampering Ahil to my heart’s content, while Arpita takes charge of making Ahil learn the right things. I really cherish my bonds with these two.
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