Urvashi Rautela is on a roll in Pagalpanti

Pagalpanti star Urvashi Rautela tells City Times about her role on the movie

Urvashi Rautela's last comedy was Great Grand Masti in 2016, featuring Riteish Deshmukh and Vivek Oberoi among others. In her latest film Pagalpanti, which is an ensemble comedy, Urvashi is a vital part of the storyline. 
"I play a ghost in the movie through which John (Abraham) and Anil's (Kapoor) characters get what they want, so I'm an important link in the narrative," explains Uravashi, while speaking to City Times over the phone yesterday ahead of the movie's release.
Tell us about your character in Pagalpanti.
I play a girl called Kavya. She is like your girl-next-door, but she's a ghost. My character has a lot of surprise elements and she's a vital part of the story. She's a medium through which John (Abraham) and Anil's (Kapoor) characters get what they want. I was very happy when my director Anees Bazmee told me that he wanted my introduction in Pagalpanti to be larger than life. He wanted me to recreate Sridevi's character in the song Tera Bemar Mera Dil. The original song featured in the 1989 hit, Chalbaaz, was picturised on Sridevi and Sunny Deol. The rebooted song is done in a modern style and it has gone viral on social media. In fact, all the songs in Pagalpanti have been trending a lot. 
Who are you paired with in the movie?
We are not paired with anyone in the film. Actually, we are six people and we are all working with each other, there are no fixed partners in this comedy.
How was it working with John Abraham and Anil Kapoor?
It's my first ensemble film and it was an awesome opportunity to work with seasoned actors like Anil Kapoor and John Abraham. I shared a great friendship and bonded well with John on set. Anil (sir) was my biggest well-wisher and the advice that I got from these two stars was wonderful and I would call them true friends. And of course, there was Anees (Bazmee, the director). It was a wonderful experience working with all of them.
John is also an outsider in the industry. He was a supermodel before becoming an actor. He is truly an inspiring figure for all outsiders and like John, I too am an outsider and came from a modelling/pageant background. That's why I find him very inspiring. Anil (sir) has done a wide variety of films and there's so much one can learn working with him. I am a fan of his earlier movies. He is a complete actor and I would see myself doing the range of roles that he does. 
How did you prep for the role?
I followed my director's instructions for my character and prepared for the role before filming began. I ensured that I followed his vision and played my character according to his wishes. I just transformed myself into Kavya the way Anees sir wanted me. In fact, I told everyone on set to call me Kavya and not Urvashi so that my character would really sink in. Though that didn't happen all the time!
Are you at ease doing comedy?
I always wanted to create a market for myself in the comedy genre, just like Sridevi maam. People look up to actresses like her when it comes to this genre. I too want to reach to a level where filmmakers would say, Urvashi fits perfectly well in the comedy genre. I love doing comedies and would love to make a mark in the genre. 
Your dancing skills have been much appreciated, how did dancing happen for you?  
I love dancing and have been doing it since the age of three. I have done Bharat Natyam, Kathak, jazz, ballet and more. In all my films, I try to bring on a new form of choreography. I'm also glad that filmmakers have recognised my dancing skills and want to utilise my dance styles in their movies. I see myself in the line of actors like Hrithik Roshan or Shahid Kapoor, who are great dancers and actors as well.
What would be a dream role for you?
My dream role would be to work in a biographical movie as a sports person or perhaps a period drama or even a movie based on dancing. 
You were seen promoting Pagalpanti on Bigg Boss recently, what did Salman Khan have to say?
I am happy Salman (sir) is supporting our movie. He's a very positive guy and he has always offered good advice. He and Anees sir know each other well and share a wonderful friendship.
What does being an actor mean to you?
I have no personal life. My life is all about being an actor, it's all about 'action and cut' for me. I am extremely passionate and do my job with complete honesty and dedication. In fact, I tell all my fans to follow their hearts, to be passionate about their jobs. You should know what is your trul calling and work hard at what you do. 
What's your beauty secret?
Being happy all the time is my beauty secret. I am a mountain girl from the Himalayas - Uttarakhand - and beauty runs in my family. My parents are extremely good looking folks. No matter how your life is you have to be positive and happy and that reflects on you and enhances your overall looks. For me beauty is not all about looks, it is also about how you are as a person. 
How would you recommend Pagalpanti to viewers?
Pagalpanti is a film where all the characters think they are super smart, but in reality they are all brainless! I would request the audience to leave their brains at home when they come to watch Pagalpanti in theatres because the characters in the film are also 'brainless'. The movie is a complete family entertainer and a joy to watch.
What's next for you?
My next film is a Tamil film titled Thiruttu Payale. It's a remake in Hindi and I am starring opposite Vineet Kumar Singh from Saand Ki Aankh and Akshay Oberoi.
 
michael@khaleejtimes.com