Natasha Fernandez began her career with Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha (2017). 8 years ago, its director Suneel Darshan has now cast her in his next ambitious film, Andaaz 2, that also features newcomers Aayush Kumar and Aakaisha. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Natasha Fernandez spoke about the film and a lot more.
EXCLUSIVE: Natasha Fernandez hopes OG Andaaz stars Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta “bless us” for Andaaz 2; talks about shooting ‘Rabba Ishq Na Hove 2.0’ in marble dumping yard: “We looked like white GHOSTS because of the dust storms”
Andaaz 2 is all set to release on August 8. How do you feel?
There’s a lot going on within me. I am excited as it’s a new story and everyone will be able to relate to it in some way. At the same time, I am a little nervous as I don’t know how people are going to react. Will they find the goings-on convincing and believable?
After being wooed by 2 men in Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha, was Andaaz 2 a vice-versa sort of experience?
(Laughs) Yes, it’s a completely different experience. In my first film, two men were wooing me. I had all the attention and all the love; all eyes were on me. It was my first film and it will always be special to me. This one is different as me and Aakaisha had to be devoted towards Aayush! I was in a different zone for this film as I was playing a strong character that required me to be focused on my delivery. I always made sure that, though I had a little bit of fun and play, I remained focused on what I was doing.
About you, Aayush said, “She was always in her character and was continuously looking to give a new to her performance”…
Yes. We had an incident on the set. Whenever I was preparing for a scene that had negative emotions, I preferred to disconnect so that I could be in that character. I used to always inform my team about it, that is my hair stylist and make-up artist. They would respect my space. Once Aayush approached me and asked me, ‘Hey, why are you in such a bad mood?’. I told him, ‘I am in character and I am not looking forward to talking to anybody right now’. I was under the impression that he understood it. But he didn’t understand and he took it negatively. It didn’t go well, but only for 5-10 minutes. Then, everything worked out positively. We both apologized and we realized that everyone is different and it should be respected.
Do you have a grey or negative role in the film?
My character Priyanka is a boss lady. I don’t want to reveal the story but I can say that she is powerful and has a lot of grace and poise. Even if she’s upset or angry, the aggression is controlled. She would deliver her discomfort with grace. It was a challenge for me because in real life, I am soft spoken and an introvert.
How was Aakaisha?
She was lovely. All three of us bonded well over the workshop we had. We have worked very hard and dedicated ourselves completely to the film. We knew each other’s lines really well.
The songs of Andaaz 2 are being talked about. Which is your favourite track from the film?
I like ‘Rabba Ishq Na Hove 2.0’ as it showcases all three of us together and it has a lot of glamour.
The film has been shot beautifully, especially the all-white location…
That’s Kishangarh, Rajasthan and it looks very beautiful on camera. Some wondered if it was snow and whether we shot in Kashmir. But we shot in a marble dumping yard that surprisingly looked very beautiful on camera. But when you are there, it is complete chaos. We faced dust storms and it would layer our make-up. Moreover, it was very hot. Also, the sun’s light reflects on the marble. It is so white that it blinds you. You get confused when you are going back to the starting point of your shot. By the end of the shoot, all three of us looked like white ghosts because of the dust storms (laughs)!
Since the film is titled Andaaz 2, comparisons with Andaaz (2003) are inevitable. Does that add to the pressure?
Yes, it does. Back then, people’s mindset and approach towards cinema were different. Today, we live in a world where the generation is more aware. Today, they might prefer practicality over song-and-dance or something that is not realistic. So, it’s very difficult to convince today’s audience. But I really hope that they give us a chance because everywhere around in the industry, you see that people who come from a filmy background are pushed forward and they get an opportunity to work. We are the underdogs. We come from normal families without any big names supporting us. Hence, it is more challenging for us to make it as it’s a struggle to constantly prove ourselves.
Neither you nor Aayush Kumar or Aakaisha are star kids…
Yes. And those who come from star families have their own pressure that they need to stand up to. But even if they don’t fare well, they get an opportunity again. They are not side-tracked or outcast. They are always working. But people like us, who don’t have any Godfather, get completely ignored if our project doesn’t work. We are called flop actors. It’s really disappointing and I hope that the audience recognizes us for our talent and gives us a chance.
How do you think the lead actors of the first film – Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta – would react to the sequel?
I hope they watch our film and I hope they are happy to see us making our way to the big screen (smiles). I also hope that they bless us and wish us well.
More Pages: Andaaz 2 Box Office Collection
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