I would love to do Aamir Khan’s role from Dangal, says Adah Sharma

Vikram Bhatt and Vishesh Films are known for unearthing pretty talents. In 2008, Vikram Bhatt had launched Kerala-born Adah Sharma in his horror flick 1920, where she looks very beautiful even whilst being possessed by an evil spirit. Though very raw, Sharma still was counted as an actress for the future. Surprisingly, she returned three years later, dolling out couple of duds – Phhirr (2011) and Hum Hain Rahi Car Ke (2013). In 2014, she was cast in the supporting role in Parineeti Chopra, Sidharth Malhotra-starrer Hasee Toh Phasee (2014) before she turned to Telugu films.

Sharma now returns to Hindi films with Commando 2, an action thriller, where she plays a Telugu character Bhavna Reddy. Se comes across as a bubbly girl, one who also has a sense of humour. She isn’t afraid to take critcism, fielding every query with apomb. Here are excerpts from our recent conversation with the actress:

The Hindi audience may not be privy to your work in the South, but your Telugu accent in Commando 2 trailer has an adah (style) that we haven't seen from Adah before.

In each film, I try and show a different Adah. My character in Hasee Toh Phasee (2014) was vastly different to 1920 (2008), which was a horror film. I don’t know whether you have followed my Telugu films, but I’ve tried playing a different person in each of those films. As an actor, you do like experimenting with different characters. I don’t think you have seen a heroine like this (in Commando 2) for a very long time.

So, did you choose this character keeping your Telugu audience in mind?

No, I didn’t choose the character, the character chose me. I had auditioned for Commando 2 when I was promoting two of my Telugu films – Garam (2016) and Kshanam (2016). When I auditioned for it, I read three scenes, I hadn’t  read the whole story. Those three scenes pumped me up to give a killer audition and get this role. Bhavna Reddy is a fantastic character to play.

Commando 2 is essentially an action film. Does your character get a taste of action too?

Well, I cant be doing the stuff that he (Vidyut Jammwal) does. What I have done though is cooler action. My stylist Mansi gave me short dresses with high heels. We’ve stood on boats, I’ve rode a bicycle with wedge high heels on the main streets of Malaysia... with a gun in one hand and phone in the other. Don’t ask me how? It is a serious film about money laundering, but my character brings a lighter side to the whole situation. She is from a small town (Vijaywada). She’s going abroad for the first time on this serious mission. However, once out there, she decides that her mission is to look nice, shop and  go sightseeing. She clicks a whole lot of pictures just to prove that she’s been abroad.

You switched to south cinema barely few films into your Bollywood career. Were you just going with the flow or were you not happy with the offers from Hindi cinema?

I don’t actually think so much. I don’t plan either. If I get a good role from even a Spanish film then I will do it. Give me an amazing script in any language and I will take it. I was shooting for Hasee Toh Phasee when Puri Jagannadh (noted Telugu filmmaker) called me to narrate Heart Attack (2014). The narration took about two hours. I was blown away by the character Hayathi. My strong points are romantic emotional dramas. I said to myself here’s a film that I have to do.

After beginning your career with Hindi films you must have had harboured some dreams, especially since you had two hits (1920 and Hasee Toh Phasee)...

The only thing that I aspired for was my first film to be a hit. Luckily, the audience accepted me. I’m a greedy person when it comes to roles, but in terms of public affection, I don’t think I can ask for more.

You were quoted in an online article (in Hindustan Times) saying it is too early to judge your career in Hindi films...

(Sharma interrupts)

Firstly, the question that was asked to me was where do I see myself in the race? I told her (journalist) that I’m still not part of that race. I have just one horror film and a rom com in Hasee Toh Phasee, so I have not even established myself here. I said if you want to judge me then please do so for I love to be judged. In the age of social media, everyone is a critic and they are entitled to their opinions. People can call me horrible, I have nothing against that. It’s just that I feel I need to have more body of work in Hindi cinema to be judged.

Agreed, but what do you think it will take for you to be a complete package in Hindi films? The likes of Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone had their flaws but they have worked their way to the top.

I think I am the complete package and more. However, I haven’t got a chance to show all my aspects. With Commando 2, I now have got the chance to dance, look more glamourous. I also did my first romantic song, a bit of action too. So, I’m waiting to be judged. Throw me into the race, let me participate in the race.  

It must be very diffcult for a rank outsider like you to break into Hindi cinema, especially given how nepotism is still rampant in Hindi cinema.

I don’t think I have made it all on my own. It was Vikram Bhatt who gave me 1920. My parents supported me, earlier I didn’t have to pay my bills. I need to thank the guy who did my make-up in 1920. I also need to thank my drama teacher in school who gave me so much confidence. So, I have never made it on my own. There are too many people to thank. I don’t have a Godfather, but I do have a God.

Is there any recent film or role done by another actor that you would have loved to do?

Dangal (2017). I would love to do Aamir Khan’s role. That’s exactly what I felt when I saw the film. I would love to do such roles.

From being a part of Jagga Jasoos to replacing Sonakshi Sinha in Force 2 - there have been many rumours around you. Why is that?

Let me make it clear, I’m not part of Jagga Jasoos. I have no idea where that came from. The film was listed in my filmography in Wikipedia. I had removed it, but because it was on Jagga Jasoos' page, it keeps popping back on my page. I’ve learnt recently that anyone can edit a Wikipedia page (says cheekily). As for Force 2 (2016), yes I was in it. I wore a Sonakshi Sinha mask. You can ask her. You can file a great exclusive story on this.

There was an interesting quote you gave in one of your interviews where you said that from hereon on you are looking for a man who is funny and happy all the time. Can you elaborate?

That quote came out as I want somebody happy. Well, it is impossible to be happy all the time. I said it in a different context. When one is exhausted then there is tendency to vent your frustration on others. I said we need to be happy as human beings and spread happiness around you.

What I wanted to know was that prior to looking for this ‘happy man’ what kind of man were you looking for?

(laughs). No, no I’m not looking for searching for anyone. Just like my movies, the men too would come searching for me. Films remain my first priority though.

So, are you happy and single?

Ahhh…. (says gingerly) I’m not sure.