There’s mutual fondness between Alia Bhatt, Parineeti Chopra and me: Shraddha Kapoor

Usually, Shraddha Kapoor is a little hesitant to speak her heart out during interviews. But there are occasions when she completely gives in and what we end up with is a great conversation. This interview with After Hrs was one such instance, where she got candid about her equation with other heroines Alia Bhatt and Parineeti Chopra and explained why there isn’t any malice between them. Excerpts...

Today, as there is a larger number of actors in the industry, everyone is easily replaceable. What’s your take on that?

Honestly, I don’t know if actors are easily replaceable now because I haven’t been here for too long to compare this with any other zamaana. But what I do know is you can’t take your success for granted, no matter what position you have reached. You can’t take it lightly because audiences can change their minds and decide that they don’t want to watch your films anymore. I’m just trying to stay true to myself and my journey — I know it will have ups and downs but at least, it’s mine. I’m fortunate to have so many films back to back. So, it makes me happy that people still want to work with me or watch me on screen. Now, I want to work harder than ever before.

Have you ever been hit by stardom?

Yes, it’s tough to not let it go to your head. There are so many people, who are giving you a lot of attention that somewhere, it does affect you. But I try to stay as grounded as possible. Some days, when I’m not, my parents come in and shake me up completely (laughs). On other days, you get a reality check with your film not doing well. It’s easy to get carried away, but what’s difficult is to keep things real and stay humble.

When did you feel you were going a tad wrong with your choices?

I think it was when I was constantly working without reflecting. I was just going with the flow. All of a sudden, I felt that I should stop and see where my choices were leading me.  

Then again, stardom, too, isn’t permanent...

It isn’t. What matters is how long it lasts. But it’s bound to happen that one day, every famous person will eventually become a memory. That’s the nature of life and the film business. It’s so difficult because not everybody has the ability to become Amitabh Bachchan. He’s an exception — someone who has constantly reinvented himself and is relevant. It’s amazing to see the way he has handled himself.

Does the stiff competition between the younger crop of actors affect your relationships with each other?

On the contrary, we celebrate each other’s success. Alia (Bhatt), Parineeti (Chopra) and I are good friends. We are just happy to be part of films and it’s nice to share the happiness together. We are always congratulating each other for the projects we are part of. If I’m attending a party, the first people I message are Alia and Parineeti. I ask them if they will be there as well because I’m not too social. But I’m comfortable around them and can hang out with them. There’s a lot of mutual respect and fondness between us. 

How do you react to stories being written about your personal life and relationships?

There’s absolutely no reaction because mostly people write things without checking facts. So, it’s better to not give it any sort of importance or attention and just focus on what one is supposed to do.

But don’t you think silence works against you sometimes?

No. It doesn’t because I choose to keep my personal life personal.

Has there been any family pressure to get married?

Not at all. My parents have raised my brother and me up with a ‘live-and-let-live’ motto. So, we do what we feel like and it’s fabulous. If you give your kids the chance to do what they want to, then they have the potential to soar higher.