Smriti Kalra: Want to play a warrior princess

Smriti Kalra

Smriti Kalra, known to be choosy with her scripts, is a rare sight on screen. The actor was last seen in Dil Sambhal Ja Zara. Taking pride in her choice of projects so far, Kalra is assured that people will love her debut Bollywood film, Cash, which is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. In a candid chat with mid-day, the actor talks about the comedy centred on demonetisation, and her long absence from television.

Edited excerpts from the interview:

Isn't a story on demonetisation coming a little late in the day?
Do you believe that? I still have the old notes with me [laughs]. It's just that people's focus is now on the pandemic that took over the world.

What was your personal experience with demonetisation?
I will frame the old notes to show it to my kids some day. I won't say I had a harrowing time then because I don't usually get frazzled. When I heard the prime minister deliver the speech, I took it slow. [Over the next few days], whenever I looked out the window, I would see people rushing to ensure they get ration. My father was living with me at the time, and that helped me.

What about the script hooked you?
I am notorious when it comes to picking scripts. It has to be different. Cash is a fun film that has substance. My character Neha is sharp, cunning, sexy, and a con girl. In my television career, I have never played a character like that. Getting a comedy script is rare. Vishesh Films is known to launch new faces. To be associated with them was the icing on the cake.

Did you want it to be an OTT release?
When you are running a race, your focus is only on coming first at the finish line. My focus has always been to give my best to any project I pick up; the rest is up to fate. I have given my 200 per cent to this character, irrespective of the medium.

Demonetisation, for those who bore the brunt, is a sore subject. Has it been sensitively treated?
The talk about people converting money into gold and donating cash in temples is all true, right? The film is inspired by everything that happened around us. We are tackling the topic in a light manner, so we can bring a smile to people's faces.

Does this mean the end of the road for you on TV?
I'll never say no to anything that is worthwhile. The last show I did on TV was Dil Sambhal Ja Zara [2017]. Unfortunately, [the shows I am being offered] don't ignite my creative fire. I am still being offered the same things. So, the moment I am offered something different, I won't mind picking it up.

No interest in fantasy shows like Naagin?
Change it a little bit, and I could even consider doing Naagin. I want to play a warrior princess. Television is evolving and becoming more glamorous. I don't have a television at home; this [observation] is based on the little I notice on Instagram.

You are also doing the audio show, Malang Ishq.
I have been an RJ though I never had the training. Back in the day, I used to do voice-overs for ads for pocket money. A radio show demands much more [emoting] than in a film. The project I am dubbing for is an erotic thriller. Since it is an audio show, it is descriptive - there are moans, kissing, bangles being broken during the act, and the stripping of a saree. In fact, the first scene I dubbed was a lovemaking one. It has been quite an experience.

Also Read: Actress Smriti Kalra hosted a special screening of her debut film 'CASH'