Shikha Talsania Exclusive Interview: “Coolie No.1 Is A Very Special Film For Me”

Shikha Talsania is quite excited these days. She is playing an important part in filmmaker David Dhawan’s much-awaited comic-caper Coolie No.1. As the name aptly suggests, the film is a remake of the 1995 blockbuster of the same name, starring Govinda and Karisma Kapoor.

The remake stars Varun Dhawan and Sara Ali Khan in lead role, while Shikha Talsania also plays an equally important character in it. Recently, STARBIZ caught up with the talented actress to know more about Coolie No.1, her character in it, her upcoming projects, and much more. Shikha Talsania also talks about what makes the project so special for her. Excerpts…

You are doing Coolie No.1, one of the most-awaited films of 2020. How excited are you?

I am very, very excited for Coolie No.1. This is a very special film for me because, almost 25 years ago, my dad was a part of the original movie. He has collaborated with David Dhawan sir so much. So, it feels very special to be a part of a film like Coolie No.1. Moreover, I have a very fun part to play in the remake, and it is fun. I think it is a genre that I have not explored. It is fun. It is challenging. There is a lot of excitement.

People loved Coolie No.1 when it released in 1995 and has gained cult status over the years. Do you feel proud to be a part of the remake of such an iconic movie?

Yeah, absolutely. I think everybody in my generation grew up watching that film. We know the dance steps. We know the songs. We know the dialogues. It is an iconic film as you said, so it is a surreal feeling that in my lifetime I get to be a part of its remake.

From theatre to films to web-shows, you have explored it all. But which platforms attract you the most?

Honestly speaking, as an actor you just want to perform. I think the only difference is the time commitment needed for films or something on digital platforms because digital is a long format, longer than usual format. So, I think it is just the commitment that you give to projects is a little longer. But otherwise, you are doing the same thing; you are performing, you are living the character.

When did the acting bug bite you?

I was an associate line producer before. I have done a lot of production on television before I became an actor. When I was a child, my parents encouraged me to do whatever I had interest in. So, I started leaning the craft. I used to be really happy on stage. I used to be really happy backstage, managing staff and getting everything ready.

So, I was always encouraged to explore my interests. That is how it came about and I always knew that I really enjoyed my time on stage and it was one of the things I wanted to do. Me being an actor is definitely not the only thing I wanted to do; I wanted to do many, many other things. But I feel it just happened. Honestly, it just happened.

Did you get inspired by your parents who are actors themselves?

Yes, both my parents are actors. So, yes, I was exposed to that life. I think I had a very different exposure than anybody else. I don’t know how much it influenced it; I am sure it must have influenced my own decision. At the end of the day, you are performing. It is you and only you. So, you will have to find that path on your own. And I am so glad that I did.

Did your parents support you when you told them about the career that you wanted to pursue, even though they are actors themselves?

I think my parents kind of knew that I wanted to something in this field only. I mean, one knows their kids the best. Parents would know their child the best. So, they always knew that I would definitely be in the creative field. When I did tell them that I am thinking to get into acting, they said, “We won’t be able to make any calls for you.

We won’t be able to introduce you to anyone. You will have to figure it out for yourself.” And that is how it happened. And, as I said, my parents are very encouraging. Even if I wanted to be a painter or I wanted to be an engineer, they would have encouraged me in the same manner.

Did they give you any tip when you were trying to step into the industry?

Have fun, keep your head down and keep working - that is all they said.

Would you like to share with us something about your character in Coolie No.1?

It is a remake of an iconic film. I am not playing my dad’s character, for sure. I am playing the police inspector. I am playing Sara Ali Khan’s sister. And I think that is all I should tell you because where is the surprise if I tell you everything? You should wait to watch the film.

How did your father react when he got to know that you are doing the remake of a film that he himself acted in?

He was very excited. He was very happy. I was like, “Do you have any advice for me? Should I do anything in particular? How should I prepare myself for this?” He said only one thing, “Just have fun. That is what David sir is like. Just have fun.”

How is it to work with Sara Ali Khan and Varun Dhawan?

Amazing. I think we all have great energy together, and we keep collaborating with each other. David sir gives us so much freedom to really make the scene ours. There is a lot of creative energy around. It is a lot of fun.

What is next you are working on?

I have done a webseries, which I am waiting to get released. I cannot talk about it right now because, again, where is the surprise if I tell you everything. I am really looking forward to that webseries. That will be really exciting because it is a complete departure from what I have done earlier. I have been given a chance to explore a very different side of me. So, that is something to look forward to. Then there is, of course, Coolie No.1, which is releasing on May 1^st, 2020. And I am also doing a lot of theatres.

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