Anushka Sharma On ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’- “You need to choose the right films”

2016 has been a terrific year so far for Anushka Sharma. She has been an integral part of the All Time Blockbuster Sultan, she has completed the shooting of her second production Phillauri, she has also begun work on her next with Shahrukh Khan and Imtiaz Ali and she is now gearing up for the release of her next biggie in the making, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Now that’s a roller coaster ride indeed for the young woman who had faced a disappointment last year in the form of Bombay Velvet. However, that disappointment is set to be wiped off with the Karan Johar directed film that reunites her with Ranbir Kapoor.

It has been eight years since the release of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi [2008] and you managed a good rise to be amongst the top actresses. That must be flattering?
I would be honest here; I look back at these eight years with a lot of gratitude. We all have plans about how we want to live our lie. I am actually someone who has done her own thing in life. I have done things which have probably not been done before. Some are afraid to do that even today. I set up my production house at the age of 25. Yes, actresses who have come after me have probably done a lot more films. So in that aspect, people have said to me that I risk being out of sight out of mind. Well, I honestly find that theory pretty bizarre.

No wonder, you seem to be quite selective about the work you do.
My perspective here is very simple. If a film is good then you would look good as well, and vice versa. So you need to choose the right films. I took that step. See, I don’t have someone out there who gives me advice around what to do and what not to do. I don’t come from the industry. The only person I talk to about my career is my brother. In that sense, when I look back at the journey from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi to Sultan and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, I do so with a lot of gratitude. There is no pride here, just plain and simple gratitude. I pushed and supported myself. Some of these decisions are hard but then they are mine.

Thankfully, the Box Office rewards have been coming too and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil promises to bring in big bucks as well.
Of course, Box Office numbers matter. It reflects that people are liking your film, your work. The kind of love that you end up getting makes the entire experience worth it. It makes you work even harder and push yourself. Of course at times you feel like crying because it becomes pretty painful, both emotionally and physically. However at the end of it all, it is totally worth it.

Don’t you feel like celebrating in the midst of this all, especially when your films pass through certain milestones?
I swear I would love to celebrate. However when work beckons, it is no less a celebration. Yes, people do ask me to throw a party every time a film of mine works or is making noise for all the right reasons. However, I literally do not have time for that. There is no luxury for me to celebrate.

Don’t you miss that though?
Not really since I am not someone who can be seen in many parties anyways. I would rather be a part of successful films and get back to working. I have always allowed my work to speak for itself, rather than throwing a party and letting people know that I exist.