Exclusive Interview: I was really on top of the world when I bagged EK Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha, says Natasha Fernandez

While many aspiring actors spend years trying to break into the business of moviemaking, there are a few lucky ones who get discovered out of blue. Something same happened whit debutante Natasha Fernandez who would have never thought that a random visit to a restaurant would land her, her first offer, and that too from an eminent filmmaker like Suneel Darshan . In an exclusive interview with BollywoodMDB.com reporter, Mohnish Singh, Natasha talks enthusiastically about her debut movie, her experience working with her costars Shiv Darshan and Upen Patel and who she would like to play on screen if given a chance to do a biopic?

What was the reaction of your family when they came to know that you have been signed for a film?

They were very surprised, and they were very happy for me because they could see that fire in me. I was really on top of the world. My family wished best for me.

As you know that nepotism is the hot topic in the industry. So since you have worked in a film which is directed by a renowned director and stars his son, how do you see this phenomenon?

I must say that not even a single day did we ever feel that Shiv could take the advantage of the fact that his dad is the director and producer of the film. I mean, he can, but he didn’t. He did not take the advantage of the fact that it is his dad’s set. It was always ‘Sir’ when he approached his father on the set. And he was not like a spoilt kid. He was just like us. We ate the same thing. We were all so focused on our work. He never really wants something extra.

Natasha, do you think it’s a perfect launch for you as an actress?

Yes. I am fortunate. I think it’s a perfect launch for me and I am blessed, because I believe working with (Suneel) Darshan is like a dream come true. I mean, anybody would want to work with a director who has been around from three generations. He has worked with stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Karisma Kapoor and Akshay Kumar. He has launched so many careers. He has made so many careers. For me it’s a very big platform.

You are working with two young lads, Shiv and Upen, in the film. One thing you like and dislike about them?

(Laughs) I am in a tight spot. So, the thing I like about Shiv is that when I met him for the first time for workshop and all I constantly noticed how dedicated and hard working he is. I really appreciated that because, you know, he could have taken that for granted, but he would do every line for five times if I needed so. He would never say no to do that. He is honest with his work and very hard working. There is nothing to dislike about him because he is a very warm and gentle person, to be honest.

Coming to Upen Patel, there is so much to say about him. I am running short of words. What I like to say about him that he is a seasoned actor. He is quit experienced compared to both of us. I was not very aware of the technical language of the camera, but he always made sure that he enlightens me, tells me about the technicalities. For me Shiv and Upen were two very strong positive people.

Biopics are in vogue nowadays. Every month we see one or two biopics coming. If given a chance, who would you like to play on screen?

I have never thought about it, to be honest. But if I had to think of someone I would like to play Whitney Houston because I love singing. I am inclined to acting. I am inclined to singing. So, I am a creative person. I would love to play that character.

Did you do anything new while shooting for ‘Ek Haseena Thi Ek Diwana Tha’, something which you had never done before?

In daily life as a person, I never dream of horse riding, which is one of the key elements of this movie. It’s very important to be trained to do something like that. When you come across such a big animal which is so majestic and beautiful you have to have that right attitude and know. So, that is something extraordinary which I did, because I would never do it as an ordinary, lay person. Who would go to ride a horse? The whole journey while working on this film has been extraordinary.

Produced and directed by Suneel Darshan , ' Ek Haseena Thi Ek Deewana Tha ' arrives in cinemas on 30th June 2017.