Action’s A-Team
The dynamic duo of Tiger Shroff and Sajid Nadiadwala is returning to set the big screens on fire with Baaghi 3. While filmmaker, Sajid is armed with a vision to redefine the genre in Indian cinema, actor Tiger has got all the moves, and leaves us bewildered with his gravity defying stunts. The third installment from the blockbuster franchise has heightened audience’s expectations, right from the launch of the teaser. We catch them candid in an exclusive interview where they talk about their passion, camaraderie and love for cinema.
Tiger Shroff
From your debut with Heropanti in 2014 to Baaghi 3 in 2020, how would you like to describe your evolution as an actor?
Heropanti was like school for me and my second film Baaghi was like a college. After my first two films, I gained awareness and confidence as an actor. Every film and project has helped me to understand the craft better. I have learnt so much from my co-actors and directors. I am extremely grateful to be working in this industry.
You have had your share of hits and misses in the industry, but what counts is your relentless drive to stay true to your passion for cinema. How do you tackle setbacks?
Well, I am lucky enough to witness success in the form of my first two films, and even luckier to have seen failures at such an early stage of my career. However, I don’t call them failures as I get to learn from them and improve myself. Success and failure are like the two sides of the same coin. I am thankful to have experienced both the sides, and it has made me a strong individual today.
Your rugged good looks, an envious physique like the Greek Gods teamed with a charming personality, have always been an instant hit with the ladies. How do you handle all the female attention?
I am humbled to receive all kinds of love that people shower on me. I am grateful to be in this position where I can reach out and touch so many lives. If my interactions with them bring a smile on their face or bring positive changes in their lives, then I would to love to oblige, and reach out to as many people as I can.
After the blockbuster success of the film War, you are all set to return with the third film of the Baaghi franchise. How did you prepare yourself with two back to back action films?
Well, I love doing action. Ever since I was a child, I looked up to action heroes so it is something that I do in my everyday life and constantly prepping myself. I thoroughly enjoy doing action hero roles, and don’t really take extra prepping time for the same.
How was your experience working with one of the most successful producers of Hindi cinema, Sajid Nadiadwala? If you have to describe him in three words, what would those be?
Well three words are not enough to describe Sajid sir. He is my mentor, a father figure and a teacher.
Being a part of the showbiz, constant demands of transformations added up with hectic work schedules can be really overwhelming. How do you push yourself to stay on track and workout amidst all the frenzy?
I am an early riser, but have to stay awake till late as well, depending on my work schedule. Training is either the first thing in the morning or the last thing before I go to bed. I ensure to take time out in any way or the other.
How does your current workout regimen look like? Do you prefer sticking to a routine or experimenting with different fitness modules trending these days?
I stick to what has worked for me in the past as I have been training for a long time now. If something is not working, a certain routine in particular, I tweak it to get the best outcome.
How do you approach diet and nutrition? What does your favourite cheat meal look like?
I don’t really stick to one diet; I change it from film to film, from character to character. It depends; if I want to put on weight then I increase my calorie intake, specifically carbohydrates. If I have to get leaner then I cut down on carbohydrates and increase my protein intake. I cheat every Sunday, and I have a major sweet tooth, so I love anything sweet.
If you had to debunk few fitness myths for our readers, what would those be?
One of the biggest myths that I have heard is ‘kids who start weight training in their early age, end up in stunted height’. This is not true at all; height purely depends on your genetic makeup. Another myth would be ‘if women workout like men they will get bulky like them’. This is also not true; women have completely different physiological and hormonal structure when compared to men. There is no way they will beef up like men.
How was your experience shooting with FHM India?
It was my first shoot with the magazine and my mentor, Sajid sir. We did a good job and had a great time with the team of FHM.
Sajid Nadiadwala
Creative flair and passion for cinema runs deep in the family, with your grandfather and father producing hundreds of films back in the day, including Taj Mahal. How would you like to describe your glorious journey of three decades in the industry?
I have always been amused with the concept of movie making since my childhood. All credits go to my family, as it is through their eyes I got the privilege of experiencing this dreamy world of films. Main credit goes to my grandfather, I have learnt my cinema from him and hence when I started off my career I named my company, Nadiadwala Grandson, that was my way of paying him back. I’ve had my share of ups and downs that lead me through this beautiful journey of almost three decades now.
How do you think viewership has changed over time?
As a filmmaker, I have observed tremendous change in the audience of films. Back in the day, movies were mere forms of entertainment; however that’s not the case anymore. People want to watch content driven cinema as well. Film making has become the medium of showing intense content apart from providing entertainment. The audience of today is very clever and at times they do reject irksome content. This makes filmmakers like us to accept the challenge of delivering a class apart content which keeps us on our toes, always.
You have given blockbuster hits with superstars of Indian Cinema from Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar to Ranbir Kapoor and Tiger Shroff. How do you decide upon the casting of your films?
I always have my actors in place when I decide to make a film. It’s always in the flash of the moment when I know who it is going to be. Also, the director’s thoughts bring a lot on the table. I know for a fact that no one can do Baaghi better than Tiger or Housefull better than Akshay.
You are known to explore different genres including comedy, action, romantic comedy and intense drama. How do you decide upon a script?
Green-lighting projects is the most difficult job for me. I follow my instincts to choose a script. For instance, Chhichhore was just a one line concept from Nitesh, and I knew this is the film that I want to make. The story has to touch truly.
With Baaghi 3 slated for a theatrical release in March, it has gained a franchise status and immense fandom over the years. How are you handling the heightened expectations for the third installment?
It’s very sensitive with a franchise as there are always high expectations from the next one. You can never dodge the expectations of the audiences. As a producer, I also have had a lot of discussions with my director Ahmed and our visions were in complete sync. I think there is no success mantra carved in stone and it’s always the intentions and the team that gives you the perfect end result. It is always about team work.
You have closely worked with Tiger Shroff. How would you like to describe his evolution as an actor and entertainer?
As a producer who has launched Tiger and as a father figure who raised him in the past seven years, I personally have seen him grow at both, on and off the screen. He has improvised himself so much as an actor which also shows up on the big screen. He has done some fantastic work in War. His graph has just gone higher with every movie and I am sure the audiences have noticed it too.
You have had your share of hits and misses in the industry, how do you tackle failure?
Fortunately, I haven’t had many misses, it’s been just three or four in the last 30 years. I also believe that when you think you’re on a finishing line; always keep in mind that it also means you’re on the starting line as well. I will rejoice on a Friday when the film is a hit or think why the film clicks to the audience but Saturday onwards I start working on my next film and start planning it. As Raj Kapoor said, “The show must go on.” I follow the same principle.
How was your experience shooting with FHM India?
It was my first magazine shoot ever and also with Tiger. I had a great time, and hopefully performed well by standing still, while Tiger showcased his amazing moves (laughs).
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear…
- Love — Sajid: I have to be very particular; it’s my wife (laughs). Tiger: My work
- Friendship — Sajid: Selected not given. Tiger: Important
- Fame — Sajid: Difficult to hold on. Tiger: Aspirational
- Fitness — Tiger: My life
- Fear — Sajid: To green-light a film. Tiger: Every Friday when my film is about to release
- Bollywood — Sajid: Something I grew up on. Tiger: My mentor, Sajid sir
- Junk food — Sajid: Not on Sunday (laughs). Tiger: Every Sunday
- Inspiration — Sajid: It keeps changing. Tiger: My parents
This or That
- New York or California? Both: New York
- Pizza or burger? Both: Burger
- Action or comedy? Tiger: Action. Sajid: Action-comedy
- Sky diving or scuba diving? Tiger: Scuba diving. Sajid: None of them
- Movie at home or movie at a theatre? Tiger: Theatre. Sajid: At home
- Cricket or football? Both: Football
- Formal wear or athleisure? Both: Sportswear
- Classic watch or chronograph? Tiger: G-shock. Sajid: Not a fan of watches
Quick Favourites
- Action film of all time — Sajid: Has been Baaghi 1, 2 and now waiting for Baaghi 3. Tiger: Baaghi 3
- Fitness product — Sajid: Buying a cycle as a kid. Tiger: I bought a treadmill when I earned a little money.
- Car/bike — Sajid: Anything and everything works for me till the time I have a mode of transport. Tiger: Riding a cycle
- Hollywood actor — Both: Sylvester Stallone
- Pop icon — Both: Michael Jackson
- Gadget — Sajid: My laptop. Tiger: My phone
- Holiday destination — Sajid: I end up shooting one or the other film in London, so the UK has to be my favourite destination. Tiger: Maldives
- Dessert — Tiger: Ice-cream
- Web series — Sajid: There are too many to pick a favourite. Tiger: I am a big fan of cinema and don’t really watch web series
- Co-star — Tiger: Shraddha Kapoor
From the March 2020 issue of FHM India.
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