Hope Chetan Bhagat's readers are not disappointed with my rendition of Ria Somani: Shraddha Kapoor

How was your time on the sets of Half Girlfriend?

We started shooting for the film last year in very hot conditions in Delhi. We started with the basketball portion in the beginning of the film which is more outdoors and was thus, more challenging as well. With every film, we make so many memories. It is my third film with Mohit and he gives his actors such memorable roles that we are going to cherish forever. Every guy would want to be like Madhav, every girl would want a guy like Madhav, so its a privilege to get such characters. So much effort and teamwork goes into the making of the film that I hope on Friday, we get positive response from the audience.

Did you read any Chetan Bhagat book before this film was offered to you?

Yes, I read his 'One Night at the Call Centre' and I will tell you how I felt when I read the book. I left everything else that I was doing and I was in my room on my bed, glued to that book and I completely loved it. So, when Mohit offered me the film, I naturally said yes and after knowing that it was Half Girlfriend, it became a bonus.

How does it feel to be the Chetan Bhagat heroine for the first time?

When I came to know that it is based on a Chetan Bhagat novel and read the story, I was really blown away as he has the ability to make his stories reach out and connect with everybody. There is no surprise thus that he is arguably the most famous popular writer in our country. It feels great to have a role that you will look back upon. So to be Ria Somani is a great feeling and also we are on the cover of the new edition of 'Half Girlfriend'. That is another proud moment because how often can you say : “You know I am on the cover of a book”. I hope that Chetan Bhagat's readers are not disappointed with my rendition of Ria Somani.

So, who is Ria Somani?

She is basically a popular girl who has everything at her feet : best clothes, big car, wealthy family. She has everything, so, everyone feels she is very happy, she must be leading the perfect life but in reality because of some situation in her life, she is somewhere very scared to fall in love. So, when Madhav comes in her life, he brings that simplicity that really makes her happy.

Has Bollywood always been your calling?

Yes, it has been my childhood dream to act in Bollywood films.

Is Shraddha Kapoor similar to Ria Somani?

The simple things in life really make Ria happy. I can connect with that. I feel it is the little things that really matter and can give you long lasting happiness.

Do we get to hear you sing in this movie as well?

Yes, I have sung the unplugged female version of the song 'Main Phir Bhi Tujhko Chahunga.' I promise, I have.

Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS