Tiger Shroff: Action has given me an identity

Tiger Shroff hit a home run with Baaghi 2, which raked in approximately Rs 161 crore at the Indian box office, and was among the top 5 grossers of 2018. With Baaghi 3 already announced and the action star being signed on by two big production houses (Yash Raj Films and Dharma Productions), he is the potential superstar. Here, Tiger talks about the year that was and why it’s been his best so far.

How would you describe 2018?

My best year! I’m extremely grateful. I couldn’t have asked for a better one. Everything that transpired, especially in terms of my career, makes me really happy. The way Baaghi 2 worked at the box office and the appreciation it received was tremendous.

You’re a bonafide action star. Still, how difficult is it for you to amp it up every time?

It’s quite difficult. But it’s been my dream to be an action hero and a larger-than-life star ever since I was a child, so, I’m not complaining. Also, it wouldn’t be fun any other way. If it were easy, anybody could have done it. The challenge also makes it worthwhile, especially when you are appreciated.

Has the audience started giving more respect to action films now?

People are getting exposed to a number of international films and they are doing phenomenally well at the box office, even in India, whether Mission Impossible or Avengers. I’m not comparing our films to theirs, but people are acknowledging our hard work and the scale, which is empowering for us artistes. We have seen films like Baaghi 2, Satyameva Jayate, Tiger Zinda Hai, Baahubali and Padmaavat working really well. If done well, with the right emotional intent on a beautiful canvas, the audience likes it. It’s that simple.

Do you think sticking to the action genre works to your disadvantage?

It’s a blessing that I’ve been accepted in this genre. Action has given me an identity. At public events or at work, people want me to do something impromptu on stage and talk about stunts. This motivates me to do more and give back to them what they have accepted me for.

A Flying Jatt and Munna Michael didn’t fare well at the box office. Did that make Baaghi 2’s success taste sweeter?

You’re right. Because it came after two films that, although really dear to me, didn’t work, it made the victory so much sweeter. It was long overdue for my family, me and everyone who worked hard on this film. It made me feel on top of the world.

Were you dejected in that phase?

I was really upset. The work I had put into my films and craft required a lot of physical and mental labour. It took a toll on the body, so, it was disheartening when the films didn’t work. I felt dejected and thought about it every night before I slept. However, I turned them into my strengths and if I ever failed to give a certain shot, I’d always think about those times. That sort of drove me beyond my limits. I’m grateful to have learnt this early on. I’ve tasted success at the beginning of my career and seen the other side as well. I wouldn’t call the movies failures because they have made me stronger and this is one of the reasons why Baaghi 2 was successful.

Would you call yourself the potential superstar from the younger generation?

I don’t know what to say. Superstars for me are people who I’ve grown up watching, like Hrithik (Roshan) sir, Akshay (Kumar) sir or the Khans — Salman sir, Shah Rukh sir and Aamir sir. So, I can’t call myself that yet. I’m just four-five films old and have a long way to go. I just feel blessed that people have at least accepted me.

Is there pressure on you to repeat the success in Baaghi 3?

There are expectations for sure. Baaghi 3 has been going back and forth with ideas and scripts. Ahmed (Khan) sir and Sajid (Nadiadwala) sir have been working day and night on so many stories and we have finally cracked one after six months. Ever since we launched the trailer of Baaghi 2, we have been working on Baaghi 3. So, you can imagine how long it has been. Then, since the film succeeded like it did, it’s double the pressure. We can’t be complacent or let this success go to our heads. We have to work twice as hard to deliver better.

The prep for Baaghi 3 must be gruelling...

I leave that to the filmmakers and completely surrender myself to them, as I did for Baaghi 2. I’m not the one to argue or decide on anything. I just do whatever I’m asked to.

Big banners such as Yash Raj Films and Dharma Productions have signed you on. Does that give you more confidence?

It’s truly a blessing. I give the credit to my stars and family. I feel like I’m getting a lot and don’t know how to take it. I want to feel worthy, work hard to not let anybody down and see everyone around me happy. I think I’m doing a pretty good job of that. I’m taking each day as it comes and trying to get better at something. That’s the mission.