Tiger Shroff: I want to be the first choice for an action and dance film

His last two movies — Munna Michael (2017) and A Flying Jatt  (2016) — did not fare well at the box office. That’s the reason Tiger Shroff is banking heavily on his upcoming film, Baaghi 2. “I’ve become hungry for success and I ’m eagerly waiting for the result, which this Friday has to offer,” he admits candidly. But he needn’t worry too much as producer Sajid Nadiadwala has already announced its third instalment showing confidence in the young hero. Not only that, the actor will also be taking forward another franchise with Student Of The Year 2 (SOTY2), which goes on floors next month.

In August, he starts shooting for a movie with Hrithik Roshan, which will be high on action and dance. Here, the four-film-old hero talks about creating an identity in this space, teaming up with his idol for his next and the lesson he has learnt from his films’ failures...

Even before the release of Baaghi 2, producer Sajid Nadiadwala has announced the third part. Are you feeling confident or has it put more pressure on you?

It’s a great feeling that the makers, especially Sajid sir, is happy. He is so assured about Baaghi 2 that he has already announced the third instalment. That’s because he knows it will make some sort of an impact. Personally, it gives me more confidence, but I cannot say anything right now — my mouth is zipped. But yes, there is a pressure to match up to people’s expectations.

Baaghi (2016) was accepted the way it was. That being said, we worked very hard on the second part. We kept in mind why that film was accepted and did a lot of introspection. We worked on our strengths, worked even more on our weaknesses and then conceptualised Baaghi 2.

What were the strengths and the weaknesses?

The USP was the action. That definitely was worked upon to take it to the next level. In Baaghi, the action was confined to a building. In this film, we have taken it out in the jungle, air and underwater. We are fighting all over the place using weapons, which I never did in the first part. The weakness was the storyline as it was predictable for most people. This time, we have a great story in hand with a strong emotional drive that will take the movie to another level.

You have also changed your look for the film...

Yes, physically, I had to put on a little more muscle for which I was eating and training more, making some sacrifices. But cutting my hair was the biggest sacrifice. I am attached to it and when Sajid sir told me I would have to cut my hair and reinvent myself, I was upset. But I was like, ‘Kar lo, aap boss ho’. For the longest time, I couldn’t see myself in the mirror! Fortunately, people are liking it and because of that unanimous praise, I felt assured and could look at myself.

So, are you going to keep your hair short now?

As of now, I am happy with it, but I may have to change it depending on what my other films’ requirements are.

So far, you have come across as an action star, who is also good at dancing. Is that the space you want to be in or will you explore other genres, too?

I want to stick to my genre. I am happy with the space and the niche that I have carved out for myself. I am just four films old and I have created an identity, an impact in the action and dance space. There is a lot of healthy competition and talent out there. How does one stand out? How do I differentiate myself from the rest? If a director has an action-and-dance movie in mind, why should there be another name? I want to be the first choice. I work with that mentality. I’m playing to my strengths and looking for a strong storyline that allows me to decorate the film with my talent.

Having said that, after Baaghi 2, I’ll be moving on to SOTY2, which is completely opposite to what I have been doing. I’m not a one-man hero or a fighter here. I’m not flaunting my body and muscles. I’ve been playing the stereotypical hero so far, but with SOTY 2, I’ll break into the chocolate boy-next-door space. I shall be looking younger, almost boyish, like a student. I’ll be leaner as I’ll lose weight for the role, and will be seen sans tanned make-up. I will get into the urban multiplex space. Most of my films have been mass single-theatre, B and C-centre, kind. So, SOTY 2 is definitely a change for me.

With SOTY 2, you are also getting into another franchise...

(Cuts in) Yes, there is a huge responsibility to take the franchise forward. I’m looking forward to a young, fun story and lovely music. It will be a glamorous film — there are two new girls, all hungry actors to prove themselves. So, there will be fresh and positive energy on the sets.  

You are teaming up with Hrithik Roshan for a film. Both of you are known for action and dance, what do you look forward to doing most with him?

Hrithik is my hero, my idol. Whatever he does is larger-than-life for me. I will just be frozen in front of him (laughs). I would like to do both action and dance with him. But because action is quite challenging and strenuous sometimes, I want to dance more with him. It’s in a lighter, fun zone and it will be an honour to match steps with him.

Your last two releases — A Flying Jatt and Munna Michael — did not do well at the box office. How do you cope with failure?

I get very depressed when my movies don’t do well or collect enough money at the box office. I feel bad not just for myself, but for the entire team, which has been through that journey. I think of all the good times we spent together and the hard work everyone has put into the film. So, it is disheartening. Now, I have become hungry for success. I go into my films with that mentality. I give my 100 per cent every day, every second, every shot. I’ve done more than that in Baaghi 2 and I’m eager to see the result.

What are your expectations from Baaghi 2?

I thought A Flying Jatt would do amazingly well. Heropanti (2014) was a hit and Baaghi was a bigger hit. So, I thought Flying Jatt would open at Rs 15 crore, but that didn’t happen. The only lesson I have learnt is not to over- expect and that’s why I don’t want to say anything.

You are said to be shy by nature. Is that the reason you are not admitting to your relationship with Disha Patani?

There is no reason to admit something. Just because two friends go out for lunch and coffee together and are snapped by the paparazzi, does not mean we are dating. We are just friends.

Are you saying she is not special?

She is definitely special, she is my co-star. I respect and admire her. She is a hardworking girl who has no tantrums — woh sirf kaam se hi matlab rakhti hai. She is sincere towards her craft.

Your chemistry with Disha in the music video, Befikra, was talked about and now you have paired up for Baaghi 2...

We are so comfortable around each other. We are not shy with each other, but with other people. We are similar in nature that way.

When will we see you sharing screen space with your father, Jackie Shroff?

If I team up with my father, nobody will look at me! He has too strong a presence, he’s too big a star. People have offered us films together, but nothing that has caught our interest.