She’s got the kind of break in Bollywood that many would dream of. A reigning superstar as her co-actor — Ajay Devgn — blockbuster-churner Sajid Khan wielding the megaphone and a role that became a cult hit in the 1980s. Tamannaah is naturally on cloud nine. “I consider myself lucky. Himmatwala is a mass entertainer, what we call a paisa vasool movie!” says the actor, as she promotes her movie, releasing on March 29, across the country. “I am used to all the craziness associated with promotions and I love the thrill of going through it! Of course, a Bollywood film multiplies the work, but it’s great fun for a person like me.”
Sajid Khan’s Himmatwala is a remake of the 1983 film of the same name, starring Jeetendra and Sridevi. When casting for the female lead opposite Ajay Devgn, Sajid had just one instruction to give to his team, “Sridevi was the reigning superstar of the South then and I want the reigning superstar of the South currently.” “It’s very gratifying. Stepping into her shoes is not easy but, like every film of mine, I have worked very hard and hope to see it being appreciated,” says Tamannaah.
The actor reveals that one of the most crucial aspects about her role is the styling done by Rick Roy. “A lot of homework went into the role as it is set in the 1980s. The fashion sense then was not particularly flattering and Rick has styled me well, thankfully,” she says.
About her co-star Devgn, Tamannaah says it was thrilling to work with someone of his stature. “It’s amazing to see a man with such a great fan following, yet humble and hardworking. Ajay is a delight to work with.”
Wary of answering a question on the unpredictable response to actors from the South in Bollywood, Tamannaah says, “To each his own. It’s not possible for every actor to make it. What can I say?” Point out that comparison between Taapsee Pannu and her is inevitable because of their origins, the choice of their films (both Himmatwala and Chashme Baddoor are present-day remakes of cult classics) and their release dates on consecutive Fridays, she nods. “Comparisons can’t be avoided and all I can say is good luck to her as I genuinely like the girl!”
She reveals that Himmatwala came to her at a time when she was getting many other Bollywood offers. Even before its release, Tamannaah has already bagged another Hindi film with Akshay Kumar to be directed by debutants Sajid-Farhad, best known for their humorous scripts and dialogues and produced by Ramesh Taurani of Tips.
