Ahead of the OTT release, Shiddat actors Radhika Madan and Sunny Kaushal get candid with mid-day.com in an exclusive interview
Radhika Madan/Pic: Yogen Shah
While we do know Shiddat is a love story, what is it about the script that got you on board?
Sunny Kaushal: I would say it’s the purity with which love is approached in the film. It’s a love story, there's drama and it’s a lot happening in the film. The character that was offered (Jaggi) is a once in a lifetime kind of role. Then there was Maddock attached to it and Kunal Deshmukh making a comeback to direct a film all these things made me be a part of this film.
Radhika Madan: I think Kartika really attracted me. In today's time, we are confused, we don’t know how to deal with love that is so pure and honest. We are not equipped for it. I could see that in Kartika and she’s the polar opposite of me. I’m more of a Jaggi, I keep challenging myself and telling myself whatever challenges you, or makes you feel scared, you should jump right into it. Kartika really made me feel scared because my feelings were not in dialogues, I had to emote from my eyes. Now that was a challenge, how do I say it without saying it. I felt let's just go for it, let's try it out. Of course there were amazing people around, Dinoo (Dinesh Vijan) who is producing, KD was there, Sunny was cast. I had been following Sunny’s work, I had to do the film.
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Are you a fan of romantic movies or books in real life?
Radhika Madan: I’m a hardcore romantic, I’m a cliché when it comes to romance. When I’m in love, I hear violins in the background. The wind suddenly starts blowing even if it's super sunny. I keep listening to love songs and I write letters and what not. So I’m a very clichéd romantic girl when it comes to love.
Sunny Kaushal: I’m also a hardcore romantic in real life, whenever I’m in love it's 100%. I never get into it adha adhura. Low key, a lot of my friends will tell you, that I’m a huge sucker for chick flicks. I like to watch them a lot. I don’t read a lot of romantic books but I do watch a lot of romantic stuff.
Shiddat is releasing on OTT, would you agree OTT has become a huge platform?
Sunny Kaushal: OTT is a huge platform and in the last few years, it’s a knight in shining armour, it's saved a lot of films, shows and artistes in the last couple of years. Radhika had a lot of releases throughout the year and it was possible because of OTT because theatres are shut. We all love the theatre experience but OTT is huge.
Anything you both are looking forward to once the theatres open?
Radhika Madan: Going to the theatre is an event, the vibe with your friends, family or partner. It's like a party! You are there, there’s no light, the screen is huge, you are ordering food. Songs are uplifted, visuals are uplifted too... so it's an experience that I’m missing. It depends from person to person. Yes, there is convenience when it comes to watching things on OTT, but the environment that is created in a cinema, you can’t compare it to anything else.
Anything that you have wanted in life with intensity (shiddat)?
Radhika Madan: Being an actor and doing what I’m doing now! These super hectic sleepless nights. This is what I wanted and now that I have I’m grateful every day. Yes it does work, jis cheez ko aap shiddat se chahte ho who aapko mil hi jaati hai.
You two have just started out, but any co-stars, director or producers that you have on your bucket list?
Sunny Kaushal: Everyone! I’ve just started out and I want to work with everyone.
Also Read: Radhika Madan: When we see a love story it just feels like home
This or that –
Going back to the past or seeing the future?
Radhika: I just want to enjoy the present, I don’t want to be on either side.
Sunny: I was going to say the same thing, but if I had to still choose I would like to go back to school. Past, just for that.
Going without your phone for a day or without sleep at night?
Radhika: Going without sleep.
Sunny: Going without my phone, I do that on a regular basis.
Phone calls or texts?
Both: Phone calls
Living in a luxury hotel or hiking in nature?
Both: Hiking in nature!
Sunny: I would go to a luxury hotel to have a bath, clean up and sleep.
Radhika: Bang on! I’m going on this trip with you Sunny.
Being in pajamas all day or being a fashionista?
Radhika: Pajamas, anytime.
Sunny: Fashionista
Vada pav or Pav Bhaji?
Both: Vada pav
Place in Mumbai that you love spending time at?
Sunny: I have two places. I love coffee and cafes so I would say Starbucks, and Hare Rama Hare Krishna mandir. I love the mandir.