Stars in the City: Pooja Hegde explains why she joined the cast of Deva, which Shahid Kapoor describes as "a challenging film."

The most recent episode of HTCity's Stars in the City included twice as much entertainment from Deva co-stars Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde! Continue reading

When Deva co-stars Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde came to HT City for the most recent season of Stars in the City, it was time for lively banter and exciting dance moves.

In a tête-à-tête with Sonal Kalra, Chief Managing Editor, Entertainment and Lifestyle, Hindustan Times, the duo opened up about what drew them to their current film. The seminar concluded with a dynamic performance by Stance Dance Studio, captured via Boomcast.

"My goal is to identify a genre that will surprise fans."

Even though he has played a variety of characters before, Shahid Kapoor pointed out that his most recent role, Deva, is different from his other performances. Shahid adds, "Deva is an action thriller, a genre I haven't done yet. It follows a complex character who is thrust into a commercial world. As an actor, it's a very challenging film." I'm constantly looking for a genre that will surprise and introduce readers to something different.

"Want to show me a more somber side?"
"When I was offered the film, I was at a phase where I wanted to do different films, the kind that would change the way I'm defined as an actor," Pooja Hegde, who portrays an investigative journalist in Deva, disclosed.She acknowledged that, despite her success in South cinema, "Hindi audiences haven't seen a more serious, gritty side of me." I thought my character was great; she doesn't hesitate to express her opinions. In addition, it was my first time shooting in Mumbai, my homeland. It was really thrilling to shoot in the center of the city.

"Actors should fully own their roles."
In response to the criticism he received for his 2019 movie Kabir Singh, Shahid said that performers should take responsibility for their roles. He also discussed how his family members responded to his character in the movie and whether they played a part in his decision to accept the job."You should own the decision to appear in a movie and make it your own. My father (actor Pankaj Kapur), my friends, and my crew all talk about my roles, but I am the one making the movie. Regarding whether he gets input for his screenplays from his wife Mira Rajput Kapoor, Shahid joked, "She is too expensive, I can't afford her."

"Gave Shahid a lot of knowledge."
What is the one thing Pooja learned from her co-star during the filming, given her desire to establish herself in Hindi films? Working with a talented actor is simple since you're only responding to them. He was particularly skilled at close-ups, and I recall thinking,"Should I retake my shot?" His performances are sincere, and that's evident," she said.