'I believe in the true, forever kind of deep, passionate love': Kriti Sanon on playing Mukti in Tere Ishk Mein

Q. How was the journey and the emotional depth?

A. The journey actually started years ago. I have met Aanand sir multiple times over the years. I wanted to feature in a love story directed by him; it has always been on my wish list. I am fond of love stories, a genre which is now explored less. But it’s my favourite. I was always craving to be directed by someone like him, whose love stories touch the soul and resemble the complicated and layered lives of individuals.

Q. How did you prepare for the role?

A. I always remain prepared as an actor, like a front-bencher who is always ready with her homework. But for this film, I relied on Aanand sir because of the way Mukti, my character, was living in his mind. Instead of preparing, I just surrendered to him and slowly discovered Mukti as the days passed during the shoot. It has been such a different experience for me because I have never gone to a shooting floor completely raw, only to find the colours of the character in due course.

Q. Could you connect to Mukti?

A. There are some traits that did connect, though I wouldn’t do a lot of things that Mukti does. But I think in the beginning, Mukti has a purity and naivety to such an extent that she believes in the good in people that others sometimes can’t even see. She believes people are good and that the world can be changed. I think that part is something I connect with.

Q. How would you define love?

A. I am a complete believer in love. I believe in the true, forever kind of deep, passionate love. Love can have multiple definitions, but to me, love is when one can remain authentic in front of his or her partner and be stupid together.

Q. How was the experience of working with Dhanush?

A. I had such a phenomenal time working with him. I have always been an admirer of his talent and craft. When I saw them first-hand while shooting scenes, I realised he is a very collaborative actor and there is some hidden magic. I think since he is also a director, it helps him in building a character. The little things he does during the shoot are amazing. I think Mukti came alive because of Shankar, played by Dhanush. Moreover, I haven’t seen anyone better than him at transforming into the character the moment the camera rolls.

Q. We see a lot of hatred in this love story. How would you describe it?

A. I think there is also love behind the hatred shown in the trailer. The current generation has either stopped believing in love or is stuck in right-swiping and left-swiping (in the context of dating apps). I really crave those stories that make me believe in passionate love that is beyond logic and anything else in life. It can also lead to heartbreak or change one’s life completely. The film has all kinds of deep emotions like pain, love, hatred, and anger, which we are sometimes afraid of feeling.

Q. Was there anything you revisited, playing a girl from Delhi, the city where you were born?

A. I studied in an engineering college where I had to attend classes in uniform. I always had a dream to play a Delhi college student who goes to a normal campus. I missed having that college life. So I was very excited when Aanand sir told me we would be shooting in the DU campus, because I never had that experience. It was a dream fulfilled through the course of the film.

Q. How would you like to react to the Delhi pollution that has affected the normal lives of people?

A. I don’t think anything will happen just by reacting to it. It’s getting worse. I am from Delhi, so I know what it used to be earlier and it’s only getting worse. Something needs to be done, otherwise we will reach a point where we won’t be able to see each other, standing next to one another.

(Photos: Kriti Sanon/Instagram)