Jackie Shroff’s son Tiger Shroff is all set to make his Bollywood debut with Heropanti. And not only does his chiseled looks and toned abs make him ideal “hero” material, his expertise in martial arts and dancing makes him a director’s dream come true.
During a brief chat with DC, Tiger talks about the film, his love for martial arts, pressures of being a star son and of course, his fitness regime.
‘Acting was not my first choice’
“Acting happened as offers started pouring in one after the other. Also, everyone expected me to follow in dad’s footsteps. But as a kid I was attracted to gymnastics and marshal arts. I was also fascinated with Michael Jackson’s dancing style,” says Tiger, adding, “I loved sports the most, especially football. I never liked going to school, and would sham and play football. I played in the centre forward position. If ever given a choice, I would love to represent Barcelona.”
“Gradually I decided to become an actor. But before taking the plunge, I decided to brush up on my skills of dancing, action and acting,” says the debutant.
On filling his dad’s shoes
With Jackie Shroff considered one of coolest senior actors in the industry, Tiger will have his work cut out. “My dad’s first film, Hero, was a super duper hit. I am under a lot of pressure as people are expecting my first film to at least come close to his. I can only say that I have put in my best… Also, we are two different individuals; his style is different. He has a different look and I have my skills,” says Tiger.
Simple look in Heropanti
While the promos of the movie have become extremely popular with ample shots of Tiger’s six packs and dancing skills, he says that it is a simple love story. “Heropanti is a simple and innocent love story unlike the adult romantic stories of today’s cinema. The kissing scenes in the film have not been included unreasonably. Everything is according to the story. Thus, I decided to keep a simple look. I decided to be the real Tiger on screen.”
A shy guy
Talking about his leading lady, Kriti Sanon, who is also debuting as a leading lady, Tiger says, “I am happy that Kriti and I did not get linked up. We are good friends and I do not want to get into a relationship with her and spoil our friendship.” He quickly adds, “Not that I do not have romantic inclinations. I do have the urge of falling in love as any other boy. But owing to my ‘shy’ nature I am single at the moment. My wildest story is that as a kid of six, I liked a girl and would think of getting married to her.”
“Till last year, girls would always find me cute but I could not make eye contact with them because I feared rejections. But now I am busy with my first film and am concentrating on my future,” he adds.
Like mother, like son
Talking about his mother Ayesha and her influence in his life, Tiger says, “My mother is extremely disciplined. She is not a party animal. She has inculcated all the right values in me since my childhood. She wanted me to do academically well and always pushed the boundaries for me whether it was for sports, dancing, acting or action. Contrary to her, my dad is a cool guy. He always wanted to attend all the parties. He would always come home late. My sister is very much like him. I am like my mom…early to bed and early to rise.”
“But yes, like dad I too hated going to school. My dad would give me his full support and tell mom to let me be as he too never liked school. As a kid dad would spoil me and though mom would get angry, she would leave us alone,” adds Tiger, who decided that completing Class XII was enough formal education for him.
Fitness fundas
Talking about his fitness regime and what everyone should follow, Tiger says, “One should have a minimum eight hours of sleep. Don’t smoke; drink lots of water, this keeps the skin fresh. Water also increases the metabolism. You can have Omega 3 pills or cod-liver oil pills. Regular exercise, especially cardio is a must in today’s stressful life.
“I am a teetotaler and I do not smoke and I can’t understand why my friends drink and then get home puking…tumbling down. Instead one should have healthy food to keep fit.”
