Haelyn Shastri on debuting in Bollywood with ‘Sooryavanshi’: The credit for my scene goes to Akshay Kumar – Times of India

Rohit Shetty’s action drama ‘Sooryavanshi’, which opened on Diwali, has emerged as a blockbuster at the box office and is continuing to garner a great response from the audience. The entertainer, led by Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, also had cameo appearances by Ranveer Singh, Ajay Devgn, and a few new faces. One such new talent is South beauty Haelyn Shastri who made her Bollywood debut with a key role as the anti-Terrorist squad officer Malvika Gupta in ‘Sooryavanshi’. However, she had almost lost out on the film. In an interview with ETimes, the newcomer revealed how she ended up landing the role. Excerpts:

How does it feel to be a part of a massively successful film like ‘Sooryavanshi’?

I’m beyond words, and grateful! I am so glad that I am a part of ‘Sooryanvanshi’. The role I was shortlisted for was gone from my hands and there was no possibility of getting it back even after manifesting the cop role for six months and keeping constant contact with the film team.

When I had lost on the film opportunity, honestly it made me upset but I believe that what is meant for you will always come back; this is how I got this film. I got a call later for another role of a cop and accepted it. Although the role of ATS Malvika Gupta was a limited one, but I think it was meant for me.

It kept me wondering if I will be able to do justice to the character being a newcomer in Bollywood. Then came my parents and friends who made me understand that it’s all a part of the learning process of my career. I am so glad that everyone loved my short scene; I can say I am getting a bit of recognition. ‘Sooryavanshi’ is not just a film but will always be an emotion for me.

How has been the response to your Bollywood debut?


I have received a lot of blessings from everyone; it overwhelmed me because I don’t have a Godfather in the industry. I will always be grateful to the ‘Sooryanvanshi’ team, Rohit Shetty and Akshay Kumar. Each one of them has been supportive as my character, ATS Malvika Gupta came with no assurance of dialogues.

Describe working with Rohit Shetty…


Rohit sir knows exactly who is right for which character and how to make the film look interesting. The name ‘hit machine’ is absolutely perfect for him. I had only a few interactions with him but I saw him as a calm but also a strict person when it comes to work. For some reason, during my initial shoot days, I was kind of afraid of him. But he is equally fun-loving.

What about your co-stars, Akshay and Katrina?


My first meet with Akshay Kumar was pretty interesting; I had to shoot my first scene with him. While we interacted, I remember introducing myself, and then we jumped straight to the scene. He improvised the scene and told me to follow his direction as we shared screenspace. So, for the entire scene you see in the film, the credit goes to Akshay.

While I didn’t share screen space with Katrina, there was one shot where we had an interaction. She is so positive and sweet…just like an angel. All I can say is I really like her aura. We discussed her brand and a lot more.