EXCLUSIVE! Kiara Advani: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 has given Bollywood the much-needed hope

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Right from her debut with ‘Fugly’ in 2014 to saving the fate of Bollywood with her family entertainer ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ in 2022, Kiara Advani has come a long way and shown the film industry that she is here to achieve big. Now, she is ready to entertain viewers again with her big-screen release ‘Jugjugg Jeeyo’ on June 24. Talking to First India Filmy, the actress spoke about her role, costars, her journey in the industry and more.

On the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, the actress chirped, “It has been four weeks since the film was released and people are still calling and congratulating. The families outside the hotel I am at are also coming up to me saying, ‘Kal hi humne aapki picture dekhi, bohot accha kaam kiya aapne.’ It is nice to hear that constantly for weeks now. I am just happy that two and a half years of hard work has been appreciated so well. And of course, it has given this industry the needed hope.”

Talking about her role, Kiara said, “I play Naina. What I love about her and why I took up the part is because, for the first time in my career, I identify with a character. Naina is the most similar to how I think and act. She is someone who believes in balancing her personal and professional life. She feels that she does not need to give up on her dreams just because she is married. Naina believes that a couple can balance work, household and finance equally. I feel the same.”

Kiara further revealed that because the entire cast felt like a family, that emanated through the chemistry she shared with her costars. “When you have a good rapport with your costars, the bond does not look forced on screen. Because we play a family, it was also important to have chemistry among us. Even with Neetu Ma’am who plays my mother-in-law, we shared a beautiful on-screen bond. It is a pure woman-to-woman, respected and understanding relationship.”

Sharing about her incredible journey so far, the Guilty actress stated, “I feel that eight years of experience is still less. There is so much more to do. But I feel grateful for all the love I have received and the people I have worked with. It is a blessing to be able to touch lives with your work. Being an actor truly is a magical experience.”

Commenting on being called Dharma’s lucky mascot by Karan Johar, Kiara said, “He believed in me before my commercial hits. He took me in Lust Stories before I was commercially successful. He put a lot of faith in my potential as an actor early in my career. So, I feel grateful to him. He gave me some of my most special films like Shershaah.”

She even mentioned that although she has not done any OTT projects in recent times, she would love to do one when a good opportunity comes her way.