Adah Sharma: My mother trained me in dance as well as martial arts
By - TNNOnkar KulkarniCreated: Nov 23, 2019, 01:00 IST
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A trained martial artist, it comes as no surprise that Adah Sharma loves performing stunts in her films. The actress will be seen doing some high-octane action sequences in her upcoming film, Commando 3. In a conversation with BT, she spoke about her bond with co-star and fellow martial arts enthusiast Vidyut Jammwal, how she used her martial arts training for self-defence and the kind of man she wants in her life. Excerpts:
In the trailer of Commando 3, we see you doing action, you also upload videos performing martial arts on social media. What is it about martial arts that’s most appealing to you?
Since childhood, I have been inclined towards dancing and physical training. I like anything that’s related to dance and gymnastics. I feel that dance and action are similar, as both involve choreography. It is also about timing, discipline, focus and pushing your limits. I am trained in Kathak, where you do your chakkars and come back to the same spot. In action, too, you do your kicks and return to the same spot. My inspiration has been my mother. Not only did she train me in Kathak, but also in Kalaripayattu and Mallakhamb.
Did you learn any new forms of martial arts for Commando 3?
For the film, I worked on my Kalaripayattu skills. I undertook training in Silambam, which is an art form from Tamil Nadu. I also learnt to use nunchucks. I polished my sharpshooting skills, too, which I had trained in during Commando 2. I play an encounter specialist, and so, I had to look like a pro. If you aren’t confident while holding a gun, it shows on the screen. I enjoy shooting as it feels like meditation. You take a deep breath, hold your breath and pull the trigger. You need to concentrate a lot during the process. In the film, I am also doing hand-to-hand combat.
Knowing martial arts also helps you with self-defence. Have you ever faced a situation where it has come to your rescue?
When I was in seventh grade, I was walking home after my tuitions. There were a few boys who were throwing stones at me. I turned back and asked them to stop doing that, but they didn’t listen. I told them once again, but this time, one guy came too close to me and asked, “Kya karogi?” At the time, I remember my uncle had taught me, Tai Chi. I used one of the moves and hit him on his face. The next thing I remember seeing was his hand on his face, and the palm soaked in blood. I freaked out and started walking briskly. I never turned back to look at him.
Your co-star, Vidyut Jammwal, is a trained martial artist, too. Did the two of you bond over this?
Vidyut is one of my closest friends today. We became friends on the sets of Commando 2. Yes, we did start talking to each other about our love for fitness and martial arts. However, it is his sense of humour that we bonded over a lot. In terms of fitness, I must say that his physical and mental strength inspires me. He does push-ups using glass bottles. With his physical strength, the bottles could get crushed, but he keeps his body light enough with his mental strength. I am always surprised with the way he breaks bricks with his bare hands.
Has your role as Inspector Bhavana Reddy evolved in the sequel?
In Commando 2, she was a corrupt cop. She was evil as she would even kill people for a branded, expensive bag. This time around, she is a serious cop. However, we have retained her funny antics. The character still has that sense of humour, as people had liked it. This time she is a lot stronger.
In Commando 2, you had Esha Gupta as your female co-star, this time around you are sharing screen space with Angira Dhar. Is it important for you to get along with your co-stars and have a friendly equation with them?
Yes, we did. I feel during any film project, you should get along with all your co-stars, especially female co-stars. If, as a woman, you don’t respect another woman, how can you expect men to respect women? So, I have great respect for all my female co-stars. Not only them. I also respect all the women who work behind-the-scenes, day and night to make us actresses look beautiful and make it possible for us to nail the characters we play on screen.
On the personal front, there was a buzz that you were dating a businessman.
(Looks surprised) Who is this businessman? I am very much single. I want to urge my fans to find the right guy for me. I need a man who can make perfectly round dosas and the best chutney. He should love animals, do backflips and should be a happy person.
