Will Shah Rukh's blessings work for Zoa Morani's second innings?

Bollywood actress Zoa Morani, who is gearing up for the release of her film 'Bhaag Johnny', had a dream launch. Her debut film 'Always Kabhi Kabhi' was backed by none other than superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

But Zoa's film didn't make any impact at the box office.

It took her three years to make a comeback and is gearing up for her second film.

Recently, the actress paid a visit to the sets of 'Dilwale' in Hyderabad to seek the blessings of Shah Rukh before her movie hits the theatres.

She was greeted warmly not just by SRK, but also by Varun Dhawan and 'Dilwale' director, Rohit Shetty.

Emirates24|7 caught up with the actress who is bracing herself for the second innings.

After three years you are back with a release. What took you so long to get a second break?

The gap wasn’t intentional. I just chose to prepare myself better and do films where my character makes sense and a difference to the plot.  I didn't want to opt for films randomly but settle for scripts that would challenge me as an actor and 'Bhaag Johnny' happened to be one of them. Also films are not the only mediums of performance. I got involved in theater which introduced me to the finer nuances of acting.

You had a decent debut by SRK's production house, but it didn't prove to be fruitful. Why didn't the big launch work in your favour?

I was fortunate enough to have my debut with a production house that everyone dreams of working with and 'Always Kabhi Kabhi' would always be special. But the fate of a film is something no one can predict and whatever may be the outcome, we must take it in our stride and continue working for the better. I also aspire to work the hardest, be a part of good films and leave the rest to destiny. There is no point getting concerned about things which are beyond our control.

After your first movie your focus shifted to theatres. Why is this swing of pace between films and theatre?

Nothing like that. Theater happened to me at a time when I was preparing myself as an artist and I couldn’t have got a better platform. I started working with Salim Arif Sir and did plays penned by Gulzar Saab. Few others followed. It changed me as a performer and I could feel the difference when I shot for patches of Bhaag Johnny after that. Performing live on stage calls for great confidence and command and I could develop the same because of my stint with theater. 

Was theatre a stop gap arrangement for you till your Bollywood career takes off?

Not only Bollywood but in any field, I feel there is no set rule to indicate when and how one's career would take off. All we can do is put in the best efforts and that's what I intend to do as well. As for theater, it wasn’t pre decided but purely a matter of chance. Ali Fazal, my co-actor in my debut film used to do a lot of plays and he advised me to explore the same. Initially I was reluctant but still thought of trying it out. But I must say it has been a life changing experience for me.

Tell us about 'Bhaag Johnny' and your character. Why did you pick this movie?

Bhaag Johnny is a suspense thriller. I play Taniya, a simple girl who lives in Thailand on her own. Her story pans out in due course of the film. She happens to be in a place where she has no other option but to trust this stranger with her life and that’s how the story moves forward.

I chose this movie because of the story and my character. When I and my mother went for the narration to Vikram Bhatt, we were bowled over by the script and the way it was laid out.

Your second movie is with Kunal Khemu who is also facing tough times in his career. How was it working with him?

Kunal Khemu has been real fun to work with. His inimitable wit would keep us engaged on the sets. But once the camera is on, he is a different individual. His ability to switch on and off camera is admirable. Kunal comes with years of experience having worked with seniors like Ajay Devgn, Aamir Khan and Mahesh Bhatt, and that shows in his portrayals.

Any other moviea in the pipeline?

As of now I have not signed any new film but just giving a couple of auditions. Hopefully something good will turn up soon.

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