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'Happy New Year changed my life in many ways'

Last updated on: August 18, 2014 10:17 IST
Vivaan Shah with Happy New Year costar Deepika Padukone

The young actor, visibly kicked about his new film Happy New Year, discusses two high profile movies he's a part of, and his illustrious parents.
Veteran actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah's younger son Vivaan Shah, who is now a bit of a Vishal Bhardwaj films' staple, and made quite an impression in his 7 Khoon Maaf, will be seen in Farah Khan's multistarrer Happy New Year.

Set to be released on October 24, the film stars Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Boman Irani in significant roles.

In this interview with Prasanna D Zore, Vivaan, 24, talks about his big Diwali release Happy New Year.

Are you nervous?

Yeah, I'm nervous but I'm also looking forward to Happy New Year's release.

It's a special film and it has changed my life in so many ways.

It's been an absolute honour to be a part of it. I got to learn so much from Shah Rukh Khan, Farah Khan, and everybody else on the sets.

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'Shah Rukh Khan is the greatest craftsmen you'll ever see at work'

Last updated on: August 18, 2014 10:17 IST
Vivaan Shah with Happy New Year cast and his parents (both in green)

Three ways the film is going to change your life?

It has already changed my life spiritually, emotionally, and also work-wise. It's taught me the craft that is acting.

I had the theoretical knowledge of things but I learnt the application by watching Shah Rukh Khan.

He's the greatest craftsmen you'll ever see at work. He is absolutely devoted to every aspect of filmmaking.

What did it feel like to work with Shah Rukh Khan?

It was an honour; the greatest experience of my life. The HNY team was a bunch of the best people to work with in the whole universe.

They make you feel at home, they make sure that nobody is unhappy on the sets.

The atmosphere on the set is amazing because everybody loves what they do.

'We didn't really discuss Humshakals on the sets'

Last updated on: August 18, 2014 10:17 IST
Ram Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan and Riteish Deshmukh in Humshakals

What role are you playing in this film?

I'm not supposed to disclose anything about it.

I'm playing one of the six characters; we are a team.

My character is very interesting and it was fun playing my part.

Did you watch Humshakals? Did Farah Khan discuss anything about her brother’s (Sajid Khan) work?

She didn't but I have seen the film because it was written by some friends of mine.

But we didn't discuss it.

You are about to go on a US tour with SRK…

It is a once in a lifetime opportunity because performance tours, especially with SRK, are so rare these days.

This will be my first tour, along with a couple of other cast members.

'I have a lot to live up to; I want to make my parents proud'

Last updated on: August 18, 2014 10:17 IST
Naseeruddin, Vivaan and Ratna Pathak Shah

Your feelings on being the son of two of the finest actors Hindi film industry has ever seen?

Thank you so much.

I have a lot to live up to. I want to make them proud. I'm really looking forward to Happy New Year and Bombay Velvet (his other upcoming film).

It was an amazing experience to work on both these films. I can't even tell you just how much I've learnt from them.

Do you ever get bogged down because people will always compare you with your parents?

No. We can't get bogged down.

In fact it's something that charges me up to do better.