Hello Folks! In this episode of Blab with Sandy we have child artist turned actress Malvika Raaj with me. Malvika played the little Kareena Kapoor (Poo aka Pooja) in Karan Johar’s biggest family entertainer Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham which released in 2001. She has done modelling for various brands and also made her on-screen Tollywood debut with Jayadev. Let’s dive into the blab I had with her:
Sandy: Hello Poo, sorry! Malvika 🙂
Malvika: Haha! Hello Sandy!
Sandy: Could you tell us about your background? When did modelling and films interest you?
Malvika: I belong to Mumbai and studied at Jamnabai. I completed my B. Com degree and started modelling at the age of 18. But yes, my tryst with films was with Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. 🙂
Sandy: How did K3G (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham) happen to you? 🙂 Our generation has grown up with K3G and most of us remember almost every scene from the movie.
Malvika: (Smiles) Yes that’s true! Karan Sir’s assistants came to my school scouting for the role. They saw me and took my number. They called me for an audition. That’s how I gave my audition and was selected out of 300-350 kids to play the younger Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. 🙂
It feels great as even now K3G is often played on Set Max and Star Gold. My cousins who are in their 7th/ 8th grades watch it and they love the film. 🙂
Sandy: Your dialogue “Chandu Ke Chacha Ne Chandu Ki Chachi Ko….” became a sensation. How long did it take for you to memorize and deliver it?
Malvika: That dialogue is my claim to fame, Hahaha! It was a tongue twister but I guess it came easy to me. I practiced it a couple of times and delivered the dialogue in one-go. It was my third day at the shoot and I had to say this one! It indeed is a memorable dialogue. 🙂
Sandy: Can you share your experience of workingwith Karan Johar? 🙂
Malvika: Karan Sir has an eye for the right talent. Each of his characters is well picked and he truly is a very talented film-maker. His films are glamorous and I just love him and his works. I thank him for making me a part of his film. 🙂
Sandy: Few words about Shah Rukh Khan. Any memorable incidents during K3G days?
Malvika: He is so humble and down to earth. He was/is my crush and is so cute. 🙂 What I remember is that he used to greet each and everyone one on the sets.
One day, I completed my shoot and was leaving after having lunch. I said bye to him and he just got up, came to me, hugged me and conveyed his bye. It was so sweet of him to do it and I must say, he is a sweetheart. 🙂
Sandy: Any snippets on Kajol?
Malvika: Kajol Ma’am is a gem! She is a live wire, just like a bomb! She used to be the main energy on the sets and used to make everyone laugh. During shoot breaks, she used to entertain and engage us with her talks. 🙂
Sandy: Your father Bobby Raaj is a director/ screen writer and your aunt Anita Raj is an actress. What kind of support/tips do you get from them?
Malvika: They have always supported me. My dad encourages me and trusts my decisions. My Bua (Aunt) is into fitness and gives me tips on being fit which in turn helps me in my career. Nowadays, they are more serious in their suggestions and I do follow their piece of advice.
Sandy: Why didn’t we see you after K3G? You surely must have received various offers after K3G. 🙂
Malvika: (Smiles). Yes! I did receive quite a few offers after K3G became a super hit but as I said, I was a brat during my childhood. I could have easily got distracted from studies and my father wanted me to finish my studies and then get into films.
K3G was a big film and I got other chances too but I opted to complete my studies as education is an important factor. Once I completed my higher studies, I ventured into modelling and acting.
Sandy: You made your Tollywood debut with director Jayanth C Paranjee’s “Jayadev”. Comments on the film.
Malvika: I met Jayanth sir and we were to work on another project which couldn’t take off. He was working on a new film titled “Jayadev” and he choose me for the lead.
Quick Shot Round:
- Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham: My best decision
- Shah Rukh Khan: Crush
- Karan Johar: Dream Launcher
- Hyderabad: Love the city, it’s people and the delicious food
- Kajol: Firebomb
- If not an actress: Fashion Designer
- You are put up in an island and have no way out for one whole day. You can carry only 3 things with you. Those would be:A big bottle of water, phone with some mad network and a protein bar 🙂
- Favorite Movie: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (Laughs)
- Favorite Actor/ Actress: Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Allu Arjun, Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt
- TV commercials/ Modelling/ Movies – Rate them in order of preference: Movies, commercials and then ramp modelling
Sandy: How different is Tollywood from Bollywood?
Malvika: Not much of a difference between both the industries. People are easy both ends but the major difference is the language.
Sandy: What are your other interests?
Malvika: I love cooking and like to try new cuisines. You can say I am an experienced chef. 🙂 I am an athlete and play a good amount of football during my free time.
Sandy: A few words about us- The Hyderabad Local.
Malvika: It looks great! The interviews are entertaining and it gives the fans and followers a good opportunity to know about their favorite celebrities. This is kind of amazing. All the best. 🙂
Interview by Sandy (Sandeep Rao)
Follow Sandy @blabwithsandy