Bhaag Johnny: Zoa Morani on starring with Kunal Khemu, and her new play coming to Dubai

Zoa Morani. Courtesy Red Chillies Entertainments

For Zoa Morani, Bollywood thriller Bhaag Johnny is only her second film, but the actress has had plenty of experience behind the camera. Formerly an assistant director, the 27-year-old was described as the "only bright spot" in her first film, the SRK-produced Always Kabhi Khabhi (2011).
In Bhaag Johnny, she stars alongside Kunal Khemu (last seen in Go Goa Gone) and newcomer Mandana Karimi. She tells The National about her passion for acting, her work in theatre, and reveals that the stage production Tajmahal Ka Udghatan, in which she has a starring role, will soon be coming to Dubai after a successful run in various Indian cities.
You were seen as a college student in the coming-of-age drama Always Kabhi Kabhi. What kind of role do you portray in Bhaag Johnny?
Bhaag Johnny is a suspense thriller. I play Taniya, a simple and modern girl who lives in Thailand. She is independent, calm and lives life on her own terms. She happens to be in a place where she has no other option but to trust a stranger who turns up with the intention of killing her, but then they go on the run.
How was your experience filming with director Shivamm Nair and Kunal Khemu?
Shivamm has been a huge support. He would sit before every scene and tell me how to go about it. He is much more about the feel than the technique. If you are not acting with all your heart, he will catch on to it without a blink. That brought a lot of difference in my performance. As for Kunal, he has been real fun to work with. His inimitable wit would always keep us engaged on the sets. But once the camera is on, he is a different person. 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 acting.
Any standout experiences from your time filming in Thailand?
We were shooting this chase sequence where I was in a boat and Kunal had to jump into it from a bridge. But he fell into the water. He got hurt, but it was very funny. The camera was rolling so when we saw it on the screen later, we all had a good laugh.
You took diction training from Vidur Chaturvedi (who also worked with Katrina Kaif). Has it paid off?
Absolutely. Even though I grew up speaking Hindi, diction training always helps in some way or the other. In fact, I feel I should continue with it as mastering the language of Bollywood will enhance my performances and dialogue delivery.
What effect has your stint as an assistant director had on your output as an actor?
I actually got into direction to learn about acting. I believe there is always much more on offer on the set than in any film school. So when I landed up on the sets for my first film, all that learning helped. I was much more familiar with the cameras and surroundings than my co-actors, who were also making their debut.
How about theatre? Will you continue acting on stage or is films your main focus?
Theatre helped a lot as there is much to learn. It has been an overwhelming and fulfilling experience so far. I started working in theatre with Salim Arif and did plays wrote by Gulzar. Then I did a comedy titled Tajmahal Ka Udghatan for which we did shows across India, and which we are bringing to Dubai soon. The biggest takeaway from theatre has been the confidence about my work and what I portray on screen. Earlier, I use to be intimidated by multiple cameras, but that has died down. I enjoy being a part of both and wish to continue that way. Also I come from a family where I have known how difficult it is to put together a film, how much effort goes into it so now I am prepared for both.
Was your family supportive of your choice to become an actor?
As children, my parents never exposed me or my sister to the world of films, and we were kept under strict supervision. But I remember being a part of the world tours where I saw all my favourite actors dancing to the song of the moment, and trying to enact them back home. That's when I believe the bug bit me, but before I took the call, I had to convince my parents about my choice and make them believe that I will be able to pull it off.
And finally, what's SRK like as a mentor?
He is as inspiring to me as he is to the rest of the world. His life in itself is a lesson for all of us to follow and learn from. For a man of his stature, to still put in so much effort in his work and be extremely humble and accommodating for everyone around are qualities we must strive to accomplish.
. Bhaag Johnny is out in UAE cinemas now
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