Exclusive: Medha Shankr on working with Vikrant Massey, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and more in 12th Fail

Medha Shankr is getting all the love from the audience for her role, IRS Shraddha Joshi in the much-loved film i.e. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail. In the exclusive interview with Filmfare, Medha opened up about working with Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Vikrant Massey and her character in the film.

How did you land a role in 12th Fail?

When I auditioned for the film at the casting agency, I didn’t know much about the film but when I screen-tested with Vidhu VInod Chopra and Vikrant Massey, I was very confident for some reason. Shraddha is not just a romantic interest of Manoj, she is such a big part of his journey and his struggle and she is such a woman of strength. So, for me, playing her was like a dream come true and apart from the fact that the character is wonderful, the story is wonderful because when I read the book I cried at so many points and I related with Shraddha and Manoj.

What was your rapport with Vikrant like?

Vikrant and I actually became friends mostly during promotions.During the filming, we were all on our toes because we’re working with Vidhu Vinod Chopra sir. And we all know he’s a genius and he demands a certain standard of work from every actor and not just actors, just every department. So all of us were hyper focused on our jobs. But of course promotions were super fun. And that’s when mostly Vikrant and I bonded. He’s a really, really nice guy. But on sets I would say he’s been really kind to me. Like he would always once in a while ask, “Medha, are you feeling okay? Is everything okay?”

What is working with Vidhu Vinod Chopra like?

He’s a perfectionist. He demands a certain standard of work and you have to give, deliver that standard of work, right? And if you’re not able to reach that level, he also knows how to squeeze that out of you. He knows how to direct you in a way that you bring out your best. So, in that regard, he really pushes you. Right? And you bring out, he brings out the best in you as an actor. And at the same time, I will tell you, he’s one of the kindest, most fun people that I’ve worked with. Because I’ll tell you one of the sweetest things that Vidhu sir does is every time an actor or anybody in any department, somebody does a great job, like an extraordinary job, he gives 20 bucks to them. He’s like, “if I’ve given a really good shot, 20 bucks to Medha”. And there is one person from his team who’s keeping track of it. It’s very heartwarming and makes you feel special.

See Also: Exclusive: “My character in 12th Fail felt so real that I was in tears,” says Vikrant Massey