Have you picked up Mandarin?
Well, my hair and make-up team have taught me a couple of handy words in the local lingo.
Your role in the film?
I can’t reveal too much about my character because she’s got a slightly grey side to her. What I can tell you is that she’s a modern Indian girl who’s spunky and funny and who really knows how to kick some butt.
Did you learn martial arts from the legend?
The minute I arrived in Beijing I was taken straight to Jackie Chan’s stunt teams’ gym where we practiced martial arts for the film. On set, during our action sequences, Jackie would watch us practice and he was more than happy to correct us and help me wherever we went wrong or when I found some moves a little difficult. He advised me, “You should never do a stunt unless you are 100 per cent confident that you’re able to do it. Safety should always come first.”
Do you practice yoga regularly?
Yes, I do practice yoga and I have martial arts training regularly now. I hired a mixed martial arts coach the minute I got back to Mumbai after my first schedule in December. More than exercise, I find it therapeutic.
You have done four Bollywood films and now one Chinese-Indian film. What difference did you find in working for both of them?
Of all my films, Kung Fu Yoga has the highest budget and hence the scale of production is on the grander side. The main difference between my four Indian films and Kung Fu Yoga is the speed, for they shoot with three cameras. Otherwise I’ve been fortunate enough to work with good people and good production houses since I stepped foot into the film industry.
Is Hollywood next?
I’m not focusing on Hollywood per se. If a good offer comes my way I would be a fool to reject it but Bollywood is ultimately home and I will always focus on that. I want to stay as close to home as possible.
What was the difference of working with Emraan Hashmi and Jackie Chan?
They’re both stars in their own ways. Emraan is a great co-star and a devious prankster while Jackie is a bundle of energy.
Have you bid goodbye to modeling? If offered will you accept TV serials?
The whole point of modeling was to gain an entry into Bollywood. However, I still continue to do my modeling assignments. I have no prejudice against TV serials. I will never turn down a meaty role.
Five years from now, where will Amyra be?
Five years from now … I haven’t thought of that as yet. I’ll be 27 then. Hopefully, I’ll still be acting. It’s something I’m passionate about and make an audience believe your character gives me a lot of happiness. About directing, never say never! I love to write and who knows, maybe one day I’ll bring one of my own stories to life.
Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, March 13th, 2016