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Why action woman Urvashi is the 'female Akshay Kumar' in Gal Ban Gayi

WE ALL KNOW Bollywood films and music are inseparable, so appearing in a music video seems a logical step for any actor in the Hindi film industry, no?
However it took Dubai's bhangara master Sukbhir Singh to convince Sanam Re's Urvashi Rautela to take the plunge in a rebooted version of his 1997 hit Gal Ban Gayi. The reasons: she got to sword fight, dance different styles and work with a musical hero.
The gamble has paid off. Local Bollywood station Radio Mirchi reports the song has been listened to at least seven million times on their media platforms alone. Here we speak to both Urvashi and Sukhbir about the experience.
URVASHI RAUTELA
What made you decide to team up with Sukhbir?
First of all, you guys would agree with me, Sukhbir is a legend. He is a phenomenon. Moreover, teaming up or working with him was my dream come true.
Basically, I'm very choosy about certain things. Here, in this song, the girl is the main hero of the song and she has a very challenging role to play. She had to be stronger than the guy. So when the script came to me, I was impressed with the character.
Is music an avenue you'd like to explore more?
Yes, I would love to! It gives you a platform to showcase your talents. For Gal Ban Gayi I had to go through a lot more extensive training. I had to learn martial arts, Taekwondo and gymnastics, of course. I discovered a newer me through this experience.
Would you like to appear in an action movie? Would you do your own stunts?
Well, my inspiration comes from Akshay Kumar, my action hero. So, yes, if in the future I get a chance I'll opt for an action movie, you actually never know what awaits for you in the future. So I'm ready for it. I believe that I am a female version of Akshay Kumar.
What are you currently working on?
I've signed a three films contract with T series.
If you had a chance to work with anyone in Bollywood, or Hollywood, or any film industry, who would it be?

I would love to work with Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan. In Hollywood I would love to work with the Twilight Actor, Robert Pattinson, Bradley Cooper and Hugh Jackman.
Do you have a message for your UAE fans?
I'm so thankful to them for all the unconditional love and support, they have bestowed on me. My message is related to Gal Ban Gayi: "Strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from an indomitable will." So be strong, be yourself and love yourself.

SUKBHIR SINGH
Why did you decide to remix your original hit and for those who haven't heard it, how is it different?
It feels amazingly nice to know that I still understand the pulse of Punjabi music fans today! The decision to remake one of my older tracks was entirely Bushan Kumar's from T Series as he feels the equation is currently working. The song in my opinion is a brand new song with only the chorus of my older track.
You live in Dubai, does that make it easier to be a recording artist?
Dubai has been a little bit of a disadvantage as far as Bollywood film music is concerned as being in Mumbai makes more sense as you are close to the industry and decisions are made very quick as to which singer to use. If you are not around, there are many options to choose from. Having said that, it is not a disadvantage to making and releasing your own music with close proximity to India.
What are you currently working on?
I have been working on a lot of music over the years and this release is just the beginning as the time is right for individual artists such as myself to release singles on all the available platforms.
What is your best memory to date since entering the industry?
The most memorable moment has to be my first concert in Dubai after the release of my very first album - screaming fans, singing along to the song you made in the studio is a feeling words cannot express. My music has brought me in contact with almost everyone with touching comments from people like Hrithik Roshan or Abhishek Bachan telling me that their all time favourite track is one of my songs, or a little child in Punjab telling me that he saved money for over a month to buy my CD as the family could not afford to buy it.
In your professional opinion do you think there is much musical talent here in Dubai?
I have seen some amazing talent in Dubai, almost every hotel has some really good bands from all over the world and some of them are simply unbelievable! My advise to musicians is please don't give up, the time is right and record labels are looking for new talent and the time is now right to release singles.
What was it like working with Urvashi?
Urvashi is a very friendly person and easy to get along with. We got to spend a lot of time together during the shoot and media meets. I got to learn that she's a very good singer as well as a trained classical dancer.
What message do you have for your UAE fans?
The song is currently at the number one position in the UAE charts and this is only due to the fans, so thank you for your continued support over the years and please hold on tight as there is a lot more music on the way.
david@khaleejtimes.com