CREDITS –
photographer – rohan shrestha
styling – chandani mehta
make-up – rahul kothavale
hair – amit yashwant
all accessories – drip project by meta man, carillon jewel, barry johns, rugsac, ishhaara (ascend communication), zillionaire,
all shoes – rosso brunello, kavith sainaani, shoes by shutiq, pellé santino,
all watches – hublot, jaeger-lecoultre,
all sunglasses – balmain,
styling assistants – aditi jaiswal & astha kothari
styling interns – gunjan khanna & yashika
production – fsp production
artist’s reputation management – raindrop media
wardrobe – falguni shane peacock
Tiger Shroff’s identity extends beyond the silver screen. He is a skilled martial artist, Bollywood actor dominating the action genre like no other, and a fashion enthusiast who is in his experimental, ‘bring-it-on’ era. With a decade-long career marked by notable films like the Baaghi franchise and War, Shroff has crafted a distinctive presence in the industry as the ‘angry young action hero’. But beyond the glitz, there’s an openness to experimentation within the genre of films he is bracketed in, a hunger to take on meaty roles beyond that genre, and an immense creative energy and hard work to deploy in each of his upcoming projects. Inspired by icons like Michael Jackson and his family, Shroff’s journey is both personal and shared.
In a tell-all talk with The Peacock Magazine, Shroff delves into what it takes to be an ‘action hero’ in today’s time and how he lives up to this earned sobriquet, among other topics.
Q) You’ve grown up watching your father be a superstar in the Hindi film industry and pretty much understanding the know-how of it. But what is your earliest memory of acting? And, when did you realise you wanted to be an actor?
Tiger Shroff (TS): My earliest memory of acting would be me pretending to be unwell because I didn’t want to go to school. I used to cling to my father in the mornings just before the alarm went off, knowing that as soon as it rang, my mother would drag me out of bed and take me to school. On days when I didn’t want to go to school, I would hold on to my father, and he always took my side. That, for me, is my earliest memory related to acting.
I didn’t realise it, but everyone used to tease me while growing up, saying, “You’ll also be a hero someday, and be an actor someday, so don’t forget us.” They always pulled my leg, and I would insist, “No, no, I want to be a football player or a sportsman.” However, as time passed, my destiny took a different turn, and I’m extremely fortunate that Sajid Nadiadwala saw potential in me. I believe he signed me when I was around 17-18, and the rest is history.
Q) How did you land your debut film?
I distinctly remember being photographed once, mainly because I am my father’s son. I had attended an event, and a photo of mine had surfaced – it was the first time the public officially saw me. I looked very different and somewhat intimidating at that point, sporting long, messy hair that made me resemble a Mowgli or a Tarzan-type person. I was unconventional in the way I presented myself, not caring much about grooming. However, Sajid sir saw something in me, appreciating the rawness he observed in my pictures in the newspaper. He then called me in, and I consider myself very fortunate that he recognised something special in me.
Q) Was Heropanti just the movie you had always thought you’d make your debut with?
Honestly, I didn’t quite know the exact type of movie I wanted to be a part of. I had always desired to join an action film, thinking it was something unique that I could bring to the industry. This genre was relatively new, especially at that time when what I did wasn’t quite exposed in the industry. I believe there was an element of freshness in it. I’m immensely grateful that Heropanti was the script that allowed me to express my potential. It was a stereotypical launch hero film, and I consider myself fortunate that the audience accepted me in that kind of role.
Q) Would you say that you have a different approach to acting today than before?
I wouldn’t say I have a different approach to acting today; I’m sort of just evolving. Obviously, there’s a lot more awareness that comes with time. I was very raw when I joined, and I’m still fairly new in the industry, but I’ve had the chance to work with many amazing people, absorbing a little something from each one of them. So, yeah, I think the increased awareness about what happens on a film set and how to approach my characters is significant.
Q) Would you say you have more creative energy these days?
I would say that I definitely have a lot more creative energy now, just after a few years in the industry. As I mentioned, there’s increased awareness, and I’m more conscious of my potential–how I’d like to approach specific roles, how I’d like to bring characters to life, etc. In that sense, I feel an enhanced creative energy within me. However, in other aspects, I am a very giving and surrendering actor. I let the director creatively lead everything, and I simply follow in his footsteps.
Q) How do you decide when to say ‘yes’ to a film project?
Well, saying yes just happens very organically for me. I’m a very instinctive person. If I connect with the script, I instinctively say yes quite immediately.
Q) Any particular film or role that helped you discover the actor in-depth in you?
A film that allowed me to tap into a little more depth as an actor would definitely be War because I had something different to do. Also, there was a lot of preparation that went into it because I had to be opposite Hrithik Roshan on-screen. So, there was added pressure that really pushed and drove me to work a lot harder on my character. I had to bring in both the shades as Khalid and Saurabh, as it was a sort of double role for me, where I played two characters in one.
Q) Did you enter the Hindi film industry with the aim of becoming an action hero or was that something that happened along the way?
Upon entering the film industry, I consciously made the effort and decision to create an identity very early on because of the intense competition. The question is how does one stand out? I believed that my skill set could be an X-factor for me, providing me with an identity in an industry abundant with talent. It was a conscious effort on my part to excel in the action genre, and fortunately, I now have an identity because of that genre.
Q) As a well-established action hero, how much does commercial and critical success mean to you?
Commercial and critical success mean a lot to me because I’m an actor who puts a great deal of hard work into everything I do. The genre I work in is extremely demanding mentally, physically, and emotionally. So, for me, it is the ‘be-all and end-all’ because this is my life, and I don’t really have much of a life beyond this.
Q) Who has been the biggest influence in your career?
I’ve been influenced by various figures in my career, including the greatest entertainer that ever lived, Michael Jackson, who, for me, is the ultimate influence. He is a holistic performer, and I’ve always considered him as a blueprint. Additionally, my family–my mother, and father have been instrumental in supporting and guiding me. Sajid Nadiadwala, who launched me, has undoubtedly made a significant impact on my career. I’m also very grateful to have Karan Johar sir as a guide, another figure who has kindly taken me under his wings. I appreciate having many such amazing people in my life.
Q) What has been your career-defining moment in your acting journey to date?
A career-defining moment in my acting journey is undoubtedly my film Baaghi and the Baaghi franchise because it has truly given me an identity, and it’s been a successful series. We’ve already produced three parts in such a short span of my career, and now we’re working on the fourth one. Each part has been larger than the prequel, so I’m very, very grateful that people have embraced the Baaghi franchise with open arms.
Q) You are also in the limelight with your brand endorsements, magazine features, and more. Do you think an actor today can be relevant and trending with this kind of fame or is it only the number of films and its BO earnings that speak for him or her?
I believe BO (box office) acclaim is the highest form of recognition for an actor. It serves as the ultimate measurement of an actor’s success, and everything tends to fall into place around that.
Q) You come from a family with a film background. How involved are they in your professional life? Do you seek their advice or suggestions or discuss your scripts with them?
Coming from a film (background) family is certainly beneficial because my parents have already gone through the grind and experienced it all. So, whenever I’ve needed guidance or direction, they are among the first people I seek help from.
Q) How do you deal with your vulnerabilities? Do you often put up a strong front?
I try to put up a strong front, but honestly, I’m not that strong. I’m quite sensitive to a lot of feedback, criticism, or even the constructive criticism that I receive. That being said, I only grow from it. My vulnerabilities might be my strength. So, putting up a strong front doesn’t really work for me.
Q) You’re extremely particular about fitness and are actively engaged in mixed martial arts training. When did you actively develop an interest in martial arts?
My journey into martial arts dates back to when I was 4 years old. I recall watching TV one day, and Enter the Dragon was playing. Right then and there, I knew that’s what I wanted to pursue as I grew up. Little did I know that it would lead me to becoming an action movie star. I’m truly grateful that I didn’t deviate from my goal and path.
Q) What prompted you to start Matrix Fight Night? What’s your vision and mission?
Regarding Matrix Fight Nite, honestly, that’s entirely my mother and my sister’s brainchild. Of course, I am the name and face of it. As an action hero and martial artist, they believed they could use me as a platform to give Indian fighters an opportunity to showcase their skills on a larger stage. There is so much upcoming talent in our country that we wanted to promote the sport, as it’s one of the most emerging sports globally, and India, being such a large country, has immense talent. Unfortunately, they don’t get the exposure they deserve. So, I am really grateful to my mother and sister for giving so many people a chance.
Q) You’ve bagged your next two films with some of the best filmmakers in the industry. Do you think you’re in the best phase of your career right now?
Honestly, I don’t know when the best phase of my career is or at what point. The show business is very unpredictable. The least I can do is give my best every day and have no regrets. I’m just going with the flow, enjoying the journey, and feeling grateful for my fans and supporters who have given me so much love throughout my career.
Q) What projects, apart from these two films, are you working on next?
Next up, I have Rambo and Baaghi 4.
Q) One film that is close to your heart. Why?
One film that’s close to my heart would perhaps be Baaghi 1 because it sort of gave me an identity in the industry and ignited a franchise for me at a very young age. I’m extremely grateful.
Q) Tell us about your style.
My style is about being comfortable and minimal, making it easy for me to move around.
Q) Fashion to you is?
Fashion, to me, is all about comfort.
Q) Minimalist or Maximalist?
I’m definitely a minimalist.
Q) Your go-to style is: suave and dapper or cool and casual?
Casual—like I mentioned, I prefer being comfortable.
Q) A particular fashion moment when you felt you’ve arrived?
Oh, I don’t think I’ve arrived at all in the fashion world, maybe after this cover shoot for The Peacock Magazine that’d change because it involves some of the most different and interesting clothes that I’ve tried.
Q) A current fashion trend you’re obsessing about?
I’m never the one to obsess about any fashion trend.
Q) A fashion trend you’d dare not be seen in?
I’m really okay with experimenting right now. I’m in that kind of phase.
Q) Favourite perfume?
Polo by Ralph Lauren.
Q) Favourite shoes?
My ASICS shoes, as I can do anything in them, right from dancing to running.
Q) Do you wear your favourite piece till its death?
Yes, I do. I usually get obsessed with a certain accessory and then wear it out completely until my mother says that I can’t wear it anymore.
Q) Your number one fashion inspiration?
My number one fashion inspiration would perhaps be Michael Jackson and my father.
Q) A celebrity whose wardrobe you would like to buy out.
Not really, I don’t have anyone specific in mind.
Q) What are you most likely to wear on your first date?
Something really simple. I wouldn’t put in that much effort and would just be myself.
Q) A colour that dominates your wardrobe?
A lot of blacks and whites.
Q) How often do you raid your father’s closet? If yes, do you both exchange clothes?
I don’t raid my father’s closet at all, but he always tells me, “Whatever you’re not going to wear, just give it to me.” I don’t know why, but, for instance, I tend to wear out my clothes, and he likes that look. Whatever he wears, he looks good in them, so he just takes it from me.
