Vinali Bhatnagar is making her big-screen debut with Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. In an exclusive interview with PeepingMoon.com, the upcoming starlet spoke about her experience working with Salman Khan and whether she feared getting overshadowed in an ensemble cast film.

Vinali further opened up about entering the film industry without a godfather and being fascinated by glamour and stardom. The young actress further said her parents are her biggest supporters as she navigates through the industry.

Excerpts from the interview:

Do you remember your first day on the set of Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan?

I got a call from a casting agency for my pictures when I was outside a Gurudwara. A week after submitting my pictures and relevant documents, they called me for the audition. After several meetings, I got tickets for Hyderabad and that's when I was selected for the film. The first schedule was in Hyderabad. The entire star cast was there for the first scene and it was an important one. We were waiting for everyone to come and then when I saw Salman Khan in front of me, I forgot my scene. It was so surreal to see him. He came to me and shook hands. Salman sir made it so easy for all of us. He also made sure we ate our meals together. 

Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan is an ensemble film. Do you fear being overshadowed by too many people?

Salman sir made sure everyone got an equal chance to display their talent. I am the only person who auditioned for Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan as others were established and were well-placed in the industry. Unlike others, I didn't receive a call from Salman Khan. He did select me for the film but that was after the audition. I got through and I believe that was because of my caliber. I am confident that I will shine in the film. 

What were the unknown facts you learnt about Salman Khan while working with him?

Salman sir never uses his spotboy to carry umbrellas. In fact, he doesn't use an umbrella even if it is hot. While we're constantly on some diet, he never follows that. He eats proper food and then hits the gym. Even at odd hours, he would never skip his workout. Also, he is someone who made sure everyone sat down together for meals. 

Who's that co-star with whom you bonded the most?

All were sweet but I bonded the most with Siddharth Nigam and Palak Tiwari.

You come from a non-filmi background. Were you skeptical about entering the film industry without a godfather?

I always wanted to be an actor and had made up my mind to be a part of the industry even without a godfather. Acting is my calling and without this, I have nothing else to do. My parents were my biggest support.

When did the acting keeda bite you?

I was fascinated by stardom and glamour. But when I started the process of learning acting, I realised that I want to focus more on acting and explore that more than anything. Gradually, the craze for stardom and glamour faded away. 

You participated in a beauty pageant. Did that help you in building confidence in front of the camera?

When I participated in the contest, I had no plan to be acting in films. I wasn't sure whether things would work out for me. That was a completely different space as beauty contests are more about confidence and personality. It did help me but there are many other factors too.