7 years ago, Bollywood introduced us to three unique characters Nikhil (Sidharth Malhotra), Meeta ({Parineeti Chopra) and Karishma (Adah Sharma) who allowed us to enter into their lives with a beautifully crafted film ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’. Directed by Vinyl Mathew, the movie was a fresh take on romantic comedy with an unconventional storyline about life, love and relationships. As the movie clocks 7 years today, ETimes got in touch with Adah Sharma who took a trip down the memory lane to share her fond memories associated with the film.

How did you come on board with the film ?

I did acting auditions : 6 to 7 rounds in a span of 3 months…got shortlisted… I was in the final 20 then 10 then 5 to finally 2 and then I did a couple of eyebrow look tests because my eyebrows are very dense and didn’t fit the criteria for the part.

So we shortened them, thinned them, arched them, bleached them, and then finally went with the skinny brow look and I got the part !

You had a small screen time, but you made sure to create an impact with your character as ‘Karishma’

The screen time and an impact a character makes is completely credited to the director and editor. I can’t take any credit there. I think while shooting I was connected to my character, but after the film was ready, I obediently disconnected and moved on to my next film since I was told not to tell anyone that I was a part of the film or be part of promotions.

“Now she’s just somebody that I used to know” sings song by Gotye.

Director Vinil Mathew did workshops with all of us. He wanted us to be real, subtle, and natural…he’s wonderful !

What are the fond memories on sets ?

It was Covid free ! So no one wore external masks. We just came wearing masks made of our own skin. Karan Johar, Parineeti (Chopra) and Sidharth (Malhotra) were nice to me and made me feel comfortable ! I feel blessed to know that, ‘Shake It Like Shammi’ remains evergreen till date !

How would you describe Sidharth Malhotra as an actor and as Nikhil ?

I think his portrayal as Nikhil was extremely nuanced and as an actor he is very generous to his co-actors, punctual and pulchritudinous.

How was your shooting experience for the film ?

Pleasant and peaceful

Did you ever feel, Karishma deserved more. You were dating a person for over 10 years, and on the wedding day, he leaves you at the altar ?

Maybe she had some terrible
pichla janam karma or we don’t know what was happening in the bedroom. They never showed that in the film.


One message for hopeless romantics like us

Hasee toh Phasee…so think before you laugh. Or just ….don’t. (smiles)