Hope shimmies: Tanya ‘on song’ with Upendra

Actor Tanya Hope’s special song with Upendra for Kabzaa did more than just match thumka for thumka with the cine star. In between shots, it also was a time to take cognisance of life, and turn philosophical.'It has Chikni Chameli vibes'Dancing to Chum Chum Chali Chali was wonderful for Tanya, who says, “It’s a peppy number, with kind of Chikni Chameli vibes. I loved the energy that Upendra brings. Performing with him was amazing, he has such power. It was a fun experience.”The Basanni Girl (named after her titular role and song in Darshan’s Yajamana) is literally on a song gathering high, “I have another song coming up in Aayush Sharma’s fourth film, AS04 – it is Aayush’s entry song,” chirps the actor.'The song has to capture my imagination'Thrilled at the song and dance with Uppi, he is incidentally also her first co-star in Home Minister. Is it difficult to adapt to different songs, and actors? “I’ve noticed that in the songs I have done, if I listen to a song I genuinely enjoy, my performance is fantastic, and I’ve done justice. I listen to music all the time – from melancholy to Chikni Chameli types, the song has to capture my imagination,” says Tanya who is busy with a couple of Tamil movies (Kick, Golmaal), a web series, among others. 'It was a nice philosophical conversation with Uppi'On her tryst with Upendra, she says, “With him, it was peaceful - he and I got into a very long conversation on meditation. He was amazed that I meditate every day, wanting to know more. He shared about this book he loved, The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle, so it was a nice philosophical conversation which was so refreshing, really,” says the actor who wants a role she can sink her teeth into. “I want to be able to get into a particular body language, which completely consumes me, and get completely lost in the character – I want to be able to play every type of role – a city girl, career woman, housewife, prostitute to girl-next-door,” says Tanya.'There are those that are completely in sync'Dancing demands the right chemistry, and Tanya giggles. “Now that I have done nine to 10 movies, I find there are those that are completely in sync with me, they communicate, and don’t even direct, giving one freedom. However, others micro-manage, which is fine as long the communication channel is open. Sometimes you are lost - wondering what I am supposed to do here? It's the whole spectrum."