With memories fresh in her mind of her trip to China where Secret Superstar has registered a staggering Rs 750 crore-plus collection, Zaira Wasim speaks to t2 ahead of the film’s telecast on Sunday (&Pictures at noon).

Will you be tuning in yourself when the film is shown again this Sunday?

I have seen the film so many times that I have lost count. (Laughs) But I can see it 100 times more. 

You visited China recently to promote the film. How was the experience?

It was the first time I went out of the country. The response was overwhelming. It thrilled me to see how people fell in love with the film despite not understanding the language. They watched it with subtitles. It shows what matters is connecting through emotions. We spent 20 days touring Beijing, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Chengdu… He (Aamir Khan, who acted in and produced the film) joined a bit later. At one place, when we were interacting with the audience after the film was screened, a five-year-old came up to us almost with tears in her eyes. She said the film made her understand the sacrifices her mother makes and then turning to her mother, she said: ‘I love you, Mamma’. Our interpreter translated all that. It was so touching. The film is releasing in Hong Kong this week and I am so happy. 

You have received the National Award from the President.

I have had the honour of meeting two Presidents. When I got my first National Award (best supporting actress for Dangal in May 2017 from Pranab Mukherjee) I did not expect it at all. This time I got it from the current President (Ram Nath Kovind handed her the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement in November).
 
Can you spend the same life in Srinagar that you used to before Dangal?

I am not an outgoing person. I like to spend time at home. Not much has changed in my life other than the fact that I have been receiving a lot of love. If I go out it is true that people come up and talk to me and take pictures with me. I am honoured by their love.

Would you want to get famous enough in future to get mobbed?

My idea of becoming an actor was never to get famous. I have a lot of responsibility to do good work instead of going crazy after fame. People in India look up to films and they always have. So even if artistes are not purposely and consciously making an effort to inspire, they have a responsibility on their shoulders about the work they involve themselves in. That will leave an impact on society and the minds of people.

What kind of work is coming your way?

I have been reading a lot of scripts and liked a few. But I have not said yes to anything yet.

Rekha had sought you out after a screening. What advice did you get from her?

She did not advise me as such but gave me blessings, appreciation and love. I am thankful to her for that.

Who are your parents’ favourite actors?

My mother loves Amitabh Bachchanji. And she really loves Aamir Khan. He is such a dedicated person that his passion for work reflects in him. That has inspired me. 

When you had met t2 last autumn, you had said you did not yet have a dream. Do you have one now?

Not yet. (Laughs) Maybe my dream is to be just happy and content.