EXCL! Rose Sardana On Paying Tribute To Madhuri Dixit In Indian Institute Of Zombies: You Can't Recreate But

Rose Sardana interview: Rose Sardana is excited and nervous at the same time as her film, Indian Institute Of Zombies, is all set to hit the silver screens soon. The talented actress is ready to take the audience on a roller coaster ride filled with drama, emotions, thrill, excitement, and intriguing twists.

In an exclusive conversation with Filmibeat Chief Copy Editor Abhishek Ranjit, Rose bared her heart about her role, revealing what made her say yes to the project. The tinsel town diva also got candid about paying a tribute to Madhuri Dixit, with whom she worked in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

Here are excerpts from the interview-

1. What inspired the idea behind IIZ: Indian Institute of Zombies? Was there a specific moment or influence that sparked it?

Honestly, something has always attracted me toward the horror-comedy space-I've been part of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, and now this, so I guess I naturally gravitate toward genres that mix thrill with fun. But with the Indian Institute of Zombies, the excitement was instant because of the character I played, Kiran.

She resonated with me so much. Kiran has that carefree, fun college-girl vibe that instantly took me back to my own college days-the masti, the friendships, the silly chaos. It felt like revisiting a version of myself.

And there was definitely a specific moment that sealed my decision: when I heard it was being made with Kuku TV and directed by Gaganjeet Singh and Alok Kumar Dwivedi. I've always wanted to work with them, so the combination of the genre, the character, and the team I admire made it an absolute yes.

2. Zombie comedies are still relatively rare in Indian cinema. What drew you to this genre?

The rarity is the charm! We hardly make zombie comedies in India, so I saw this as a chance to do something absolutely new. What excited me even more was that while the film gives you chills, it's also a complete laughter riot. Every minute there's some punchline or crazy reaction-it's a perfect entertainer. I like being part of stories that don't take themselves too seriously but still keep you hooked, and this film does exactly that.

3. How did you balance horror elements with humor to appeal to Indian audiences?

We focused on keeping the situations scary but the characters real. My role is that of a beauty blonde- sometimes she's vulnerable, sometimes she's oddly fearless. There were moments where Gangan sir would literally tell me, "It's fine, act like a blondie-let it flow naturally," and those spontaneous reactions added so much humor.

Also, off camera, Jesse and I, and honestly, the entire cast, we shared a great bond. We played endless rounds of UNO, pulled harmless pranks, and had the kind of camaraderie you only get in college. That comfort translated beautifully on screen, which is why the humor feels so natural and unforced.

4. Are there other unconventional genres you're interested in exploring in the future?

Absolutely! I've always been drawn to stories that break patterns and challenge me as an actor. I actually have a psycho-thriller releasing this October, which is unlike anything I've done before. Beyond that, I'd love to explore strong romance and layered drama - worlds that feel fresh and unexpected for both me and the audience.

And yes, I have some dream collaborations too. I really want to work with Sandeep Reddy Vanga sir and do a mad, intense psycho love story with him. My bucket list also has filmmakers like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Imtiaz Ali sir and Zoya Akhtar ma'am - they create such powerful, emotional worlds, and I'd love to be part of them someday.

5. The title suggests a mix of academia and apocalypse-what themes were you exploring through this concept?

At its heart, the film is about friendship, youth, and that unforgettable college phase where life feels chaotic yet wonderful. The zombie apocalypse is almost symbolic-it represents how life can flip overnight, yet friendships keep you grounded.

We follow four friends who are total back benchers-they joke around, bunk, create mischief, and live in their own fun bubble. Suddenly they're thrown into a life-or-death scenario, but their instinct is still to stick together, protect each other, and save their college.

That theme of unity, nostalgia, and youthful madness is what truly drives the film. And for me personally, it was very nostalgic because it reminded me so much of my own college group and the memories we created.

6. How can I not talk about your tribute to Madhuri Dixit? How was the overall experience of shooting the segment?

It was honestly a full-circle moment. For once, it truly felt like living a dream. Madhuri ma'am has been my biggest inspiration, and I just worked with her in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, so to recreate and pay tribute to her right after that in Maar Daala felt surreal.
While shooting, I was nervous but also incredibly grateful. You can't recreate Madhuri ma'am, you can only honor what she made us feel. The energy on set was magical, the crew was cheering, and I performed with so much love. It's one of those experiences that will stay with me forever.