With their One World DVD about to be released, we catch up with the Cheetah Girls to chat Bollywood, boyfriends and bugs…
Is it true the Cheetah Girls hit Bollywood in the new film, One World?
Sabrina: Yes, it is!
Kiely: One World is a movie within a movie – and it’s great. What happens? Well, the Cheetah Girls audition for a big Bollywood film and we get the part. Problems start to kick in when we head to India to find out that there’s only one role but three of us Cheetah Girls.
How much fun did you have filming?
Adrienne: We had an amazing time shooting One World. This movie is the best we’ve ever done. It’s the biggest production and it’s got the biggest musical numbers, we well as the most songs we’ve ever done for a movie. It’s bigger and better all around!
How different is this film to your other movies?
Sabrina: It’s so exciting because you get to see how the Cheetah Girls have transformed since the very first movie. Back then, they were auditioning to get into a school talent show – but now they’re actually auditioning to be the stars of a big Bollywood movie.
So they’ve all moved on…
Sabrina: Exactly! That’s such a big transformation for everyone to see. These girls have worked really hard and now they’re really making their dreams happen.
Adrienne: They show you how dreams really can come true if you try hard.
What’s your favourite part of the new movie?
Sabrina: I don’t know if I have one favourite moment because I love of all the dance numbers. They’re bigger and better than ever. It’s a huge production with hundreds of dancers helping us out, so it’s amazing to watch on the small screen!
Adrienne: I really love the finale, where we come out riding on top of an elephant. It is such a cool moment in the film and it’s something I thought I’d never do because I was petrified. It was a big accomplishment for me to say I rode on the elephant, so I’m really excited about that.
Do the Cheetah Girls fall in love in One World?
Kiely: Adrienne and I have love interests in the movie, but Sabrina has just split up with her boyfriend so she’s feeling the burden of love. We get into a lot of trouble and a lot of fun along the way – and it’s awesome. I honestly think this is the best Cheetah Girls movie yet.
What was the most difficult part of making the movie?
Kiely: We were working on a very tough schedule, which was really difficult. There were some really long days and very long nights – but it was all worth it. Adrienne, Sabrina and I have such a good relationship that we have fun wherever we go – even if it’s hard work and long hours.
How easy was it to learn the script?
Adrienne: It was really easy to learn because the conversations were all very natural. If we couldn’t remember the exact words, we’d improvise a bit. That’s why this movie is so real to what the Cheetah Girls are all about.
What was the best thing about working in India?
Sabrina: The locations were so beautiful. There were some amazing, amazing sights.
Adrienne: And the people were wonderful. I met the most helpful people in the world in India.
Kiely: I really enjoyed learning about a new culture. The fact that we are able to travel and make these movies is amazing – and I loved India. I feel so blessed to be able to do things like this.
What was the worst thing about working in India? It couldn’t have all been fun…
Kiely: Rubbing on bug spray all the time was horrible! The bugs weren’t big, but there were lots of them and they were annoying.
Adrienne: For me, the worst thing was missing American food. I love Indian food but after a month away from home, I missed the fact that we have the option of Mexican or Chinese or Japanese food. We didn’t have many options at all.
Were the new dance routines tougher than ever in One World?
Kiely: They were! We definitely stepped up the dance routines this time. Our choreographer was so awesome and she did a great job making the routines girlie and sassy. They’re still classic, Cheetah Girl dance moves with a hip-hop twist – and they’re amazing.
Are there any Indian dance moves, too?
Kiely: Oh, sure – there’s a Bollywood twist to them, too. Traditional Indian dancers dance barefoot, which was difficult for us to get used to for us. Our feet would hurt especially when we were dancing outside, which was tough. We’re used to wearing sneakers or boots – but now we can officially dance barefoot with ease!
What dance tips can you give us?
Adrienne: Practice, practice, practice!
Sabrina: Relax and try to feel the music.
Kiely: And wear something to dance rehearsal that you want to look at for eight hours. If you wear something you don’t like, you’re constantly thinking, ‘I hate this outfit!’ That’s the worst feeling in the world!
And finally… Why should Cheetah Girls fans watch this movie?
Adrienne: Because this movie is without a doubt the best we’ve ever done. It has the most music in it, as well as the best songs we’ve ever worked on. The music is a lot cooler and a lot hipper, so you’re going to love these songs. The movie has huge musical productions that will blow you away – and there’s something in it for everyone.