Launch vehicle: My character Rakhi, is a simple, young girl in her early 20s, who comes with her husband from a rural part in Rajasthan, to settle down in Mumbai in search of a better life. Together, the couple dream and aspire to lead a happy life with their children. Rakhi is not your average, docile rural girl. She is a strong woman, the empowered one who leads the family. Casting coup: I was shooting for my first regional film in Kolkata (Daaker Saaj, that will release soon) and the casting director associated with the film gave me a call. This was much before Hansal sir (Mehta) came on board as the director. I was very excited, since it was a project by Vishesh Films. So, I auditioned, but things didn’t work out with the director who was working on the project first. The casting director then showed my audition tape to Mehta, when he was later roped in to helm the project, and I was asked to come for two more rounds of audition. The tape was then shown to Mahesh Bhatt and the Fox Star Studios team, who liked it and I was asked to come on board. Stepping stone: I was born in Shillong and lived there till fifth grade, after which I completed my schooling at The Assam Valley School in Assam. I completed my junior college at Bishop Cotton Girls School in Bangalore and came to Mumbai to pursue a Commerce degree at HR College. It was during my college years in Mumbai that a friend of mine approached me to audition for an advertisement for Reliance. That’s how I got into the ad circuit and casting directors began calling me for auditions. But I realised that acting is not easy and to face the camera in a more professional manner, one needs to undergo proper training. So, I took a sabbatical and did a three month workshop with Barry John. After that I underwent theatre workshops with professionals, including one with actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayub. First shot: My first day of shooting was in Rajasthan, where we canned a very happy scene. It comes up in the first half of the film, where the kid comes home and the family enjoys a fun moment. But, I was a bundle of nerves on day one, especially since I had to perform before Hansal sir (Mehta) and Rajkummar (Rao). But sir understood my nervousness, took me aside and gave me a lot of advice. It continued on the second and third day too, but after that, the entire shoot was a joyride. The takeaway: Apart from the things that I learnt as an actress, this film has made me a better human being. We always tend to overlook people on the streets. Their lives are not easy. I feel grateful for everything that I have in my life now. Stumbling blocks: Whenever I faced a hurdle, Hansal sir would just make me understand each emotion perfectly. So, there were no stumbling blocks as such. Role model: My parents are the biggest inspiration. They have always pushed me to be independent and their advice to follow my dreams and career, give it my best, come what may, has really helped me a lot. They are my strength. On screen, I am a big fan of Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet and Jennifer Lawrence. Future projects: I haven't signed any project, but Daaker Saaj will hit the screens around Durga Puja in September - October. There is a project in the offing, that we have already discussed. But, I haven’t signed the dotted lines yet. The makers will make an official announcement soon.
