The Big Switch

Casting coup

I was already working as the stylist of the film since a month. I knew they were conducting auditions for the leading lady, but didn’t know that director Sanamjit Talwar would end up approaching me. Almost 98 girls had auditioned for the film, since they wanted a fresh face and there I was, someone who was working as the stylist. I have no formal training in acting, but Sanamjit believed in me and asked me to audition. She liked my screen test and almost two days before the main day of shoot, she told me to come on board immediately. I had no time to prepare, so I rehearsed most of my scenes with the director.

Stepping stone

I was born in Delhi and completed my schooling and college studies from there. I studied fashion designing at National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)in Delhi, post which I landed in Mumbai to look for a career in styling. I got a job as an assistant stylist at Yash Raj Films (YRF). I worked on a couple of projects, the first one being Band Baaja Baarat. I was offered the job of a stylist in Dishkiyaaoon around the same time as Jab Tak Hai Jaan. Since both the films were being worked on simultaneously, I had to let go of Yashji’s project. While working on Dishkiyaaoon, the offer of playing an actress came my way. Although my parents were reluctant and also scared, they asked me to give it a shot. It was only when they met Sanamjit and producer Shilpa Shetty Kundra that I got the green signal from them.

First shot

On the first day, we had to shoot a party sequence in a bungalow near Madh Island. For this scene, I had to play the guitar on stage, before almost 200 people. I was very nervous and kept asking Sanamjit, ‘why do I have to go through such a tedious task on the first day of my shoot’. I had no experience of playing a guitar and standing in front of so many people gave me cold feet. But I kept rehearsing the scene and Sanamjit made sure that I ace that scene. Fortunately, it all went well and I gained a lot of confidence on the first day itself.

The takeaway

The entire film has been a life-changing experience for me. There can’t be a bigger takeaway than that. I have also realised that I can act and enjoy it as well.

Stumbling blocks

Performing emotional scenes was a little difficult, since crying or emoting naturally is quite a task. I didn’t know how to cry naturally, so I used to get a little stuck. But I guess, every day on the sets was a learning experience. So, I tried to give it my best.

Role model

I have never had just one role model. There are so many people who touch your heart in many ways. Several people have inspired me at different times.

Future projects

I haven’t got any project in hand. I might meet a few people post Dishkiyaaoon. Maybe, more projects might come my way after the release of the film.

priya.adivarekar@expressindia.com