The Big Switch

Sapna Pabbi, who came to the limelight with the Indian adaptation of 24, is ready to take a plunge in Bollywood with the film Khamoshiyan

Sapna Pabbi

Launch vehicle

My first on-screen role was playing the character Kiran Rathod in the Indian adaptation of the TV series 24. The role of Kiran was equivalent to the character played by Elisha Cubert in the American original.

Casting coup

I had actually auditioned for the part of Shaina, one of the assassins but Roshmi Banerjee, the casting director for 24, saw me and gave me the script for Kiran. Initially, I was sceptical as I was unaware of the project at that time. When I came to understand the scale of the project, I jumped on board and I am very grateful to Roshmi for pushing me for the role which then led to a show made by Colors, director Abhinay Deo and Anil Kapoor. For Khamoshiyan, my agency got in touch with the casting director as they were looking for someone for the role. I met with the director who narrated the script to me. They knew me from 24, so I was signed for the film.

Stepping stone

My journey has actually been very nice and blissful. I come from a corporate background and a strict Punjabi family based in London. I had a great passion for films and theatre, which was a part of my life throughout my schooling days. However, after I had dismissed it as a dream, I got picked up for a TV show in Mumbai. Once I got here, I joined Toabh Talents, an agency that was very supportive throughout. They sent me for the audition of 24 as well as Khamoshiyan.

First Shot

My first shot happened to be from my audition scenes, I was super nervous. There was a lot of pressure to get my act right and thankfully I did well. The shot was with Anil sir, so definitely it is a precious moment that I will always cherish. For my first shot for Khamoshiyan, I am seen entering a wooden hut after killing a man, looking around with fear on my face.

The takeaway

I’ve learnt so much during my work. I have had the chance to work with some of Bollywood’s finest people so early in my career. 24 and now Khamoshiyan have made me understand that acting is a game of focus and you must know what you want to achieve by playing the role offered to you and that it takes much more than just landing the role itself. Acting has to become a ‘full-time obsession’. I am still shooting for Khamoshiyan so I am learning new things everyday.

Stumbling block

Yes, I faced many stumbling blocks. I am a British Indian, but my Hindi is good. However, the problems arose when I had to deliver English words in Hindi dialogues. My British accent came out very strongly and I had to work hard to get an Indian tone. I also had to change a few manners of mine to connect to the Indian sensibility. In Khamoshiyan, I play a very depressing role that needs a lot of crying, it takes its toll on me and makes me feel low, but I overcome it and enjoy as much as I can. The crew is very supportive.

Role model

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Rekhaji is my role model. I am a huge fan of her. During a time when Bollywood was very male-dominated, she proved that women are just as powerful. She has a great presence with which she can carry off any role. I loved her in Khoon Bhari Maang.

Future projects

After Khamoshiyan in which I play a grey character, releases on January 23,
2015, my next is a John Abraham, Shoojit Sicar and Disney production film, Satra Ko Shaadi Hai, which is about a big fat Indian wedding.

By Karan Shah

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