In love with films

Casting Coup

The directors were on the lookout for an actor to play Madholal’s daughter. Around that time a friend—who had previously worked with me—told me about the role and took me to meet the director. Surprisingly I got chosen and was called in for a reading. I had this childhood desire to be on Chitrahaar. And I realised I wouldn’t be at peace till I’ve exhausted the drama keeda in me.

Stepping-Stone
Before my transition to films,I’ve done my bit in theatre,commercials and short films,some of them with UNICEF and other NGOs. I did workshops with theatre veteran N.K. Sharma,founder and artistic director of Act One,a theatre group. I was also associated with the JNU chapter of Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA) and did two proscenium plays written by Uday Prakash and Bimal Mitra. I am a trained Bharatanatyam dancer under Leela Samson and have been learning the art form since I was seven years old.

First Shot
I can not forget the first shot. I had to squeeze water from the clothes and hang them on the clothesline. The entire crew kept advising me on how I should do it the right way. It was hilarious to hear them out.

Stumbling-Block
I’m only three films old in the industry: my debut film,Pravesh Bharadwaj’s social documentary Niyati,got delayed. But thankfully I haven’t faced a stumbling block as of now. Or maybe I have a selective memory (laughs). Though I’ll say that,being from a non-filmi background seems like a disadvantage. I’m the outsider trying to make inroads into Bollywood. Not having a godfather in this industry can be a disadvantage.

Lessons Learnt
Bollywood,as a whole,is a huge industry but as an actor,I have realised that I am just another cog in the wheel. It is the joint effort of the director,producer,actors,musicians and technicians that helps bring out a successful project. My tantrums and mood swings at no point will be entertained. It took me a while to understand how the industry works. But I must admit that in this industry hard work and sincerity does count. If you work hard,the results will show.

Matinee Idol
I admire Madhuri Dixit’s body of work. I’m inspired by Hollywood stars like Julia Roberts and Kate Winslet. I would also like to work with Vishal Bhardwaj,Sudhir Mishra,Aditya Chopra,Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan.

Future Projects
In Manu Weds Tanu I’ll be seen as the second lead. I’m playing the character of Payal. The film is a romantic comedy and will have Kangna Ranaut and R. Madhavan in lead roles. I’d like to do mainstream films in the future.