How has life been after you made your debut as an actor in ‘Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas’?
I actually realised that the struggle doesn’t begin till you get your first film; it mostly starts after that. Also, unfortunately, five months after I signed my second project, ‘The Empire’, the whole nation went under lockdown. I was the last person to be cast and the next day, we went to Jaipur to start shooting; I didn’t know anything about the character I was going to play. I used the lockdown judiciously to prep for my character, work on my body language, and take lessons in Urdu. We went back to start shooting only after a year.
Why did you use the word ‘struggle’?
My first film ‘Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas’ didn’t really get critical acclaim, but, luckily, I got great reviews, which helped me meet directors and producers. Had that not happened, it would’ve been a little more difficult for me to even get those meetings. I am not from the film industry, so I used to think that once you get your first film, everything is sorted. Later on, I realised that it all boils down to the success and failure of your film. It all changes Friday to Friday.
Does being an insider or outsider really matter?
Things are definitely changing, but what I meant was that if you are an insider, you are more prepared to get in touch with your PR or dance class, as there are too many factors involved. But when you are not from the film industry, you are still figuring it out on your own and that takes a lot of time.
You are going from a film straight to an OTT show. Are you making the most of an opportunity or was it a conscious decision?
It was an opportunity; collaborating with Emmay Entertainment and Disney+ Hotstar was a big deal for me. I was aware of the scale and how they are going to be mounting the project and was very excited about being part of it. I also got to know the names attached to it–Shabana Azmi, Nikkhil Advani sir–and was really excited about the project. It was definitely not a conscious decision.
How did you land the show?
It happened overnight. I remember meeting the casting director, Kavish Sinha, who called me and said that he needs to lock the final character immediately and asked me to come and meet him. He later told me that Nikkhil Advani had wanted to meet me. I met him the next day and tested for it. I got locked on the same day. Next day I was getting my hair colored. After that I was in Jaipur shooting for it.
Did you get intimidated during your scenes with Shabana Azmi?
We had three to four scenes together. It was a great learning experience. It was slightly intimidating; I remember fumbling during my first ever scene with Shabana Azmi. But she is such a warm person that she makes you feel so at ease. She even shared some tips with me after we cracked that scene.
And how was it working with Kunal Kapoor?
We had a great working rapport. Both of us were so enthusiastic about being part of the project. A day before every scene, we would get on a Zoom call, discuss the scene and do the lines several times. Even during the lockdown, we would get on video calls. He is sweet and a very giving co-actor. I had a great time working with him.
You have done a film, OTT show, and now even a music video. Are you in a hurry?
I always wanted to do a music video. I am very fond of dance and music; my love for acting started with song and dance. Collaborating with T-Series was on my bucket list. It happened in the lockdown when I got a call from them saying that they were planning a music video with Sunny Kaushal. Music videos are great fun!
You are a Shimla girl. How did you make it into cinema?
Ever since I was 4, I started with song and dance and admired performances on screen. It was very strange as nobody from my family is in the film industry. I don’t know where this fascination of being an actor came from. Whatever it is, since I was a kid, I was clear that this was what I wanted to do. And when I look back, it is gutsy not to have a Plan B. But I had the conviction, so I moved to Bombay and took admission in Jai Hind College. Fortunately, only eight months later, I landed my first film.
How did your parents’ react to your decision?
It is an unknown territory for them, so they were just a little sceptical about it when I signed my first film. But otherwise they were always supportive. They knew this is exactly what I wanted to do and they were happy that I was living my dream.
How was it working with the Deols?
It was amazing. I remember meeting Sunny (Deol) sir. He was the one who took my final audition. Now they are family to me; I have spent two years with them. It was a very nice atmosphere to be working with them. Karan (Deol) and I are still very close. We hang out pretty often and whatever little I know about acting is definitely because of Sunny sir.
You started with films and then moved to OTT. Will going back to films be difficult or it does not really matter now?
I don’t know if that can happen. I never looked at it like that. I genuinely feel a good project is a good project. After the pandemic, things have changed drastically. Even Shahid Kapoor is doing a web show. I think the lines are pretty blurred now.
Tips to small town girls…
It is a great time for aspiring actors to be part of this industry. Great opportunities are being churned out and my advice to everybody, especially girls, is that if this is your passion, go for it; follow your dream.
A word of caution for them…
Just be sure of what you are doing. A lot of people tell you to do stuff which you don’t really believe in. There are too many opinions around it. Just follow what you really want to do.
