1) Tell us about your journey in this industry?
I was pretty shy growing up and was a studious child. But I always loved dancing and singing. I’ve trained in Hindustani Classical Music for 4 years. Just before my graduation I randomly auditioned for a short film and landed the part. I loved the process of acting and filmmaking and started modelling in Delhi whenever I would get time during my masters. I had decided that I will give acting a try. I moved to Mumbai after my master’s. Joined a reputed modelling agency and started auditioning. Initially, I would only get called for ad auditions, slowly casting directors began noticing my acting and started calling me to audition for web series and films. In one such audition, I bagged my first big project in Mumbai which was a British Television series called ‘Beecham House’ available on Netflix, and then my first feature film ‘Shaadisthan’ available on Hotstar. I’d say I’ve been fortunate to have gotten such reputed projects but yes I believe perseverance and self-belief are the most important traits to survive in this industry
2) Tell us about your character in Shaadisthan? How did you prepare for it?
Arshi is a regular 17-year-old Bombay girl with average dreams of going to college, making a name for herself, having fun with her friends, and living a free life like any other 17-year-old. To prepare for my character, I created a personal, social and emotional life for her as a means to give a certain wholeness to her being and to understand her more deeply as a person. I strongly believe in and stand by the message the film sends out. I could instantly connect to Arshi’s pain, angst, and her whole emotional journey through this predicament, which started with fighting her parents, crying, pleading, running away, and then finally surrendering to her fate. I would just genuinely feel her pain and despair, and glide into her emotional headspace.
3) How’s your experience working with Nivedita Bhattacharya & Kirti Kulhari?
It has been an absolute pleasure working with this entire cast, everyone brought such authenticity to their characters. Most of my scenes were with Nivedita and we got along very well from the word go. We had our inside jokes going and would always be chatting and giggling off-camera, when Raj Sir, our director would look at us smiling saying “you know I can hear your jokes “. Kirti is a super chill and fun person to be around and there’s so much to learn from her. I truly look up to both these incredibly strong actors and feel grateful that I got a chance to work with and observe such brilliant actors.
4) Tell us about your character in Those Pricey Thakur Girls? What is the series about?
All I can say right now is my character is a completely new avatar from what audiences have seen of me so far. And I can’t wait for them to watch this side of my personality.
5) Upcoming projects? Apart from Those Pricey Thakur Girls
Can’t reveal names yet but yes some very interesting projects are coming up.
6) How did the pandemic impact you?
More than anything else, it has made me feel immense gratitude for the smallest of most important things. With so much loss happening around the country and world, I only felt extremely grateful and prayed for people’s misery to end.
