‘Feels Like Ishq’ is getting praise from all sides. How does it feel?
I am really happy and happy that people are getting ‘Feels Like Ishq’, and in particular, ‘Ishq Mastana’ really well. It always feels good when you work so hard and you are given the same amount of love. I am really overwhelmed with all the love our characters and the series are getting. it feels great!
How did you come on board for ‘Ishq Mastana’?
Kavish contacted me and sent me the script of ‘Ishq Mastana’, after which I got a call with the makers. The passion I have for my work in Jaideep Sarkar was reason enough for me to join the board. That’s how it really started.
How was it working under the guidance of Jaideep Sarkar?
Jaideep has a childlike enthusiasm which is really infectious. It was wonderful working with him as he gets excited down to the smallest details. When someone puts so much compassion, love and work into something, you really feel like giving it your all. That’s why everyone brought their A-game to the story, characters, and setting. It was wonderful working with him. He is a brilliant storyteller and he envisions the story in a very detailed manner. It’s great to work with someone who knows what they need and has a lot of passion for their work.
how was Skand Thakur As a co-star? What was your first impression about him?
It was really great working with Skand. He has a very calm and humble vibe. He is also a great listener. We didn’t get to do much in-person rehearsals, but started workshops with online readings. We met in person on the sets just before the shoot. We were both very relaxed and very close to our characters. It was amazing, and at the same time, fascinating to both of us. I think we really hit it.
You got a lot of fame and accolades for your work in ‘The Suitable Boy’. What was the best compliment you got for the film and from whom?
I don’t think I got a single compliment that didn’t shake me. The fact that people saw Lata in me and thought that there couldn’t be someone who could have played that character better, I got the biggest compliment.
Has it been a dream to work with Mira Nair?
It most certainly is. I don’t think it would be anyone’s dream to work with Mira Nair; He is a wonderful director, visionary. She is so skilled in what she does that it is like a dream come true for me. I guess I’m still processing it. Working under his guidance was absolutely extraordinary.
When and how did you decide to become an actor?
I started getting into theater from the first year of my college. By the time of graduation, I was doing street plays. I did this for a year. After that, I didn’t feel that acting was cut out for me. In my final year of graduation, I scouted for my first web series, ‘Flames’, which was for a YouTube channel. After that, I started working as a copywriter. The acting bug didn’t really bite me until I got selected for ‘The Suitable Boy’. This was when my journey as an actor really began.
You have worked with some extraordinary and talented actors in ‘The Suitable Boy’. Is there anyone else in Bollywood with whom you want to share the screen?
I would love to work again with the people I have worked with so far. Having said that, I would love to work with Konkona Sensharma and Vidya Balan as well. He is someone I really looked up to during my growing up years.
While people are now making their way into the digital space, you started your career through OTT. What do you think about this space as an actor?
I feel OTT gives an actor a lot of room to grow. You can experiment with stories and actors. When it comes to the big screen things are a bit more restricted. People were spending a lot of time and effort going out and watching the movie. Right now, everything is just a touch away. You can be in the comfort of your own home and you can have tons of options on the screen next to you. As far as I am concerned, I have always been comfortable with OTT. It’s just a medium to tell your stories. I don’t think it makes any difference to me as an actor. As far as I am doing justice to my character, I feel I am done.
According to you, what sets you apart from other newcomers to showbiz?
I don’t know what really sets me apart from other newcomers to showbiz. I think everyone has passion in what they do and the same goes for me. I don’t know what sets me apart from the fact that I am who I am and that I can bring my personal experiences to my characters. That’s it.
If given a choice, which Bollywood remake would you like to star in?
I am setting the bar very high but I think ‘Veer Zaara’ is something I would love to remake anytime.
Were you always fond of movies? Whom did you worship?
I have been fond of movies all my life, especially during my childhood days. Me and my cousins used to go out to the movies. That was our special thing. I really liked the pairing of Shahrukh Khan and Kajol.
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