"Believe in Yourself"

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1. Tell us about your background and journey.

With most of my family being in the creative field, I guess it was in me already. I've been in this field from my childhood, as a child actor and a dancer. Later I continued with TV hosting, but as I grew older and into my teens, my parents pushed me away from TV (like all parents do) into concentrating more on studies.

After finishing my bachelor's in Psychology and diploma in TV production, life seemed to push me again to do what I actually liked, it was destined for me to come back to acting. A year later, here I am now.

2. Did you ever think or dream of being an Actor?

When I was little, I loved being in front of the camera. I loved performing but little me didn't know being in front of the camera meant being an actor. Now that I'm more aware of all the pros and cons of being an actor, I know I want to be one. I love forgetting myself for a while and being in the moment.

3. What made you pursue Acting?

When I stopped acting and hosting, I was around 13-14 years old. Gradually I didn't feel like myself. It was as if I lost a piece of my personality and whole of my confidence, I was like that even in college, it was a very difficult time for me. When I got back to acting, I knew why.

Realising this convinced me even more to not acting even when family/friends expressed their concern.

4. How did your family respond upon your Acting career interest ?

When I first joined Chai Bisket, I was still in my final semester in college. It was like an internship so my family didn't mind. I have two elder brothers so it's like I have 4 parents haha.

As I finished college and still stayed with Chai Bisket and continued to make videos, on one hand they were happy to see me perform, on the other hand they were worried that I was going to continue acting. They're really supportive now, especially my eldest brother but they still sometimes swing the opposite direction.

5. Is formal training required or can one train themselves purely on the basis of talent?

It's like any other talent. If you don't have any formal training, your talent is put to test at first. Later on, the set, your experience and your co-actors become your teachers. You're more observant and aware in the process and you learn as you go. Sometimes criticism helps and finding amazing people with whom you can discuss your learnings is a great boon.

6. Which is your favourite video of yours and why?

I have two types of favourites, one which got me alot of appreciation and one which taught me alot. "When your girlfriend acts like a Mother" is the first category and "When your girlfriend acts like a kid" to the second category.

My favourites in the series category are Hey Ammadi and the one which we are currently shooting "SisterS" with Sai Swetha.

7. What piece of advice would you like to give to aspiring artists?

Believe in yourself. Don't depend on other people for validation. There's going to be alot of people who will underestimate you and telling you of your worth. Just believe in your work and keep going.

- Siri Raasi, Actress

- Interviewed by K.Anusree