1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I am originally from Bhopal and currently living in Mumbai. I grew up in a middle-class family of 5 members, mom, dad, and 2 elder siblings, one brother, & a sister.
I did my graduation in Bsc from Bhopal itself. I got into modeling during my college days, driven by Ms. Fresher and other accolades I received during the early months of college, furthermore, it was helping me to make some extra pocket money.
Yes, the life of a model seemed to be the best job in the world back then. But soon I realized, height is a major attribute for models to be successful Nationally - internationally if I decide to step up the game.
I started looking for options to steer my career, and after long deliberation and consulting friends, I chose to shift my gears from modeling to Acting.
We all know, there is no match for Acting, when stakes are as high as Fame, Respect, Money, Artistic contentment, and many more things. And that's when I decided to move to Mumbai.
All I had was a bag of clothes and some essentials as I arrived in Mumbai with no clue of where I was going to stay, what am I gonna do. However things happened and by God's grace all in favor, though hardships were there, it's everywhere, so can't complain.
Life doesn't get easier at any point. It took me 9 months of daily rejection before I got my first work assignment. It was a pilot episode for a show on DD1, did 4 - 5 pilots, unfortunately, not even one got aired. However, I had a good learning experience during the process.
I have worked for Sony, Zee, Star, Sahara, Sabtv, etc. From cameos to supporting leads in Popular TV shows Like Sasural Genda Phool, Sasural simar ka, Ganga ki Dheeraj, Lapataganj for Sabtv for almost a year.
Then Savdhan India happened, where I was offered a variety of characters, all different roles, from antagonist to protagonist. What led me into the absolute spotlight was MTVs show named Big F. I was one of the leads and for its subject, it stirred a big controversy as well.
As part of my 10-year career, I did get a chance to work in a few movies like Grand Masti, Wedding Anniversary to mention a few. Also was fortunate enough to have worked as a lead in one of Kannada films Pungi Daasa in 2014.
2. Did you ever think you'd be doing TV shows at any point in your life?
In the beginning, I did not, But as I moved along my career I started enjoying TV shows, the process was very immersive for me.
Luckily, there was so much work offered to me and all were different characters that I couldn't get enough of TV. I have enjoyed working on Tv for 10 years of my career and would continue to until I stop enjoying it.
3. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to make it on a tv show?
The tv industry is as big as the movie industry now, so the approach will be just like how you prepare yourself for Films, no different.
My suggestion for all those who want to make it in acting would be that it entails you to be able to act, face the camera with confidence, be able to deliver dialogues clearly and all this can be learned by attending a good Acting school or workshops on acting.
Hone your skills as much as possible by facing a real camera, that's possible only when you work in real-time, so never say no to work of any kind. Just do it. You have nothing to lose.
Connect with people, show them your work, and take feedback, most importantly work on the feedback. Criticism is the fuel to growth if taken and worked upon timely.
And remind yourself of why you are here, about your goals every time you feel low. Giving up is not the option for you to have come a long way and you can get lucky any day, anytime.
4. If not this, what would you be doing?
Currently, I have 8 cats, all rescued. I have found a great connection with pets over a couple of years. So if not an actor, I am sure I would be rescuing strays and raising pets, just like now.
However, I do have plans for an NGO for Animals and a Pet shelter in the future.
5. For a complete outsider with inroads, what advice would you like to give?
I think my life journey is my advice to newcomers. I strongly believe one should learn from other's life lessons and from the mistakes they commit. Struggles will always be there. Never give up on hope.
Patience is the virtue actors ought to hold on tight since work is not that easily available as you might think. So be patient with the process. It will be worth it's salt in the end.
6. What is your mantra of success?
My Mantra is Simple - Consistency is very important and Giving up is not an option. In one go it would be - Never ever give up on your dreams. Never!
7. Which is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray.
This book gives you beautiful and deep insights into the complexities of the relationship between men and women. A must-read.
- Asma Badar
- Interviewed By: Amruta Liz Binoy
Social