I Became Very Popular With My Unconventional Choices Since Then - Falaque Rashid Roy (Actor)

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1. Tell us about your background and journey.

Coming from a simple middle class family, where education was most important along with getting grades and getting a good result was primary. I was in Loreto Dharamtala and was fairly good in my studies though, I was told I had good potential if I work harder in studies, but I wasn't too keen with grades and with the academic race, however what always felt as a calling was I wanted to be an actress. So like usual when I expressed my desire to be one, I was told academics first then the rest.

So, I started my career long back as a freelance model while I was in high school around the year 2010. It started as a hobby and for quick pocket money initially, only to realize it later that i actually had a very strong passion for it.

One of my earliest or rather the first assignment as a model was Loreal Colors trophy- in which I had participated in Kolkata, though i had not won but my pictures were used all over the city for colors salon (with Pink hair) and made me a popular face in the modelling industry back then.

Since, then I got many offers for shoots and I did a few designers exhibition shows in Kolkata, several of them were covered by many newspapers, I still look back to the paper cuttings at times and revisit the fond memories.

Participated in several pageants for Pantaloons - Fresh face, Veet - be the diva, in Delhi. Representing Kolkata was super fun. I never had anyone from my family ever been a part of the glamour world any which way.

I grew up watching Miss India and the love for stage, of being a model or a role model started then. I would spent hours as a child posing, walking wearing my mother's heels and pretending to do the cat walk. Naive as I was back then, I had no idea how difficult it is to be one!


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

Oh yes! All the time. I was very clear that this is what I want to be from a very young age. And I realized this passion in me back when i was in class 3 or so. I remember walking up in my school assembly line on my birthday and excitedly speaking on the mic that this is how old I turned today and I want to become and actress and the principal asked me oh okay what if you don't become an actress what else? Then a model very promptly would say. Back then girls would usually answer very conventional things like doctor, or teacher etc. but I became very popular with my unconventional choices since then.


3. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor?

Confidence and belief is what you need to have, that's the most important thing for any career you choose. Prioritizing things is very important. You need to sit with yourself and think and set goals . Whatever industry you choose you need to know what are things you need to have and develop them . 

For Acting you need to work on some lines. Start preparing for the things you need to have to become an actor. Set small and realistic goals. For e.g work on your physical presentation, that begins with healthy diet, workout toning yourself. 

A fitness routine is very important to develop some self discipline more than anything else. And that will, show quicker results to boost your confidence initially. Next get yourself enrolled with a good acting school or find mentors who teaches the skill. 

I learnt from Benny (Damine Basu) while I was still working for an advertising firm in Kolkata for about 4 years. Take out time from your work/ studies at the same time you cannot let any one of your basics suffer like your education or job what you are currently doing for supporting yourself. 

Nothing worth having comes easy in life. You have to juggle. You need to learn time management, in which you have to make time and prioritize. Start making small videos of your performances as you advance in sharpening your skills.

Compare your performances. Start participating in drama groups or programs such as FFACE Calendar where we are constantly on a look out for fresh new talents. Once you know where are your strengths and Weaknesses as an actor you know what to do and what to work on. 

Go back and work on your weaknesses and sharpen your strengths more, this is very important to know what are your strengths and weaknesses every one is unique, no two actors are same. And you must know your unique combinations.

Start showcasing your uniqueness a smart learn always knows his/her plus points and while you keep sharpening your negatives. Identify opportunities take all of the opportunities that come your way. 

You need to keep working on seeking better opportunities. Its is not easy for sure but its not rocket science either you have to be persuasive and hungry to grow, explore and push yourself every day working on small goals each day. Opportunities will come.


4. If not this, what would you be doing?

I really don't know. I have never thought of it that way. But yes I did have my plan B to go back on. I have an honors degree in Mass communication with a specialization in advertisement and PR, so I would land up a senior post in an Ad firm or set up one of mine own . 

Which I think I am doing with my husband Neil Roy as a new wing under FFACE . Currently we have a blessed list of clients for whom we do digital marketing and 360 degree advertising from last 2 years . I have always had a flair for being an entrepreneur just like my father, and so does Neil, so we find another common flair to bond on and that makes us a great team. 

So when I am not shooting, I am heading the business development and marketing for FFACE. Currently, we just finished the first ever Digital Award show (Bangla) under our new venture Films and Frames - the films and frames digital awards show (Fafda) . After the success of that we plan to advance many more such digital programs during the lock-down and even post that.


5. For a complete outsider with inroads, what advice would you like to give?

Like i said few tips or pointers as you may say i.e Firstly self discipline, prioritization , setting small goals, finishing whatever you start no matter what, understanding your strengths and weaknesses and constantly work on seeking or creating better opportunities .


6. What is your mantra of success?

Well I feel am yet to arrive to a point where I can call myself successful, currently am under 'work in progress' zone Hahaha!. But if you ask me a specific success mantra I think its combination of a lot of things, I would say my supportive family. My mother specially playing a very important role in supporting and believing in me. The initial push is very important and it takes some courage too.

My husband is a very supportive spouse and is very proud of me in whatever I do. He kind of takes pride in what i do. I am blessed to have wonderful in laws and I share an amazing bond with my mother-in-law. She would show off all my work to everyone in her office and pampers me endlessly. 

My father-in-law is superbly biased for me hahaha! And can bore you with my praises. I share a very loving bond with my little brother who has been a secret keeper for life. My success mantra is the unconditional love of my family. I am truly blessed.

7. Which is your favorite book and why?

Umm! I am not a very passive reader though but I think my favorite book has been "Many masters, Many lives" by Dr. Brian Weiss. Spirituality has always interested me, I have always believed in it.

The talks about many lives a soul takes and its journey. A spiritually intriguing book, answers about life and past lives, specially the past life therapy. It made me see life beyond our present human form and that being only one part of life as a whole. And how vast and beautiful is life beyond our imagination. it has taught me to respect life & our experiences as a soul and to take things as they are. 

The power of universe and the soul, the power of forgiving and loving unconditionally, which can really lift you.

Another book that changed my outlook I would say is "You Can Heal Yourself" by Lousie L Hay. Its again about how positive and constructive role our thoughts play in shaping our lives. 

Our illnesses and traumas are mostly self induced and how can you change your thinking and improve your quality of life. The power of thoughts is the power of your soul is what I feel.

Anything and everything is achievable.

- Interview by - Sourish Sinha