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1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I actually have a very filmy story. I was born in Delhi. I was quite a nerdy child and hence a science student .Once during my 11th-grade exams, to take a break from my books I had accompanied my brother to his Modelling agency (who is also an actor). Little did I know that day would change my life.
I met them as a stranger but left as an upcoming model with my first ever shoot in 2 days. So from a science student to a model. I did about 60-70 shoots in Delhi. Meanwhile after my 12th board exams got over, I started applying for colleges in Bombay.
And only after I got my admission to Usha Pravin Gandhi College of management. My parents decided to send us to Bombay where my mom accompanied us.
The rest of the family shifted after a year, it has now been 5 years in Bombay and all four of us are actors.
2. Did you ever thought or dream of being an actor?
Oh absolutely no. Not even in the wildest of my dreams had I thought I would rather I could. Though I used to fantasize about my brother’s life. But was never confident enough to actually think of me as a model or an actor.
3. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor?
I think you just need to be extremely passionate about everything that you do. If becoming an actor really excites you, then be passionate about it and work towards it - make an impressive portfolio, make connections, and always know, that no work is small or less important.
Give your 100% to whatever role you get. I remember coming back home from my first audition in Mumbai feeling so, demotivated and heartbroken because I couldn’t perform well and thought I will never be able to make it. I cried that entire night!
But the next morning I woke up and went for 3 more auditions, because acting is something I'm really passionate about. Today might be a bad day but I know tomorrow will be better!
To sum it up, Just take small steps and don’t be frightened when you fall, pick yourself up & keep going.
4. If not this, what would you be doing?
I dread thinking about this. Because now I can’t think of anything that can make me as happy as I get when I am in front of the camera. But before getting into a college for mass media. I had applied for fashion designing and had cleared the entrance too. I love styling and playing with clothes .
So I guess fashion designing.
5. For a complete outsider with inroads, what advice would you like to give?
This is actually a little secret. Before every shoot I play this song 'Ruk Jaana Nhi' by Kishore Kumar. There is this one specific line that says - "kaanto pe chalke milenge saayein bahaar ke", which personally hits me very deep every time I hear it and makes me feel extremely motivated.
So my advice would be, it's alright if things are a little difficult right now, keep going on & work hard - believe in yourself. The universe will bring you everything that you ask for. Just hang in there.
6. What kind of book do you prefer to read?
I am more of a movie person obviously. But usually, either spiritual or romantic books interest me.
7. What is your mantra of success?
Never ever give up!
- Phalguni Khanna
IG: phalguni.khanna
- Interviewed By: Pallavi Surana
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