My journey what most of the people know is post-Pammi aunty but they don't know the story before that. So there is a prequel to it.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

Well, a journey never ends, if it ends it means you are content with what you have achieved by now. So it must go on. Well, my journey what most of the people know is post-Pammi aunty but they don't know the story before that. So there is a prequel to it.

I studied in Delhi and was always active in extra-curricular activities during schooldays, so my teachers saw that spark in me and encouraged me to perform on stage. Followed by my interest in music, my parents enrolled me to Gandharva maha Vidyalaya from where I learnt Hindustani classical music vocal.

I always thought I would become a singer but destiny has its role to play. I started learning Kuchipudi dance from Guru Raja Radha Reddy and there I met Rashmi Vaidyalingam my senior who encouraged me to start with theatre and from there the journey of becoming an actor started.

Yes, I had to fight with my family to become an actor so full-on Bollywood drama.

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

Like I said, I never thought of becoming an actor because coming from a business background I was brought up with an idea, that acting is tough. My father used to say "Sab dhakke khate hai mumbai mein" and there is a lot of struggle.

Also, we didn't have anyone in Mumbai or anyone to guide me in this particular field. So I always thought acting can only be a hobby for me but not a full-time profession because, in the back of my mind, I always wanted to become a singer.

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

Every profession, no matter what, needs full Passion, Dedication and Focus (PDF) file, lol. You must be passionate about acting too. Confidence comes from family or friends around you.

You need to believe in yourself as well. Like I said, I never thought I will become an actor until unless I gave myself a chance so you need to take a chance. You will meet a lot of people to tell you what you doing is wrong or not best for you. That's the time you question yourself, are you really passionate and serious about this profession.

You must also need to see your circumstances. Mumbai is an expensive city. You need funds or support system. So there are a lot of factors when it comes to following a dream it's not just one. Looks is not the criteria anymore in the field of acting what matters is your talent and passion.

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

I don't know, maybe I'm married and doing 9-5 jobs in Australia or my dad's business boring life. Well, there were many things I could have done to keep myself busy. The problem with me is I only do things which come from my heart.

I wanted to do diamond jewellery business at one point of time but my dad never supported me post that I tried my hands for going into restaurant business again my dad said we can't invest much money out of his business which is pharmaceutical.

So thank God I am doing what I love to do without any investment from my family and they are now proud of me but frankly, it was never easy to reach wherever I am today.

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

If you are planning to become an actor, I must suggest trying to do some acting workshops/ courses or theatre in your city before you plan to move to Mumbai, in that case, you will get to know if you really like acting or is it just name and fame you are running after. It's not an easy profession.

Nowadays the best thing is casting directors are casting people from their city thanks to realistic cinema. So even if you don't move to Mumbai you can always approach a casting director and tell him/her about your city where you would love to act.

Another best thing about Social media platforms nowadays is you don't have to go door to door with your pic. You can follow various casting directors on their Instagram where they keep updating with their requirements for their upcoming projects so all you need to do is send them an email with your one min introduction and a few simple pics.

6. What is your mantra of success?

Focus, Dedication and Passion, on top of that step out of your comfort zone. Keep reinventing yourself that's how you get to know your capabilities. Challenge yourself.

My mantra of success was not to give up on myself. If my plan A of diamond jewellery business didn't work I didn't stop there. I moved onto plan B of life and then C, D, E and today I am an actor which is plan F of my life.

The thing is never to give up on your dreams. Keep trying and follow your heart because then only you will be able to give your 100% and you will succeed in whatever you do. Success does not come easy it comes to those who have patience and are serious about their career.

7. Which is your favourite book and why?

The Alchemist is my all-time favourite story of miracle, confidence and self-discovery. It's a story of the transformation of lead to silver or Gold which is not metal for me but as an inner-self. I believe in spirituality. It is very important to be a good human being and I keep reading books which can help me be a better human being.

It can be a love story that touches the heart and teaches me to be kind or it can be mythological which again teaches you how not to be from old folk stories we all have an evil side to us too. So I love reading anything which helps me to grow and attain peace within.

Interview By - Shruti Kaval