I’ve Always Been Very Bollywood, to Be Honest

No one really inspired me to become an actor. I mean there’s no single person that gives me that inspiration. I’ve always been very Bollywood, to be honest. I take inspiration from every movie or any series that I watch. Every actor has something to offer. And it’s always unique

Tell us something about your background and journey.

I come from a super cool Sindhi family. Did most of my schooling from the hills in a boarding school. Grew up to handle dad’s business in Kolkata. (We deal in women apparels) Which most of the Sindhi kids do. I was doing just fine. Loved handling the business, had no complaints. Until one day my friends and my few of my family members asked me to take up acting.

I wasn’t that confident until one of my actor friends, Shriyam Bhagnani called me for a project. She was assisting someone at that time and asked if I’d be interested in auditioning. And I did the audition. I obviously didn’t get the role but I received a lot of appreciation from her. That’s when I decided to fly down to Bombay. Spoke to my dad. He seemed convinced but he knew how thousands come into Bombay every day and leave, he, like every other father was sceptical. He said he’s gonna finance me for a year and if I don’t crack any project. I’ll have to come back to handle the business. I agreed.

Though I knew I was never going back. I wasn’t ready to waste his money for a year and come back with nothing in return.

Came to Bombay. Stayed in a PG for 3 months. Sought advice and asked for numbers from random people outside casting offices. Auditioned every day. The routine would be to leave the PG by 12. Have lunch at a nearby dhaba, 80 bucks a thaali and head out audition hunting. The goal was to atleast give 2 auditions a day. It goes to many. But get rejected.

So 2 was also a lot sometimes. And that’s how I landed up with splitsvilla. I’d actually contemplated the offer thrice before I finally gave the audition for it. I was just so scared because I’d heard that if you do splitsvilla , people don’t want to cast you for acting projects. But then I finally just listened to my heart and did it. That was the start. There has been no looking back since then. * Touchwood *

Who inspired you to become an actor?

I haven’t taken any acting training. So I can’t limit myself my getting inspired by just one person. I observe my co-actors. I’ve Learned so much from each and every one.

How was your experience working with 'Nakul Mehta' and 'Kunal Jaisingh'?

It was a great pleasure to have worked with both the brothers of Ishqbaaz. Worked with Nakuul Bhai on never kiss your best friend and Kunal Bhai on Pavitra Bhagya.

I’ve found older brothers in them. They’re undoubtedly talented and supremely fun. I honestly can’t wait for all three of us to sit down and just discuss things and obviously laugh like madmen. Coz that’s what we usually do

What are your other fields of interest?

I love listening to music and keeping up with the latest trends in fashion. If I wouldn’t be an actor, I’d definitely end up being a stylist. Or probably do stand up. But fashion is something I’m way more confident about.

What kind of shows or opportunities are you looking for?

I’m currently looking out for web series considering how well it’s been doing currently. And also because there are some great scripts. But again, I wouldn’t want to be a part of scripts that sell on the basis of sex or nudity.

Tv has good money. So if there’s a good project. With a good storyline. I’d be more than happy to do it.

What is your mantra of success?

There is no mantra to success. I mean, a person’s just gotta keep grinding. Hustle shouldn’t ever stop. I know I’ll need a break when I’ve earned enough. But is it ever enough?

Interviewed by - Amisha Dhameja