To not correlate work with success. I want to be successful in all aspects of my life. We shouldn't get so bitter with failure too. For me, every call for a project is success.
1. Tell us about more about your background and journey.
I'm Aayushi Lahiri and I was born and raised in Mumbai. My father shifted from Kolkata to Mumbai before marriage and got into advertising. I've grown up watching English and Hindi films. All thanks to my dad who made sure we watched every film in the theatre.
His collection of cassettes and DVD’s made me inclined towards the creative field from the very beginning. Mom used to write scripts for him and dad directed ads till the early 2000's. I studied in Bombay Cambridge school and did my graduation in advertising from St. Andrews college, Bandra.
My plan was to go to New York or FTII but during last year of college but I was asked to join a theatre group which lead to a movie audition eventually. I assisted a director for a year till he kicked me out and asked me to focus only on acting. Still not sure if I was terrible at my job or he really saw something. Who knows?
2. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue Acting and be in the entertainment business, how did you start ?
I was a closet actor for the longest time. I was too fat to admit I wanted to act. I performed on stage for the first time in 3rd year judged by Tarun Mansukhani and Joydeep sengupta and won the best actress award. The appreciation at that point when I was too shy, made me want to pursue acting so I started doing my own research.
I went on Facebook and liked all production house pages and reached out to casting directors. I was fortunate enough to get a positive response from everyone. I was almost about to give up after few months till I cracked a film and an ad audition with Amitabh Bachchan. I don't know what changed within but I took it as a sign and never thought of a plan B after that.
3. What's your opinion of OTT platforms enabling so many actors to get entry to the world of entertainment? Was it harder for you ?
I'm just glad that an actor can dream of becoming an actor and banking on more work on an OTT platform rather than aspiring to work with the big production houses that launch new talent once in a blue moon. Cinema is no more the end game.
I wouldn't want to call my journey harder than anyone else who has gotten a big break now. When I started off without any guidance, It took a while to get into the groove of reaching out and giving auditions.
I hear stories, where non actors tell me that they got a message on Instagram/ Facebook from a casting director and that's how they got this project. People are much more involved in looking out for fresh new faces now. Also, makes me super happy watching meaningful content with new actors.
4. What opportunities are available to upcoming actors in the industry, how can someone start before making it big ?
I still don't think I'm the right person to answer this but If I have to talk from experience, focus on your audition. Your audience is the studio camera. 200- 500 other actors might be auditioning for the same thing. Focus on projecting your uniqueness and not fitting into anyone else's shoe. As an actor, someone can start by doing this little bit.
5. What are some of the major challenge's that you have faced in the industry and how have you overcome them?
Looking back, I actually like making fun of my challenges now. I have been selected to do a movie that ended up getting shelved. Got selected for another film, only to be replaced a few days before the shoot. Even signed a contract for a film and then got replaced by the lead of the film.
3 of my Web shows shelved during filming when OTT platforms were just picking up. I was looking forward to the release of my short film that has been stuck for 2 years. I've sailed on every boat and now I'm at a point where my focus has shifted to being happy, giving a good audition that satisfies me as an actor more than anyone else. Doing my bit and moving on from one ad, one show or short film.
I'm very passionate during the filming of a particular assignment but then I don't pay heed to it or think about how this will change my life when it releases. I have also worked on becoming fitter this year which has really changed things for me on work front. People are calling me for all kinds of roles which I didn't think I would've fitted into earlier.
6. Who is your all time favorite artist and why?
Gulzar Saab. Anything that he has written or directed. I'm an old soul who wishes to hover around him and read what's going on in his mind. Be a part of anything that he makes. And my most favorite actress is Cate Blanchett. I watch her performances when I feel saturated.
7. What is your mantra for success ?
To not correlate work with success. I want to be successful in all aspects of my life. We shouldn't get so bitter with failure too. For me, every call for a project is success. Every time I'm shortlisted, I've succeeded.
A director getting to notice you when you had no clue how to reach out to him/her is a bonus. Last but not the least, being able to do what I'm doing is a the best example of being successful.
(Actress)
Instagram id : @aayushmatibhava
Interviewed by : Adit Koul
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