Rumana Molla - Opportunities For The Upcoming Actors Are There But It Still Isn't A Cakewalk (Actor)

The one thing that keeps me going is discipline and the scout motto "be prepared". If the opportunity isn't there, you can still prepare for it. Work on widening your horizon, learning different things... You never know when it will be useful.

1. Tell us about more your background and journey.

I was born in West Virginia but grew up in Belgium. Although I studied Mass communication, I was always sure that I wanted to be an actress. I moved to Mumbai although I did not know anyone or anything. I started by joining some classes to get a better understanding of how to go about things.

2. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue Acting and be in the entertainment business, how did you start ?

I decided that at a very young age. I used to participate in everything that was related to the arts, whether it's school activities or community functions. The excitement I used to feel when I would perform was something I had never felt doing anything else.

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 think it's amazing. I genuinely do wish that the idea of "struggle" is replaced with something more encouraging and positive when one contemplates the life of an artist.

I feel like the hustle is sometimes too intense and diverts one's attention from what really matters and I feel that OTT platforms have created more opportunities and that, I hope, reduces the hustle and enables artists to focus on their craft more than on survival.

4. What opportunities are available to upcoming actors in the industry, how can someone start before making it big ?

Opportunities are there but it still isn't a cakewalk. I think people need to work on themselves first and then consider the next step. I think it is an interesting time to create opportunities for oneself rather than waiting for one.

5. What are some of the major challenges that you have faced in the industry and how have you overcome them?

One of the major challenges for me is to approach people and I think I have tried to circumvent that with other strengths but I never truly overcame it. I have no clue how to strike a rapport, how to put myself and my abilities forward. But I have accepted that about myself and started focusing on my strengths.

6. Who is your all time favorite artist and why?

There are many artists that I respect. I respect some artists for their craft, some because they have stories to tell and do that with integrity, I like some artists for their resilience... I love Naseer Sir, Tabu, Konkona Sen Sharma and the list goes on.

7. What is your mantra for success ?