Dipankana Das - On Pageantry, Acting, And Finding Her Silver Lining In Showbiz (Actor, Model & Dancer With 248K Followers)

"For 13-year-old Deepankana, the life I’m living now was just a dream—but I made it happen by never giving up."

1. Can you start by sharing how your journey in acting and modeling began?

My journey began with pageantry. Since I was 15, I dreamed of representing India on an international stage. That aspiration led me to participate in Miss India, where I became a semi-finalist in 2023. Later that year, I was also a semi-finalist in Miss Diva (Miss India Universe). These experiences paved my way into professional modeling.

Even as a child, I was fascinated by fashion—my mother would dress me in beautifully stitched outfits, which fueled my passion. Additionally, I’ve been a trained Kathak and Bharatanatyam dancer since I was two years old. So, in many ways, the performer in me has always been there.

2. You've achieved significant recognition in pageantry, including being a Miss India West Bengal finalist and a Miss Diva semi-finalist. How have these experiences shaped your career?

Pageantry instilled in me discipline and self-belief. The training environment was intense, unlike anything I had experienced before. My mentors helped me understand that my uniqueness was my strength, not a flaw. Before that, I often felt out of place, thinking I needed to fit a certain mold.

Pageantry also reinforced that success requires hard work, not just manifestation. It taught me perseverance and gave me the confidence to step into the industry and chase my dreams fearlessly.

3. What kind of role do you find most challenging, and why?

People often perceive my face as very positive, so I’ve rarely been considered for negative roles. If I ever get the opportunity to play a dark or complex character, it will be a challenge I would love to embrace. I’ve explored such roles in acting workshops, but bringing them to life on screen would be a completely different experience.

4. How do you prepare for your roles in projects like Ek Rosy Ki Dastan, Campus Beats, and Talab?

For Ek Rosy Ki Dastan and Talab, the preparation time was minimal due to tight schedules. We were on set almost immediately after I was cast, leaving little room for deep character exploration.

However, Campus Beats was different. My character, Paaki, was a mix of Geet from Jab We Met and a street-smart girl trying to navigate a privileged world. Preparing for her took two months of workshops, where I worked on her unique lingo—a blend of broken English and Hindi. Initially, I was skeptical about how it would be received, but when the show aired, people loved it. That validation was incredibly rewarding.

5. Can you share a memorable moment or learning experience from your career?

One of my most memorable experiences was returning to dance for Campus Beats. Although I’ve been a dancer since I was two, I had distanced myself from it for three years due to studies and relocating between Kolkata, Pune, and Mumbai. Since Campus Beats revolves around a dance college, I had to train intensively before filming. It was challenging, but it reignited my passion for dance and reminded me why I fell in love with it in the first place.

6. What advice would you give aspiring actors and models trying to make their mark?

I wouldn’t call myself an expert, but if I could tell my 13-year-old self one thing, it would be: Never give up. There were times when I felt lost, depressed, and doubtful, but my love for this industry was my silver lining. The key is to keep pushing forward and step out of your comfort zone. Growth happens when you embrace discomfort.

7. What is the most rewarding part of your job as an actor and model?

The audience’s reaction is the most rewarding part. As artists, we often overanalyze our performances, but when viewers connect with our work, it makes everything worthwhile.

For instance, after Campus Beats aired, fans started speaking to me in Paaki’s signature lingo. Seeing them resonate with my character was a surreal experience and a reminder of why I love what I do.

8. What are your future aspirations in acting and modeling?

I go with the flow, like water. My priority is honing my craft—whether it's acting, modeling, or dance. I don’t chase a specific price range or project; I focus on working with directors who trust me with compelling roles. Growth and learning never stop, and I want to keep evolving as an artist.

9. For a fun question—if you could star in any movie alongside a celebrity of your choice, who would it be and why?

Rohit Saraf, without a doubt! He’s phenomenal, incredibly charming, and just a delight to watch on screen. I’ve always found him very captivating, so if I ever got the chance to work alongside him, I wouldn’t think twice!

Bio:

Dipankana Das is a rising model and actor who began her journey through the world of pageantry. She was a Miss India West Bengal finalist and a Miss Diva semifinalist, experiences that shaped her discipline and confidence in the industry. With a background in classical dance (Kathak and Bharatanatyam) since the age of two, Dipankana has always had a deep connection with the performing arts.

Her acting career includes notable roles in Campus Beats, Ek Rosy Ki Dastan, and Talab, where she showcased her versatility and dedication to her craft. Known for her vibrant screen presence, she continues to push her boundaries as an artist. Passionate about storytelling and character exploration, Dipankana aims to refine her skills and leave a lasting impact in the entertainment industry.

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Interviewed by: Shantanu Singh

Edited by: Shantanu Singh