"OTT vs Films? I only care about powerful stories and meaningful roles!"
Q. Can you tell us a little about your journey into acting? What sparked your interest in this field?
From a very young age, I had a natural inclination toward performing arts. As a child, I loved to perform, dance, and mimic people—it was something that came very naturally to me. While I was academically strong growing up, I always felt that I was meant to pursue something creative.
My journey into acting officially began when I was introduced to theatre at the National School of Drama during their summer workshop at the age of 14. That experience was transformative, and it solidified my passion for acting.
At 16, I started auditioning and gradually landed small roles before being cast in Flames, a TVF original show. Prior to that, I honed my skills through theatre, including a year of street theatre in college and various workshops at NSD like the Sunday Club series.
Since Flames, I’ve been fortunate to work across multiple seasons, short films, digital ads, TV series, and videos with platforms like TVF, Popxo, and FilterCopy. For me, acting has always been about telling stories and connecting with people on a deeper level, and that’s what continues to drive me in this journey.
Q. “Flames” gained immense popularity—what was your experience working on that show, and how did it shape your career?
My experience with Flames has been truly wonderful and transformative. I started out as a young college student with very little knowledge of camera acting or the acting industry as a whole.
From 2018 to 2023, across four seasons, it has been an elaborate learning journey for me. Working with so many talented artists and understanding the nuances of filmmaking and set life truly amazed me. In many ways, it has been an acting school in itself.
Flames practically launched my acting career—it was my first major break, and it’s the reason people now recognize me as Anusha. The response has always been so overwhelming, and the love and support I’ve received since the show have been incredibly heartwarming. It’s a project that holds a very special place in my heart and has shaped me both as an actor and a person.
Q. In "Rasbhari," you explored a completely different kind of role. How do you feel about taking on characters that challenge societal norms?
Rasbhari was a project I worked on when I was really young. It was a big show, and though I was part of the secondary cast, it was an important experience for me. The show was bold and ahead of its time, which made it a bit challenging to navigate.
However, I believe challenges are essential for growth, and every experience contributes to your learning as an actor. Being part of Rasbhari taught me a lot about pushing boundaries and adapting to different narratives, and I’m grateful for the lessons it brought.
Q. You’ve worked in both films and web series. Do you have a preference for one over the other, or does the medium not influence your choice of projects?
When I started out, I envisioned myself building an acting career in films. However, life took its own course, and I ended up being part of a successful OTT show, which has given me so much more than I could have imagined. With the rise of OTT platforms and the incredible quality of content being created today, I no longer have a preference for the medium.
My priority is to be part of projects that challenge me, allow me to play diverse characters, and help me polish my skills. I want to contribute to stories that are meaningful, engaging, and have substance. Whether it’s a show or a film, my focus is on the depth of the character and the impact of the story.
Q. What has been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on so far, and why does it stand out for you?
The most rewarding project for me, of course, has been Flames. However, I would also love to mention a short film I worked on during COVID called The Blue Sweater. It was created for film festivals, and it was such a beautiful and heartfelt project. The film was very well acclaimed and even circulated widely on people’s WhatsApp.
The message of the film was pure and simple, and it resonated deeply with audiences. I received countless messages from people telling me that the film moved them to tears. Knowing that our work could touch people’s hearts during such a challenging time was incredibly rewarding and memorable for me.
Q. When preparing for roles, do you have a specific routine or method that helps you get into character?
In all honesty, I haven’t had the opportunity to play a highly unconventional or deeply challenging character yet—one that demands an extensive routine or intense preparation. However, every project does require a certain level of preparation. I find that an in-depth reading of the script is incredibly helpful in understanding the story and my character’s role in it.
When I’m playing a new character, I like to draft a detailed character sketch to dive deeper into their personality, background, and motivations. This process helps me connect with the character on a deeper level and bring authenticity to my performance.
Q. Looking ahead, what kind of roles or projects would you like to explore in the future, and how do you envision your career evolving in the coming years?
I want to explore a wide range of diverse characters that challenge me and allow me to connect with the audience on a deeper level. For me, acting is about telling meaningful stories that spark emotions and make a difference. Each role is an opportunity to grow and leave an impact.
As an artist, I believe, ‘The beauty of acting lies in its ability to inspire, transform, and connect.
BIO
Sunakshi Grover is an actor whose passion for performing arts began at a young age. After honing her craft at the National School of Drama and through various workshops, she landed a role in the TVF original Flames. Since then, Sunakshi has worked on multiple TV series, short films, and digital platforms like TVF, Popxo, and FilterCopy, always driven by the desire to tell stories and connect with audiences.
Interviewed By Shivani
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