Dipannita Sharma: From Valentino’s Ramp to Playing Sita, My Journey Has Been Anything But Ordinary (Actor–Supermodel)

Dipannita Sharma Interview 

"Every so-called failure in my life was just life’s way of setting me up for something bigger."

1. From modeling to acting to being a voice for wellness — what has your evolution taught you about yourself?

I feel immense gratitude for my personal growth, which has unfolded in a very natural, unhurried manner. Every bit of pain, hurt, or rejection I’ve experienced has, over time, transformed into resilience and strength. These moments have taught me that every experience—good or bad—was leading me toward becoming the person I was meant to be.

I’ve learned that I am my own biggest cheerleader, and my instincts—whether in personal or professional decisions—have never failed me. That’s probably because I remain open to learning and evolving through interactions, conversations, and experiences, without bias, as much as possible. I believe this openness is ageless.

Ultimately, I am the sum total of my experiences and the unique path I’ve carved for myself.

2. Was there a defining moment that shaped your journey, personally or professionally?

Not winning or placing in the top three at Femina Miss India—despite winning Miss Photogenic and making it to the top five—was a major turning point for me. It kept me from slipping into the comfort zone of being labeled a “winner” and instead pushed me into mission mode. I realized that this “failure” was actually the starting point of a unique journey I had to create for myself. It became my responsibility to decide what I wanted to do with the platform and opportunity I’d been given.

On a personal level, I’ve often found that hurt—whether from a friend or a serious relationship—has been the catalyst for transformation. For instance, in my 20s, I was asked to leave a film after a week of shooting (for reasons I’d rather not elaborate). At the time, it was only the second film I had signed. It took me a while to process the disappointment, but when I emerged from it, I felt a new level of resilience. I became more focused, creative, and intentional with my work.

I told myself repeatedly, “This happened because something better is waiting for me,” and I was right. Looking back now, I’m grateful for every blessing in disguise.

3. You've always maintained a graceful balance between fame and authenticity — how do you stay grounded?

I believe in the power of observation, in truly listening, and speaking only when necessary. We live in a time where constant talking—even without complete knowledge—is often mistaken for intellect. For me, balance comes from listening and observing.

When we listen, our minds become uncluttered, and we gain perspectives—learning what to follow, what to avoid, and how to improve. This mindfulness helps me be aware of my surroundings, create rather than manipulate, and distance myself from anything that doesn’t serve my highest good.

I also enjoy collaborating with diverse people. Differences and disagreements are inevitable, but I view them as opportunities for healthy conversation, not personal conflict. Letting go, allowing things to flow, and resisting the urge to control everything helps maintain balance.

True grounding for me is being fully present in the moment—whether I’m performing a scene, on stage during a play, practicing yoga, or spending time with family.

4. What challenges have you faced as a woman in the entertainment industry, and how did you overcome them?

Both men and women face challenges in this industry. Power games are common, and patriarchy is more about mindset than gender—it’s practiced by both men and women where power dynamics come into play.

There’s often an underlying pressure to constantly be the “object of desire,” which feeds insecurity and unnecessary competition. While this industry comes with certain demands, I believe that owning who you are helps dissolve the need for validation from others.

Personally, I focus on doing my work with peace, enjoying the process, and learning from each project. The key is navigating situations with tact. Sometimes that means walking away, sometimes mentally disconnecting from unpleasantness while staying committed to the work.

From the very beginning, I set clear boundaries. For example, when I started receiving film offers, I refused late-night “narration” meetings, insisting on professional settings during the day. I was labeled “choosy” for it, but that’s a tag I’m proud of—it kept me aligned with my values.

Thankfully, the industry has progressed, with most studios now operating in a far more professional and respectful manner.

5. How important is wellness to you—mentally, emotionally, and physically—and how do you prioritize it?

Wellness is now my top priority—peace over everything. I consciously remove myself from situations that don’t align with how I want to feel and avoid engaging in anything that isn’t mentally fulfilling.

Every day, I dedicate at least an hour to myself. That could mean reading, practicing mindfulness meditation, doing yoga, or strength training. Sometimes, wellness is as simple as gazing out of my window and appreciating the beauty around me—even within a concrete jungle.

Gratitude for what life has given me has been one of the biggest contributors to my overall well-being.

6. What message would you like to share with young women, especially those in creative fields?

Young women today are entering the industry at a time when empowerment and equal opportunities are more widely expected. When I began, a woman who wasn’t shy or coy was often seen as “unfeminine.” My debut film, 16 December, didn’t even have a song or dance sequence—unheard of back then! And simply coming from a modeling background led to labels like “bold.”

Today’s environment is far more supportive for multi-talented creatives, but the challenge lies in avoiding burnout and learning to say “no” when your gut tells you to—even if fear of missing out tempts you to say “yes.”

Trust your inner voice—it will never fail you. At the end of the day, the only approval you truly need is your own. In a social media-driven world, that’s easy to forget, but self-approval is what keeps you grounded.

You will make mistakes—and you should—but know that you are a winner in life regardless. Surround yourself with a small circle of genuine, trustworthy people. Share, but don’t overshare. Self-preservation is an underrated skill that will serve you well in the long run.

7. What’s next for you—any upcoming projects, passions, or goals you’re excited about?

I’ve completed a couple of projects currently in post-production that I’m excited about. I’ve also stepped onto the stage with Ishwar, a Hindi “mahanatya” directed by Atul Satya Kaushik, where I play Sita. It’s a fresh, never-before-seen interpretation of the epic, and being part of it has been an incredible experience.

Our upcoming shows are scheduled for July and August in Mumbai and Delhi.

On a personal level, I’m working on a few goals—advancing my yoga practice (I’ve been doing it regularly for two years now), pursuing an advanced course in sign language, and returning to pottery after completing a basic course earlier this year.

I’m always open to new experiences and opportunities—that’s the beauty of letting life surprise you.

Bio:

Dipannita Sharma is one of India’s leading actor–supermodels, celebrated for her elegance, versatility, and socially conscious body of work. A History graduate from Delhi University’s Indraprastha College for Women, she has seamlessly balanced a career spanning fashion, film, and advocacy. She has walked for top Indian designers and iconic international fashion houses such as Valentino, Gianfranco Ferré, and Trussardi.

On screen, Dipannita has been part of acclaimed projects including Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, War, Neeyat, 16 December, Jodi Breakers, and Mismatched, as well as award-winning films like Xhoixobote Dhemalite/Rainbow Fields, which earned her Best Actress at LIFF (Los Angeles) in 2018. She has also featured in socially impactful films such as My Brother… Nikhil and Saving Chintu.

Deeply proud of her Assamese roots, she uses her platform to champion causes like breast cancer awareness, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ representation, and sustainable fashion, making her not just a style icon but also a voice for change.

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Interviewed by: Gurbani Kaur 

Edited by: Shantanu Singh