1212
In an exclusive interview with iDiva.com, the effervescent model-turned-actor talks about acting, food, fitness, style, and more.
How did you land a leading role in Salt and Pepper?
1273 It was quite a surreal. The director, Vikranth Pawar, called me for a reading and I went. Then two days later, he called me back saying I was on for the play, and rehearsals began! It was not planned in my head but I jumped at the opportunity.
I am excited as this is the best platform I could have got. This is a milestone for me because an actor's journey is incomplete without having acted on stage. I have no formal training in acting so I consider myself lucky to have got this opportunity with Mandira Bedi, Darshan Jariwala, and Vikram Kocchar. I want to get into acting full-time now. It was natural for me to be nervous because everyone has had a body of work in films and theatre. I was also excited to learn and that is what happened. Everybody was so nice to me and they guided me. I have learnt so much from the people I've worked with. A whole new world of acting has opened for me. I have changed as a person and as an actor.
During the play, I learnt to let go of all my inhibitions. My director was very supportive and everyone was co-operative even though I fumbled a few times. I had to play a variety of characters in a short span of time because the play has ten skits showing different facets of contemporary relationships making it identifiable. I hope people enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it.
What do you want to accomplish as an actor?
1273 I want to act. I want to perform and grow, no matter what the media. I like slice-of-life films and comedies too. I definitely want to do more plays. I want to take on roles that appeal to me in the sense that when I read the script, I want to be part of it no matter the length of the role or the medium.
Which films and roles have you enjoyed watching recently?
1273 I recently loved Barfi, Kahaani, and Delhi Belly. I even enjoyed The Dirty Picture and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. I enjoyed Don 2 because it had action and it was glamourous. I would love to do an action role. A lot of movies these days are script and performance-driven and they have created so many opportunities for new directors and actors. There is no formula anymore, which was earlier the case. So I feel lucky about being an actor in today's times.
I loved Priyanka Chopra's work in Barfi! I think she is a diverse actress and she chooses different movies. I loved Vidya Balan's work in Kahaani because it was so performance-driven and the movie was riveting.
Tell us something we don't already know about you.
1273 I live in the moment. I love adventure. I love facing my fears. I grab opportunities that come my way. I want to try new things. I am happy-go-lucky. I love reading and I also paint which is my creative expression. I travel at the drop of a hat. I have been to Egypt, Maldives, Australia, South-East Asia and most of Europe like Spain, Portugal, and Italy. I have a list of places to see and I've made a promise to myself to travel twice a year.
How would you describe your sense of style?
1273 I don't like my clothes to overshadow my personality. I like classic cuts and styles. I am not a bling person. I like my dresses to be structured. I love the way Gwyneth Paltrow dresses. I like elegance!
What is your fitness routine?
1273 I love swimming and do that three times a week. I work out at the gym three days a week. I do a combination of weight and functional training. But I don't think I am as fit as I should be (laughs).
You are a foodie. So what are your food preferences?
1273 I love food, I am especially fond of junk food such as pizzas and burgers. I love spicy Thai and Chinese food. I love Mediterranean food. I eat Indian junk food - pav bhaji and pani puri. I gorge on all that. I never deprive myself. I don't have a sweet tooth so that is a saving grace. I don't like Italian food too much either because I like strong flavours.