How did you decide to become an actor?
It all happened as a matter of chance. I started modelling when I was 17, after which I was crowned Miss Sandalwood. Multiple shoots and shows later, I was given an opportunity to be featured in a short film. I gave it a shot and realised acting was my calling. I love being/playing different people on screen. You don’t get to do that in real life, do you?
If you weren’t an actor, what would you have been?
I would have been a teacher, maybe.
With Sandalwood slowly opening its doors to female-oriented films… are there any roles that you would like to see portrayed or you would like to portray?
Well, I’d like a lot more female-oriented films to be made in Sandalwood. Something similar to Piku or Padmavat? These kinds of roles do entice me!
Something that startled you about the industry?
I was unaware about the very fact that there still is a fair-skin obsession in the industry.
What role can we see you next in?
Giftbox, a unique movie about the demand and supply side of human trafficking and a rare neurological disorder called ‘Locked-in Syndrome.’
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
Happier with two sweet babies and a loving husband.
How would you define freedom?
To just be and not put up a show or an act. Freedom for me is to be able to be however I am with no inhibitions, whatsoever.
If you could end one world problem in the blink of an eye, what would it be?
The fact that people are still not serious about climate change. I would end that problem.
One word of advice to actors who are still making their way into the industry?
Be yourself. Don’t rush into things and let all things happen at their own pace.
Advice to girls growing up around you — from woman to woman?
Whatever you do, make sure you’re happy doing it. No job, no fame, no money, no attention is needed at the cost of your happiness.