Encompassing a myriad of talents and skills, Upasana RC has managed to stand out amidst the glitz and glamour of the film industry by staying grounded to her principles. Her remarkable performance in the thought-provoking film “Karuthukalai Pathivu Sei” has garnered tremendous acclaim, resonating deeply in the wake of the Pollachi sex scam. As the winner of the prestigious ‘Elite Miss India Asia’ pageant, this Vadodara-born beauty from a Bengali family has an inspiring journey to share, embodying resilience and determination.

1. What inspired you to become an actress, and how did you get into the film industry from being an engineering student?
Becoming an actress was never part of the plan. While studying engineering, I was also a member of a professional dance team. One day, there was an audition at our studio, and my team lead suggested I give it a try. I thought, why not? I auditioned and forgot about it. But a few months later, I received a callback. Balancing my studies, film shoots, and dance shows, I started shooting for the movie. It was only when the movie was about to release and press conferences were scheduled, that I revealed my acting aspirations to my parents. Initially skeptical, they agreed as long as I completed my graduation. After the movie was released, I received positive reviews, particularly from Times of India. Those reviews convinced my parents, and that’s how my journey began.

2. Could you tell us about your experience working on the film “Traffic Ramasamy” and portraying the character of Fatima?
My experience in the movie was surreal. It was my second film, and I had the opportunity to work with a renowned director, S.A. Chandrasekhar sir, who has worked with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan.Then, there was Rohini mam, and R.K. Suresh sir. I played one of the leads, a doctor who saves Traffic Ramasamy and becomes a hero for a while. It was a challenging yet fulfilling role, especially during the operation theater scene where I save a child. Being chosen for this character meant a lot to me, as my mom always dreamt of me becoming a doctor. Working with such talented actors early in my career taught me the value of hard work and giving my best, regardless of age or role. It was an incredible experience that I will always cherish.

3. What do you enjoy most about acting and being in front of the camera?
I love acting. Being in front of the camera or on stage to perform is the most amazing thing for me. Playing different characters and expressing emotions that you wouldn’t normally experience in front of a large audience is what I find most fulfilling about acting. Despite being an introvert and a shy person, according to my mom, I have difficulty even speaking my name properly. However, the fun part is when I step in front of the camera and become a different character, fully immersing myself, portraying various emotions, whether it’s crying, laughing, or any other in intense situations. It gives me an adrenaline rush, and I absolutely love that aspect of my job.

4. As an actress, what is your process for getting into character and preparing for a role?
I like reading about the characters and knowing their role. Many times, we receive scenes just before the shots. I enjoy understanding what’s happening during the scene, what occurred before, how the character developed, and what emotions they experienced to fully embody the role. But, I don’t like overpreparing because I don’t want it to look rehearsed in front of the camera. Unless the director absolutely requires it, I prepare as I feel the character and then I go with the flow. So, I think when my co-actor acts, I act along with them as per how my character will react. That’s my preparation.

5. Who is your biggest inspiration in the film industry, and why?
My biggest inspiration in the film industry as an actor will definitely be Kamal Haasan sir and Vikram sir. I think both of them are fabulous actors. I believe every part of their bodies transform when they get into their characters. I aspire to be even a fraction of what they do. I also adore Sushmita Sen for the person she is. Being India’s first Miss Universe, she has set a high social standard for single women and single mothers by adopting two kids. I think it’s beautiful.

6. How do you stay fit and healthy, given the demands of being an actress and model?
As an actor and model, it’s essential to stay fit and healthy. Looking good doesn’t necessarily mean being super thin, but being fit. No one appreciates an unfit body. It’s not just limited to actors and models; everyone should strive to adopt a healthy lifestyle in today’s world. It’s not just about exercising or dieting. I enjoy a variety of foods, except for oily, spicy, and heavily fried items. I indulge in delicious meals but balance it out with regular workouts to stay fit.

7. You are also a model and have achieved certain heights in that industry. How do you feel about it?
For me, winning the title of Elite Miss India Asia and then walking as a showstopper for numerous brands, all while wearing these three-inch heels, was an out-of-this-world feeling. Initially, I could never envision myself as a model. I was always a tomboyish girl, growing up in cargo pants and loose shirts, dreaming of joining the army. But then, I entered the world of modeling, underwent training on how to walk and perfect the catwalk, and won the competition. It gave me a lot of confidence in facing the world and doing what I actually love.

8. What are your hobbies and interests outside of acting and modeling?
I don’t know if dancing can be considered just a hobby for me, as it has been my passion all my life. Dancing did start as a hobby, but it has become an integral part of who I am. In addition to that, I really enjoy learning new things. For example, I was learning boxing at one point, and now I’m learning Kalaripayattu. So, you could say that I have a diverse range of interests.

9. Could you tell us about a project or role that you have coming up that you are particularly excited about?
I have two projects coming up now. The first one is called “Local Sarakku,” which is directed by S.P. Rajkumar, who directed the film “Sura.” It’s with Dinesh Master and Yogi Babu. It’s an absolute fun film with an amazing social message, and I’m pretty excited for the release. It is not like the usual hero-oriented Tamil films; rather, the situation gets saved by the heroine. Other than that, I have my next project with Prabhu Deva sir. I am playing one of his parallel leads in the movie “Musasi,” which is being directed by Sam Rodrigues.

10. How do you balance your personal and professional life?
It’s very important to balance your personal and professional life, though it can be very difficult at times. After you’ve gotten used to your work life, you need to know what to prioritize and when to say no. You need to prioritise your health and family, and you need to have your “me” time. We do have odd and sudden hours of shooting, and there are times when you have to wake up at three. It does get difficult, but you need to know how to balance it and plan your day accordingly. Otherwise, after a point, it starts taking a toll on your mental and physical health.