Sahher Bambba who debuted with Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas speaks with Shalini Saksena on how she got this project, working with Karan Deol and the experience on the first day of shoot
What was your first day on the sets like?
It was great. On day one, I was like a lost puppy but I was not nervous. However, when I realised what it takes to give a shot, the nervousness crept in. Sunny (Deol) sir is a hard task master. The Manila bit was super taxing as we had to trek every single day in sub-zero temperatures. But overall, it was a great fun and learning experience.
How did this project come to you?
When I first came to Mumbai, I didn’t know what to do, I was trying my luck here and there by auditioning. Then a casting director told me about an audition that was happening and I could try. I did a few rounds. In the last round Sunny sir was there himself. I was given a monologue from the script which I had to perform on. The whole process took a month-and-a-half. In February 2017 that was finalised.
Was it easy to work with the fact that Karan Deol was also making his debut?
I would like to believe so. Karan and I were a team and were there for each other. We understood what the other person was going through. We did our workshops together, work out and go for walks.
What was the atmosphere like on and off the sets?
There was not even an F of fun. It was a very disciplined set. We had to get everything right, time was crucial, we couldn’t afford to waste time due to the weather conditions.
How nervous were you doing rappling and crossing the river?
Extremely nervous. Before we would do the scene it had to be rehearsed and the stunt master would show us how to do it. There was one time, when due to the strong current, he was almost swept away. Water was extremely cold. There were sub-zero conditions also windy and cloudy conditions as well.
Was acting on the cards?
Yes, even though I was not from the industry. I just had this belief that I would make acting my career. There was never a Plan B for me. I came to Mumbai with the sole purpose of pursuing my acting.
Tell us about yourself?
I belong to a very conservative Punjabi family from Simla. I did my schooling from there. I loved dancing and learnt Kathak but the city didn’t have many professional schools there. I went to a boarding school for my Class XI and XII. I was even more protected as the atmosphere was very disciplined but I learnt how to time manage. Then I came to Mumbai for my college and it was very liberating. But I didn’t get college accommodation so had to put up at a hostel. I didn’t have any family here. That was my struggle. Then the Fresh Face shoot happened.
How was it to work with Sunny Deol? Was it like the angry man that we are used to seeing in the movies?
No, not at all. Even at the audition, he made me feel comfortable. The good apes was that before we started shooting, the entire team was in Manila for three months for workshops. There was a certain comfort level. He was a father figure and I never hesitated in going up to him with any problem that I had.
It has been just over two weeks since the movie released. Is the result on the expected lines?
I don’t look at the project as a hit or a flop. I spent over two years with the team, they have become like my family. What is more important is the experience I gained. But when you work so hard you do want the film to work. However, the memories and the people that I met far outweigh the result of the film.
What next?
At present, I am taking in everything and not given thought on what to do next. I am definitely looking for scripts but nothing concrete yet.