What prompted you to play a journalist in Gour Hari DastaanIJ
Many a times, your passion wants you to tell compelling stories and Gour Hari Dastaan is one such story of a freedom fighter unfolded by two journalists — Anita played by me and Shankar by Ranvir Shorey. Creating media attention on something which is not glamourised or less important is a challenge. In that fight, we weaved in the personal struggles of the journalists and showcased an irony our society is. These journalists help Gour Hari Das get justice.
Did you take any inspiration from any journalistIJ
I have a lot of journalist friends in Delhi. I discussed my character with them. But the biggest advantage was the screenplay writer of the film being a journalist himself.
What was the biggest challengeIJ
Playing a journalist and reporting a story, how do you actually make an emotional connect with the subject you are working onIJ The trick was to maintain a balance between the real world of journalism where you maintain objectivity and yet giving yourself some emotional moments about the subject — that was a challenge.
You started your journey with global films. How comeIJ
When I came to Mumbai, I was young and within a month of auditioning with casting directors, I started getting lead roles in international films like Shadow of Times and Brick lanes. Since then, there was no looking back. I moved to England and I never felt the need to meet Bollywood directors and show them my work. I performed musicals at the Opera House. I was travelling back and forth and that’s when I got to work in movies like Road, with Dev Benegal, Abhay Deol and Satish Kaushik and Dekh Indian Circus which won me a National Award. Three years ago, I returned to India and shot for Gour Hari Dastaan.
What are your upcoming projectsIJ
last year, I did UnIndian with Brett lee which is an Australian romantic comedy. I’ve just finished a Hollywood film by an Australian director titled lions alongside Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel. I have a film in Venice this year.