Sumeet Mishra | mumbai@bollywoodtown.in
She completed her schooling and moved to California only to learn screenwriting and film production. After finishing her course she again came to India and made her acting debut from a Telugu film. But it was ‘Mastram‘ which became her maiden bollywood film and received a lot of appreciation for her role. Here she opens up about her life, her forthcoming film and more…
Born in Mumbai, educated in Bengaluru and enlightened in California, can you throw some light on your life story?
Well, I didn’t wanted to move from Mumbai to Bengaluru. Infact I was looking for acting opportunity in Bollywood. But my dad didn’t wanted me to take up acting as a profession. And his desire was that I should complete my degree first. So I thought of studying something that would be related to films and would lend me a broader perspective on cinema. So, I decided to study screen writing and film production from Chapman University, California
Your debut Bollywood movie ‘Mastram’ was not acceptable to every Bollywood critic, did that make you feel nervous?
Infact the critics praised us for our performances. Talking about my role, yes I was a bit nervous initially. But once I was done with the shooting I was very confident about what I did.
Some say, “it was hot,” some say, “it was purely desi.” How would you define your role in the movie ‘Mastram’?
It was not something which we infused deliberately in it. The film was the fictional biopic of Mastram, the writer, whose erotic novels were the stuff of legends in the hinterlands of North India, especially in the 80s and 90s. I played the role of Mastram’s wife in the film and working on ‘Mastram’ was a great experience.
You have worked with a profound director like Anurang Basu, what is so special about him as a person?
He is a great person and working with him was a fantastic opportunity. I really find myself lucky to work with him. I like his work and I am a big time fan of all his films.
What is that pulled you towards the Cinema World?
Since childhood I wanted to make career in acting. But my dad was against this profession. Once I completed my education I made my mind that I want to act.
Which actor you would like to work with from the current genereation?
I’m a huge fan of Ranbir Kapoor. His performance in YJHD and Barfi was amazing. Also I like Ranveer Singh.
The industry is a colourful palette of artists, as an actor, who do you idolize in Bollywood?
Nutan is my favourite actress. I did not see a lot of her films in my childhood but when I decided to become an actress, I started watching many films which she had acted in and was mesmerized by her performances in those films. I am a big fan of Meryl Streep as well. These actresses have always inspired me. Their body languages were phenomenal.
Tell us something about your film Love Game?
“It’s a twisted tale of love, lust and passion. The film explores the complexities of human characters and yet, the story remains every bit real.
Tell us something about your role in the film?
The character of Alisha was challenging because she isn’t unidimensional and I have to perfect many layers of her personality.” Though it is easy to assume that the film falls into the stereotype of a quintessential two-heroine film.
How was it working with Patralekha?
Working with her was a rewarding experience. Such actors inspire you and help you hone your own talent. Their focus is on making the project shine.
Which filmmaker do you wish to work with next?
There are many directors with whom I would love to work with. But in the recent time directors like Aanand L Rai, Ayan Mukerji and Imtiaz Ali have impressed me a lot.
