Ans: It was certainly unconventional. I come from a conservative family where literally everyone is an engineer — my father, my uncles, my cousins. No one in my family, in my generation or the generations before, had ever done anything of this sort. I knew I was taking an unconventional career path. I wouldn't say it was all flowery in the beginning, but my parents took their own time to understand what I wanted. My elder sister, however, has been with me through and throughout — her support meant a lot to me. And now my parents have also come on the same page, so I'm very happy with wherever things are.
A: My parents always pushed me on stage — I used to dance, sing, and be part of school plays from a very young age. The theatre practice I did in college taught me what it truly takes to be on that stage — the preparation, the presence, the entertainment you have to provide. None of it was learnt in one night. That foundation gave me confidence when I eventually stepped in front of a camera.
Q: How did you navigate the early years before the Chand Mera Dil break?
A: When you're starting out, it's a tricky business. You take whatever comes on your plate. I began with advertisement commercials and auditions. But I always knew I would eventually work in films — that belief never left me. The role of Jyotsna came through Panchami Ghavri Casting. I went through two rounds of auditions, and then it was mine.
Q: Tell us about the character of Jyotsna and how you connected with her.
A:Jyotsna is the caring and protective best friend of Chandini, played by Ananya Panday. She only wants the best for Chandini — supporting her through all the clashes in her life. We all have that one best friend in life, so I related very deeply to her. While playing the character, I could genuinely feel that warmth. It wasn't difficult to access.
Q: What was your dynamic with Ananya Panday on and off set?
A: On my very first day on set, Ananya and I just sat together and started talking — about our lives, our journeys, our interests, the way friends talk. We were playing best friends on camera and sharing that same chemistry off camera. She is very sweet. It felt very natural, which I think translates on screen.
Q: And working with Lakshya, who has a decade of experience in the industry?
A: He is a very experienced actor and a very chill person. Whenever I had doubts, I would run to him and ask how to do something in front of the camera, and he would guide me like a cool senior. Between takes, we would play games and talk a lot. It was a very comfortable environment because of him.
Q: What was it like working with a production house like Dharma, under director Vivek Soni?
A: It was surreal. I've watched Dharma films since I was a kid, so this was a big deal for me. I was ecstatic, excited, and nervous all at the same time. Vivek sir has this ability to make people feel calm around him. He treated everyone so well on set — I was always charmed by that warmth and professionalism.
Q: Rejection is a reality for every actor. What is your philosophy around it?
A: Rejections are part of the industry — you cannot avoid them. What you can do is put in the work and stay extremely optimistic. I live by one line every single day: whatever is meant for you will happen for you, and it will not be taken from you. That belief keeps me steady.
Q: If you could choose any dream role and any director, what would it look like?
A: I would love to play a character from historic India — perhaps the Mughal era or the freedom struggle — and I would want Sanjay Leela Bhansali to direct it. I'm a big fan of his work. And if there were an opportunity in the Marvel universe, I'd take that too. A superwoman, perhaps.
Q: What is next for you after Chand Mera Dil?
A: I have already wrapped my next project — an Amazon Prime web series where I'm playing a key character. It's a genre I've never explored before as an actor, but one I always watched as a kid. Hopefully it will release by the end of this year. Fingers crossed.
Q: What would you say to someone from outside the industry, watching from their hometown, wondering if they should take the leap?
A: Don't pay attention to the rejections — pay attention to the work you're putting in, because the more you work, the more work it brings you. Wake up every day with the thought that you're getting to do what you love. And take a stand for yourself. Even if the people around you aren't supporting you, it's fine — when you become something big, the same people will be asking about you. So just be at it.
