Dreams unlimited

Casting coup

Actor Anshuman Jha, who plays a pivotal role in the film, recommended my name to the director, Janaki Vishwanathan. I did go through a proper audition and was selected for the role only after I fulfilled all the requirements. I must confess that I was extremely nervous, especially since I wanted to be a part of this film.

Stepping stone

As a child, I would often withdraw in an imaginary world. I had worked as a child artist in my father, Pappu Verma’s directorial debut, Vansh. But when the film released, my role was edited. This left a deep impression on my mind. Born in a family of actors and action directors, I ended up spending most of my time in college. I always knew that I wanted to be an actor, and believed that the bug bites those who were not born to act and accidentally become one. I started working as an assistant director and did an acting course from Barry John Acting Studio. I also did quite a few advertisements, including one for BSNL as a model.

First shot

The first shot was filmed in Bidar, Karnataka. I must say, that I am a bundle of nerves before each performance— which I consider as a good sign. Thankfully, my first shot went off smoothly.

Stumbling block

Being a city girl, shooting in a village was the biggest challenge for me. Fortunately, I love challenges and managed to overcome the hurdles like a mare at the racecourse.

The takeaway

Many, but I think my biggest takeaway as a debutant actor is the fact that I got a chance to work with a National Award winning director. Plus, the script of Yeh Hai Bakrapur is simply phenomenal.

Role model

I look up to my parents. Especially my father, action director and director Pappu Verma. For someone who hailed from a small village in Rajasthan and went on to work in 300 films over three decades as an action director and later as a director and producer is simply incredible. According to me, he is and will always will be a hallmark name in the film fraternity. And of course, it is my mother who taught me values that have kept me rooted.

Future projects

There is Cyrus Khambatta and Satavisha Bose’s indie film, Yahan Sab Ki Lagi Hai. Meanwhile, I am in the process of reading a few scripts, which look interesting. Let’s see where my life takes me next.

priya.adivarekar@expressindia.com