In a free-wheeling conversation with Kartikya Arora, the Padmaavat starrer Anupria Goenka talks about her journey and why working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali calls for a different level of patience and dedication.
Q1. Who is Anupria as a person and what is her daily routine at home?
Anupria as a person is very much self-driven and pragmatic, but at the same time sensitive and feels building strong personal relationships at every stage of life. At times I feel, I am bohemian with a value system, a hopeless romantic soul who wants to play with life and work as well. I like to try out different things in life. That is why I love acting. It’s therapeutic. At home, I love spending time with family and friends and having long conversations. There are days I feel spending time alone or watching movies and interesting series.
Q2. From short films to web series to commercial cinema, how has been your journey so far?
It’s been great. Each of these mediums is different and the scope of interacting with a character, exploring and portraying it also changes within each of them. There is some amazing work being done in all three forms at present. The best part of all these mediums is the detailing of a particular character and its association with the story line and interplay with other characters. Thankfully, I have been fortunate to do some remarkable work.
Q3. TV commercials make you the face of a brand. How does it add to the pressure?
I think as one gains prominence and popularity, the only pressure that TV commercials bring along is the consciousness of promoting view points and practices that can influence the minds of your followers and the masses at large. I feel it’s important to promote ideologies and brands that one believes in.
Q4. From corporate to glamour, how has your perspective on life changed?
Well, I think quite a bit. My approach to life is more panoramic and holistic now. When I was in the corporate world, I totally loved that part of my life, as it had more freedom. The shift has made me far more perseverant, patient, enthusiastic, and alive. Through acting, I have discovered a lot more about myself. I have felt emotions and played out characteristics that I don’t reflect in real life. Acting has made me a complete person.
Q5. How difficult was it to prepare for the magnum opus ‘Padmaavat’?
When you are a part of Sanjay sir’s film, you become much more than a character. Just to be a part of his frames is a treat for an actor. And yes, it’s not easy. It was no less than a blessing to work with him and one of the best experiences of my life. Preparation-wise, I took diction classes. Read a lot about rani Padmavati, and especially Nagmati, my character. I also analysed Sanjay sir’s films to understand his style of film-making.
Q6. What’s your take on art and cinema as on date?
I think it’s one of the best times for artists with the kind of content that is being made in India. I love how the lines between art house and commercial cinema have blurred and how content is becoming the king. Also, with so many avenues opening up, creative people have a lot more to explore and experiment. However, I feel that we still need to work on better content and women-centric films.
Q7. How do you choose brands and films?
It’s always instinctive! Once I feel excited about a project I say yes to it. And all this depends entirely on the way the story is narrated and the director.
Q8. One thing you would like to change about yourself and why?
I want to celebrate myself more. I am bad at rewarding myself and taking vacations. That’s one thing I want to change about myself this year.
Rapid fire
Favourite destination – Haven’t been there but I really want to explore Europe
Your dream role – Many!!! To name a few would be Rekha in Umrao Jaan and Natalie Portman in Black Swan
A song that’s on repeat mode – Born to die by Lana Del Ray
A spice that defines you – A perfect blend of cardamom and red chilly
For you, social media is– A great medium to connect with people, but its addiction is bad
Define love – Love is all about caring, sharing and making someone as a part of you
Your future projects – A film with Nagesh Kukunoor, where I am playing the lead character. I am also working on a few web series that includes– Sacred Games with Netflix, Humorously Yours with TVF and Criminal Justice with Applause
Childhood memory– The bond I shared with my father
A cause you stand for – Human trafficking and crime against women
The post The summer stunner – Anupria Goenka appeared first on TMM.