Meet Mumbai-based Akanksha Thakur, who shot to fame with TVF’s Pitchers and Permanent Roommates. She believes that her career changed with ‘Ek Thi Behen’.
Today, web and online media is the biggest obsession. How do you handle challenges and competition?
The place from where the web and online media started, it was purely based on the thought of providing genuine and beautiful content to the world. And when something is done with nobility it is always good. So, the terms like challenges and competition are not apt for space. The medium has actually given a platform to everyone to showcase the talent and that makes me feel proud. It gave me the scope to stand with my body of work and I feel privileged to be an integral part of this new age of entertainment.
Tell us about your first professional experience of facing the camera.
I started with stage and theatre, so facing the camera was like an alien space for me. I still remember my first day at the shoot, where I was standing clueless amidst lights and cameras. In the very moment, I realized that this is a different world altogether. The director came as a rescue and with time I learned the art of being camera friendly. Today, it is my most favourite thing and I love facing the camera every day. Apart from that, I love doing photo shoots.
Social media is still a democratic and non-censored platform of entertainment. Comment.
Everything has its pros and con and the same rule applies to social media. Agreeing to the fact that it is democratic and non-censored, we also need to understand that it is very time consuming and hinders the privacy (especially of public figures). We all are so addicted to it that it has overpowered our personal space. There are days when I feel like going on social media detox and have my own space. Also, the freedom it gives to the world, at times hampers the dignity and self-respect of people and that is very alarming. This reminds me of the saying that excess of anything is very injurious.
Sex is still a taboo in India. Do you think web series can make a difference in this direction?
With the freedom that the medium is rejoicing at present, there are chances that many taboos can be removed. It is necessary for the people involved to have the right perspective to bring in the change. If the medium is just used to fill in space and serve controversial content, then it might fall in the same line as the mainstream entertainment media with no effect for the causes. Sex, as a sensitive subject needs to be played sensibly to bring in the change. The new-age audience is very logical and they have a voice for everything.
What’s your take on nepotism in the entertainment industry?
To be frank, it actually exists and no one can deny it. The only thing that needs the attention in this context is, those who have the genuine talent should be given a chance. But sadly, it never happens and that is the reason it is highlighted every now and then. Having said that, I feel, today’s audience is sensible and they give it back immediately. So, even if you are from the fraternity, but lack the talent to entertain, the masses will never accept you. The power lies in the hands of the audience and they should take it seriously and should not be star struck when it comes to performances.
Every actor has a mentor, who teaches the nuances of reel life. Who is your guru and how he/she has impacted your career?
At every stage of career, I have had people who came in to guide and teach a lesson and I think that’s the beauty of life. Moreover, life is the biggest and most effective teacher that teaches all of us. And I have also learned from the same. In terms of acting and career, from veterans to the current generation, there are many who have impacted and influenced my work. Personally, I have learned a lot from Nutan (ji), Rekha (ji), Kajol, Karishma and at present I really admire the body of work of Alia Bhatt. Her nuances have taught me a lot and I just love it!
Rapid Fire
One word to define yourself: Resilient
One Bollywood personality you want to live like: Shah Rukh Khan
Biggest obsession: My work
The best way to impress you: Sense of humour
If you had a tattoo, it would be: A tortoise with the world map as a shell
Wildest fantasy: To have a lion as a pet
First celebrity crush: Shah Rukh Khan
One thing that you can’t do: I can’t sing at present
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