to be different and do more than just normal. I ' ve done everything from taping while skydiving and shooting with large reptiles, and keeping my horizon large enough to be a brand ambassador for fashion lines to sports. I ' ve always stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new, and it ' s always been a pleasant experience.
Q. Besides being an stage artist, what other training have you had( voice, dance, stage combat, etc.)?
I ' m not professionally trained in anything I do, but have succeeded tremendously in everything I touched. I ' m a great example to everyone who wants to do something, but always feared that they might not have the experience or professional training. All you need is the willingness to learn and succeed. I ' m an actor today, a model tomorrow, a speaker the next day, a host, or maybe a skydiver another day; you give me a role and I ' ll execute it with poise. You need to wear your confidence all the time, and sometimes that is all you need.
Q. If you could choose, what three actors would you really want to work with?
1. FarhanAkhtar: because he ' s someone who can pull of anything and is multi-talented.
2. ShabanaAzmi: because she exemplifies strength.
3. Rahul Bose: because that ' s my style of acting, natural and effortless.
Q. Have you ever gotten a chance to be on the other side of the table at an audition( watching, instead of auditioning)? What did you learn from that?
Yes! and I hate it because now, I need to judge people. There ' s no winner
or loser and everyone is the best in their own way. For that reason, watching an audition is harder than actually auditioning for something. At the same time, because you watch so much varied talent, you get to learn from them too. I ' ve seen people who grew out of nothing but their talent and determination that they showcase is very inspiring.
Q. Your message to young women of India?
Women are very strong, stronger than they think they really are, and sometimes the only limitations that they have are the ones they place on themselves. It ' s important to get out of your comfort zone and explore the infinite opportunities. We ' re fighters; we are daughters, sisters, and mothers and have this magical power of balancing life extremely well. So get out there and show the world you ' ve come to live, not just to survive. Get your inner mojo out and showcase your talent, be confident and never give up!
50 July 2013 O P I N I O N E X P R E S S