After walking the ramp for several designers and modelling for leading fashion brands, Anushka Ranjan is all set to make her acting debut with ‘Wedding Pullav’. In this interview, she talks about making a transition from modelling to acting, sharing screenspace with veterans and working in a film produced by family.
You had signed a film that was to be produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The film did not happen and you had to wait for a while before ‘Wedding Pullav’ came along. How do you feel now when your debut film is ready for a release?
‘Wedding Pullav’ came to me when I was about to start shooting for Sajid (Nadiadwala) Sir’s film. Then, he got busy with ‘Kick’ and told me that I could work with other production houses. I am happy that ‘Wedding Pullav’ turned out to be my first film. People have loved the trailer and the first song has got a good response too. I feel overwhelmed with the positive response that has come my way.
You have years of experience behind you as a model. Do you think your stint as a model helped you face the camera as an actor?
I strongly believe that modelling prepared me in a lot of ways. It helped me build a good personality. When you are walking down a ramp, you have to walk gracefully and stand in a particular manner. Modelling helps you develop many skills. I met a lot of people and got comfortable interacting with different kinds of people. It prepared me for films and also imparted several important life lessons in me.
Did the fact that your first film has been produced by your family work as an advantage for you?
It was an advantage for sure. It always helps to have your family and friends by your side when you do something new in life. It makes you more confident as you know they are around you. My parents and sister would come to the sets and that would make me feel that I have a strong support system. The support and encouragement I got from them pushed me towards doing my work to the best of my abilities.
Apart from Kannada star Diganth, who is paired opposite you, the film also features television actor Karan V. Grover and veterans like Rishi Kapoor, Himani Sivpuri, Kitu Gidwani and Parmeet Sethi among others. How was the experience of working with actors who are much more experienced than you?
Working with these actors was a fun experience. I got a lot of help from them as they have years of experience behind them. Most of my scenes are with Diganth and Karan. Whenever I would get stuck with a line or have any other difficulty while performing a scene, they would help me out. I have a few scenes with Rishi Sir. He was very helpful and patient with me. I feel fortunate to have worked with these actors as they knew how to deal with a newcomer.
