Last seen in TV show Shubhaarambh, actress Dipna Patel talks about her journey, dream role and new series on Instagram Live

• Tell us about your acting career…

I actually started with theatre. I have played a variety of characters in theatre shows, but in terms of films my first release was a Gujarati film titled Gujjubhai The Great. Besides, I have also acted in short films like Kaarnamu and Beat That. On TV, my show Shubhaarambh was quite popular. My Hindi play Raju Raja Ram Aur Main with Sharman Joshi has also been a hit and we did over 100 shows of this play in India as well as abroad.

• You have a degree in fashion design. How has been your stint in the fashion industry?

I have worked with various brands and designers as a model. In fact, I started modelling while I was studying fashion at NIFT and also won the first ever Style Diva pageant in India. Later, I became the second runners-up at I Am She – Miss Universe India contest and also won the best fitness title.

• How did you think of starting your series Level Up With DP Sunday live session on Instagram?

I always had this creative streak in me. I have already done a theatre series in 2017-2018, which was called The Theater Rapids. Lockdown has really given me time to think about this and take it forward.

• What is the concept of the show?

It’s a weekly show; we will do it live Sunday to Sunday. The concept of the show is about appearance, body language, etiquette and communications.

• What do you think is the most important quality an actor should possess?

It’s important to communicate well. There are various aspects of communication. There’s voice modulation, pitch and so much more.

• What changes have you witnessed in the industry over the years?

In the modelling industry, I have not seen many changes in India. In the acting field, there have been a lot of newcomers and few of them have made their presence felt, especially in web series.

• Who is your inspiration in Bollywood and why?

It has always been Priyanka Chopra. There are hundreds of reasons why. In every way she has proved herself and made a mark. It is not easy at all to leave a career at the peak (referring to Bollywood) and start something new in Hollywood. I look up to her.

• If not an actor, what would you have been and why?

If not an actor, I would have probably been a sportsperson as I was a state-level athlete during my school and college days.