On the road to success

Considering you are the daughter of Anu and Shashi Ranjan, did acting come as a natural progression for you?

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I always wanted to act and was quite active in school plays since grade one. But my parents never pushed me for anything. I remember one day I told my parents that I would be a scientist and next day that would have changed to a different profession. As I grew up, I started meeting people on the sets and realised all I want to do is acting. And I don’t have a plan B.

Have you undergone any training in acting?

I have been to an acting school and went to diction class as well. I have realised that this training can sharpen your acting skills but if you don’t have an inclination towards it, no training can help you.

What are the lessons your parents have given you?

Couple of things actually. First is to be nice and kind to people around you. They told me you need to be patient as there will be many talented and hard working people. You can’t give up. And I have been trying to get my first film for the last seven-eight years and after seeing so many rejections I could have left everything. But I stuck to my aim!

What is your take on nepotism?

I am auditioning for the last eight years; I have tested myself for so long. Like any other actor, I also had my own journey. Knowing people doesn’t help you. You still have to go meet the casting directors and audition. And how I got my first film Guilty, it is nothing to do with nepotism.

Why a digital debut?

It’s been a few days that Guilty is streaming on Netflix but I have been getting responses from all over the globe. It is trending like wildfire. This kind of reach in such a short time is unbelievable. I don’t see any downside to OTT platforms. The characters of the film are so real and the OTT platform is the right place to explore such subjects, which is the reason it is so well-accepted.

How has been the experience while shooting for Guilty?

It was wonderful. I could have never expected better than this. I was spoiled by my director Ruchi Narain and a production house like Dharma. Karan Johar and his team took good care of us. And of course a great set of co-stars like Kiara Advani, Gurfateh Singh Pirzada and Taher, we all have become great friends.

Alia Bhatt is your best friend. How will you define her?

She is supportive, kind and super fun to be with. After my screening, she has in fact told me that I made her proud. I am proud of her and I am happy that I could make her feel the same way.

What is your take on social media and the trolling that happens there?

I am quite active there as I have got a lot of work contacts from social media. I would say it’s a boon and bane. I have got a lot of love from social media even before my first film. And social media is in front of your eyes, so you get to know the love and hate ratio. It’s a double-edged sword.

Any particular director you would like to work with?

Anubhav Sinha for sure. I am manifesting that for quite some time now.

What is your focus now as an actress?

Since the feedback is very good and positive, I will take time to decide my next. But will definitely keep up the momentum and do good stuff.

Like your parents, any chances of taking up direction or anything behind the camera?

Not at all, I love acting and I can’t mix things.