‘Actors thrive on love and appreciation’

Bhanu P Lohumi

Another gorgeous teenager from Shimla has made it to the silver screen. Sahher Bambba was fortunate to have made her debut in the film industry with a lead role opposite Karan Deol in Sunny Deol’s “Pal Pal Dil ke Paas”.  

Sahher comes from an established business family of Shimla. She had her schooling in Loreto Convent Tara Hall, Shimla, and reputed Lawrence School, Sanawar. Just eight months in Jaihind College, Mumbai, pursuing a degree course in travel and tourism, Sahher got selected in the auditions and was finalised for the lead role opposite Karan Deol.

Destiny smiled on her and she outshined a large number of competitors to be selected for the film as heroine and she did prove her mettle. Her work in the movie released on September 20 has been appreciated.

Sahher has joined the elite group of actors from Shimla entering the film industry but she is perhaps the youngest actor doing a lead role at the age of 19, following in the footsteps of ‘dimple’ girl Preeti Jinta and others such as Anupam Kher, Amrish Puri and Prem Chopra, who also hailed from Shimla.

Sahher has been focused and disciplined since childhood. She is a big-time animal lover, says her proud father Sunil Bambba.

The budding actress talked to The Tribune about her debut, her family, interactions with Karan Deol and his family members, her hobbies, pastime and future plans. Excerpts from an interview with Bhanu P Lohumi…

You have made it to the silver screen. Did you ever think of joining the film industry?

Films are something that I always wanted to do. I am very glad and fortunate that I am getting a chance to do what I always dreamt of. 

How did it all happen; was it a coincidence or a planned move?

It was a coincidence. I had spent eight months in my college in Mumbai when the auditions for movie “Pal Pal Dil ke Paas” were being conducted. I got a call that auditions for a film are being conducted, why don’t you try as well? I got excited and gave my 200 per cent. There were a couple of rounds and in February 2017, I received a call that I have been finalised for the film.  

Did you have interest in theatre or had you participated in plays in your school and college?

I love to dance, and during my schooldays I performed dances, especially Kathak. However, acting happened to me later in Class XI and XII. Actually, my love for films also started with songs and dances during my childhood days.  

How do you feel after such a phenomenal rise to fame?

The feeling is overwhelming. Actors thrive on love and appreciation and there is much positivity following the release of the film and people appreciating our work. I am really grateful to people who have shown so much love towards me and my work.

Did your family approve of your decision; did they encourage you or had some reservation?

My family was very supportive. It was also to do with the fact that they knew that I was in the best hands possible. I could not have asked for a better family to debut in the film industry. Deols are known for humanity and are great people. Sunny Sir would always be like a father figure for me.

Manali is not new for you but how thrilling it was for you to shoot your debut film in such beautiful surroundings. Did you suggest Manali for shooting or was it already planned?

Manali was always on the script even before I auditioned. I am familiar with Manali but still it was not easier for me because we had to trek every morning. We camped and shot scenes in places, which were completely untouched and unexplored. It was a new experience for me as well as for everybody else. It was pretty taxing; the weather was unpredictable and often we had to return to the same locations four times to complete the shoot.

How was your experience shooting with Karan and interactions with his star-studded family?

I remember my first meeting with Sunny Sir. He was so sweet and was nothing like his on-screen persona of an angry young man. So is Karan. He is a very well brought up person and a friend for life. It was a great experience working with all of them. I met all members of the Deol family and there was not even one awkward moment.

What are you hobbies and other pastime; did you get time from the busy shooting schedule for yourself and your family?

My pastime and hobbies include dancing, listening to music, and reading books and I love travelling. I did get time for my family but the last leg of promotion was hectic, as all of us were running around constantly and were tired.

How thrilled are you over the release of your maiden film?

All of us were excited and looking forward to the release of the film. It didn’t matter to us what fate it meets because the last two years had been so beautiful. It has been an emotional journey and the experiences have been so amazing. Obviously, we want the film to do well but irrespective of what happens, the experiences and the friends that I made are special to me. “Pal Pal Dil ke Pass” being my first film will always be close to my heart.

Did you like the script of the film or were you nervous while facing the camera for the first time?

When the writers of the film, Ravi and Jassi, narrated the script to me for the first time I could literally imagine and visualise every single scene. I thought it was the cutest love story ever. I was clueless when I faced the camera for the first time, as I had no idea what to expect. To get the shot right was my worry every morning. The first day was nerve-racking as I played a Delhi blogger. In the scene, I had to run to get breathless. But being from Himachal my lungs are inherently accustomed to low levels of oxygen. I wasn’t getting breathless and hence had a hard time shooting the scene.

What are your favourite cuisine and places for holidaying?

I love South Indian and authentic Chinese foods. I like any place which has beaches. As I have grown up in the hills, beaches attract me. My favourite places are Kerala, Phuket and Goa.   

What do you consider as your biggest strength?

I have a very positive mindset and that is my biggest strength. I like to see the good in people and situations.

Will you like to pursue your studies or dedicate yourself to the film industry?

After this film, I will like to experiment with all kinds of roles whether it is comedy, action, thriller or drama. As an actor, you need to be excited and need to take challenges head-on. As far as my education is concerned, I will like to complete my graduation.   

Any experience that is close to your heart or that has helped in transforming you?

Shooting in Kaza and Chandertal for the song “Ho Jaa Awara” was amazing. The locations are like a paradise and we were allowed to be ourselves. Our brief was to be enjoy ourselves and the experience was quite liberating. We went there twice and would love to go there again.

How important is schooling in shaping one’s career?

Schooling definitely plays a very important role. I was in a boarding school and I still believe that whatever I am today is because of my schooldays. I learnt time management, how to deal with situations and emerged a tougher and stronger person. Your teachers and friends help you shape yourself as a person eventually.