Actress Aishwarya Sushmita, who plays Kiki in Bad Cop, says she likes to do her own stunts, even if that means getting hurt at times

Gurnaaz

Indian cinema is a dynamic world. It takes more than just talent to strive here. One has to be ready to chart one’s path with a blend of dedication and versatility, top it up with determination and passion. To become a new character each time can be both exhilarating and daunting.

Name game

“My parents were inspired by two iconic figures who represented India on the international stage. Their sense of pride led them to name me Aishwarya Sushmita. Realising the significance of being named after two beauty icons added a sense of destiny to my career aspirations. My unique name often catches people’s attention in the industry, sparking curiosity and conversations. Friends and colleagues view it as both a blessing and a legacy to uphold, helping me stand out and giving me an edge in my career.” — Aishwarya

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Take for instance, Aishwarya Sushmita’s experience. From her latest role in Bad Cop, in which Aishwarya plays the main protagonist, to her aspirations and insights gained from her journey, this conversation with her reflects the essence of her craft and what goes into it. Aishwarya, who plays Kiki in Bad Cop, says, “It was exciting to play Kiki. The character is multi-dimensional, and portraying her allowed me to explore a wide range of emotions and situations.”

Reflecting on her role in Special Ops 1.5, she explains, “Every character requires a certain kind of research and script analysis. For Karishma, my character in Special Ops 1.5, I delved into the world of espionage. Watching films and studying spy tactics helped me understand the mindset required for the role.” Discussing the physical demands of her roles, she admits to facing risks and challenges, particularly during action sequences. “I had my share of intense moments,” she reveals. “From enduring injuries during stunts to navigating the pressure of high-stakes scenes, each experience taught me resilience and the importance of safety measures.”

When asked about landing roles, Aishwarya credits her confidence and consistent preparation during the lockdown period. “While it takes a lot of confidence to crack an audition, the source of that confidence is preparation. I put in a lot of effort at it during the lockdown period. I would watch and analyze around four to five films every day. That has extensively boosted my confidence,” she explains. “It led to my audition for Special Ops 1.5, where my dedication was recognised.” Reflecting on her growth through different projects, Aishwarya attributes her success to her evolving skills and the opportunities each role brings. “From Runway 34 to Khakee and Bad Cop, every project has been a stepping stone,” she says. “Each role taught me something new, enhancing my understanding of characters and the human experience.”

Learning from industry veterans has been invaluable for Aishwarya. “Working with directors like Neeraj Pandey, Bhav and Aditya has exposed me to diverse styles and visions,” she says. “Understanding their approach has broadened my perspective on filmmaking and enhanced my adaptability as an actor.” Looking ahead, Aishwarya hints at her upcoming projects, including a promising pilot for Netflix. “Exploring themes of pseudo-feminism, this project promises to be both challenging and enlightening,” she reveals with enthusiasm.

Expressing her aspirations, Aishwarya says, “I would love to play any of the three lead men from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara in a similar female-centric film.” And when it comes to her desire to collaborate with artists, she names Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet and Vicky Kaushal. “Leonardo has been my childhood crush,” she blushes and continues, “On a serious note, it’s their commitment to roles and transformative performances that inspire me. I aspire to challenge myself alongside such talented individuals.”

As our conversation draws to a close, Aishwarya reflects on her journey with gratitude and determination. “Every role, every experience has shaped me,” she concludes. “I look forward to pushing boundaries, exploring new horizons, and contributing to the rich tapestry of cinema.”