‘WILL BE HAPPY TO PLAY A HINDI PART IN BOLLYWOOD’
PF eisty, fiery and a madcap — this pretty much sums up Tokyo’s character from Spanish series, Money Heist. Actor Ursula Corbero aka Tokyo, doesn’t believe in limiting herself and likes to take challenges. Ahead of the final season of the series, on Netflix, we spoke to Ursula about the show’s popularity, being a fashion icon and a social media sensation, and her love for India.
I’ve never done something like this before, so it was pretty challenging initially. But, it helped me feel braver, stronger, powerful and dangerous. The script was very well defined from the beginning for the way it lets her mess up to be wrong. What I really liked about Tokyo is how she finds strength from within, her guts, not from her physicality or muscle.
It was so funny when many people would tell me, ‘OMG, every time I listen to Tokyo’s voice, l feel sleepy or it gives me so much pleasure’. So, I talked to one of the main directors and we thought it’d be interesting to have a soothing and calm voice that’s in contrast with the hectic and dynamic pace of the show.
I’ve never been to India and can’t wait to get there. Also, it fills me with joy to think that with Money Heist — thanks to its international impact — I have the opportunity to open new doors in new countries. Travelling to different places and perform new characters, is something I love. The best part about my profession is that it’s a constant learning process.
I’ve seen many Bollywood films, and I know it is a very popular and big industry. But, somehow when people ask me for a name, my mind goes numb. Slumdog Millionaire (for its Indian connect) is the film I love.
If I have the time, I’d even play a character in Hindi. I’ll be more than happy if I have a professional teacher and the time to prepare and learn how I’ve to say things. I don’t want to limit myself. I love challenges.
URSULA CORBERO,
Fashion is very much connected to my profession. I love playing new characters when I act, and fashion gives you the same opportunities because depending on what you wear, you feel differently.
You must not get influenced by social media, as it can be dangerous. While everything is measured by the number of followers you have, we’ve to bear in mind it doesn’t measure the talent you have.
PPEDRO ALONSO,
You love to hate him, or hate to love him, Pedro Alonso aka Berlin from Money Heist on Netflix, is one character that gets under your skin. Intelligent, yet at times, idiosyncratic, his role stays with you even after he dies onscreen. In a candid chat, Pedro opens up about his role, OTT boom, and influence of Indian culture on his life.
In the recent years, in Spain, many Bollywood productions had a moment of presence. I was surprised to see the level of production and the magnitude of Indian industry. I’ve seen Indian movies, but honestly, I don’t have a serious connect with Indian actors. I’m more connected with the mythology of your country. If you see the paintings I make, I love ancient culture of India.
No, but I really want to visit. It’s one of my challenges to go more to the orient because in my personal philosophy, the orient is very pleasant. Also, I have a personal connect with meditation, this changed my way to breathe in the last 15-17 years. As you know the cocoon of meditative way comes from
I love to travel. I don’t know when I’ll travel to the Indian subcontinent, but I’ll do it. And fortunately, if I can, one day act in a movie in India, stay and work in your country, it’s going to be great for me. I’m going to do it if life lets me do it.
I began this show playing a dark role, and then he dies at the end of first season. When writers told me they want to continue with my role, I said, I’m going to be able to assist this role if I’m dead because the most important point of the role was to be present and be the chaos. And this obliges me,
For sure! Five years ago, I couldn’t imagine I’ll be talking to the people of India. It’s something that’s new for all of us. It’s offering a new world of possibilities that we are beginning to explore.