A PLACE FOR ALL
Kiara Advani says Bollywood has a place for everyone, talks about how things changed for her over time
Kiara Advani has had quite a fulfilling 2020 with the web film Guilty, Laxmii, which opted for a direct-toOTT release, and Indoo Ki Jawaani that came out in theatres. And 2021 is looking equally exciting for her with Jug Jugg Jeeyo, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Shershaah on her plate. Since her debut in 2014 with Fugly, the actor has tried her hand at a variety of roles and genres, and being a rank outsider, it won’t be wrong to say that she has secured a place for herself in Bollywood. In a freewheeling conversation, Advani looks back at her journey, getting accepted in the industry, and how things have changed for her over the years, from not having many choices to now being flooded with offers.
With so much competition, has there ever been any pressure to go on a film signing spree?
I always knew the kind of films I wanted to do. Even though I didn’t have many choices back then, I waited patiently. Today, fortunately, there are more options, but I must admit the choice becomes even harder. I’m the kind of person who wants to do it all and I’d need to learn the art of balancing.
Now with so many offers coming your way, has the process of
choosing projects also changed?
It has always been about quality for me. When I’m offered a role, the most important consideration is the story, then, does my character take it forward, is it contributing to the narrative, and most importantly does it connect with me instinctively. Having said that, I’m a director’s actor. I believe a director truly brings out the best in an actor and that’s what I strive for. So, I just surrender to his vision. The better the director, the better the actor.
Today, with a credible body of work, is it still difficult to turn down a project for any reason?
It’s very hard to say no, especially when it’s a date issue. It’s actually funny. They say na, dene wala jab deta hai chhappad faad ke deta hai. It’s so exciting that suddenly all these fabulous scripts are coming my way at the same time. And it’s like, which one do I do? I want to do as many as I can. Of course if there’s a script which I’m not particularly connecting with, I’ll not just do it for the sake of it. But if I really love a script, I’ll do everything to make it happen.
Having spent seven years in Bollywood, would you say it has a place and work for everyone? Would you call it your home?
Home for me is my family; Bollywood is my place of work. But, the people I work with here are very special and I’ve a lot of respect for them.
They’re an integral part of my journey. And today, with the amount of content that’s being created, the platforms that are available, there’s ample amount of work for everyone and we’ve discovered that in this pandemic. I believe there’s a place for everybody here.
Coming here without any connections, would you now say that Bollywood has fully accepted you?
Acceptance did take some time. But today, it feels so encouraging that people from your fraternity go out of their way to message or call you after watching your work. I have a wonderful working relationship with everyone I’ve worked with. Be it in the South film industry or Bollywood, those equations have stayed. Though we don’t see each other often, we appreciate each other’s work. More than anything, I always wanted the audience to accept me, as they’re the ones we make films for. And I think when the audience accepts you, you get more work.