‘I want to work with people who matter’

Actor Poonam Rajput credits television for helping her gain visibility in the industry. But, she admits she finds it hard to relate to the kind of content being made on the medium.

“I have no problem working on TV, but the fact is that I don’t connect with the content there. Also, the way actors pursue the characters is totally unrelatable to me,” says Rajput, whose upcoming film, Chaar Chappalein, was screened at the International Film Festival Rotterdam recently.

She adds, “Playing a strong character in Begum Jaan (2017), a small role in Mirzapur 2 and a pivotal one in my upcoming film, directed by Anurag (Kashyap) sir, is [the kind of content] I can relate with. They all are in a realistic zone.”

It is for this reason, Rajput shares, that she prioritises content over how lengthy her role is: “To play a small part in big projects that reach a large audience is much better than playing a lead and not being seen by anyone. I have been there, done that! Now, I want to select my roles wisely and work with people who matter. Being on this path, I may get less work. But, in the long run, it will surely pay off.”

Rajput, who started out in the Punjabi industry before shifting to Mumbai, recalls, “During my college days, someone spotted me and offered me a music video that fetched me ₹5,000. Within the next three months, I shot for 30 more Punjabi music videos. I relocated [to Mumbai] with very less aspirations. I did a number of episodes for Savdhaan India, Crime Patrol and serials like Laut Aao Trisha. I even did a Punjabi film, What the Jatt (2015).”

The actor will soon start shooting for the OTT series Leg Piece. “There are other projects as well, but I am a bit superstitious. I would like to talk about them at the right time,” she ends.