For Delhi girl Anya Singh, getting into Bollywood was an ambition that she always nurtured. So when Anya, an alumnus of Delhi University’s Sri VenkateswaraCollege, was spotted by casting director Shanoo Sharma at a coffee shop, it paved her way for audition for the lead actress of “Qaidi Band”.
She is playing a prisoner who becomes a part of the jail band and finds her freedom through music. She opens up on the lessons she learnt from director Habib Faisal and how she sees competition for herself.
Excerpts:
How did you react when you learnt that your role was not a glamorous one?
I am glad that assessment will be on the basis of my performance rather than glamour quotient. Females are being portrayed more than just an object of desire; in fact some films are running completely on their worth. I am happy that I am entering the industry at a time when Bollywood is emphasising on content rather than glamour. Earlier you could never have imagined that films like ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’, ‘Pink’ or ‘Udta Punjab’, dealing with current issues, could be made.
Was film music always part of your growing up years?
The love for musicals comes naturally to me but my debut does not allow me to explore this side of Bollywood. I used to love the energy of Madhuri Dixit and Kajol and I always wanted to work as a quintessential Bollywood heroine who dances on Bollywood numbers. I grew up listening to the tune of Anu Malik’s songs like ‘Tan Tana Tan Tan Tan Taara’ and danced on foot tapping songs of ‘Dil to Pagal Hai’. When I was told by Habib sir that there will not be any usual song and dance, I was very disappointed but at the same time I understood that it is the demand of the story.
Share your experience of working with director Habib Faisal
The pain in the eyes of a prisoner can only be felt and not seen. It was very tough to bring that on the screen as we never went to any jail but Habib sir’s research and inputs made us ready for that. I am elated working with Habib Faisal in my career’s starting point. He is an acting school who teaches acting through emoting and having conversations. He didn’t want us to watch films on this topic because subconsciously we would have started imitating them. His female characters are almost at par with his male protagonists and he deals with issues which are relatable .
What kind of roles would you prefer?
I do not have a particular genre in mind but dedication will pave my future course. For a creative person, it is important to keep experimenting which can enhance his or her skills. Lot of new faces are entering the industry. Every actor offers something new or exciting aspect of his personality. I want to work with all of them especially Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
Did Aadar Jain’s help you as a co-actor?
I actually came on board before him but he helped me a lot on the sets as he had already assisted in a film and came from an acting school. Whenever I felt confused, I could reach out to him.