Pallavi Das is all set to make her Bollywood debut with ‘Umeed’ directed by Rajat Mukherjee.
Hailing from Assam, she is a model-turned-actor who moved to Mumbai to follow her dreams. She brushed shoulders with renowned names in the glamour industry after graduating and one thing led to another, taking her exactly where she wants to be.
In a chat with Anila Kurian, Pallavi explains how she came into the industry and what she is looking forward to the most.
Tell us about your shift from being a model to actor.
I was going for auditions when I was modelling but realised that I needed to learn more about acting. So I attended various workshops and improved my skills. That’s when someone from team ‘Umeed’ saw my tape and wanted me to do the part.
‘Umeed’ is a unique film...
Yes, it’s the first-of-its-kind in India, a medical thriller. I play the protagonist narrating the story from the common man’s point of view. My character moved to Mumbai and becomes a winner of a beauty pageant. Through social projects, she finds out that something illegal is happening in the society. The role is quite exciting.
What was your first day on the set like?
I was quite nervous! I am working with actors that I grew up watching so there was so much pressure. But the team had asked me to come down a couple of days before the day of shooting so that I could just watch others. So it was easy to shoot on my first day.
What do you enjoy more — modelling or acting?
Both are similar in certain ways. You are in a new environment each day. You don’t know what you will be getting into until you do it. This is the thrilling part of modelling and acting.
Were your parents always supportive of your career choices?
Well, yes and no. I don’t know anyone in this industry so that made them nervous. I came to Mumbai for my college education but I started modelling in between. They were alright with that but they weren’t too sure if I will make it through. But thanks to the film, they are more involved in it than I am.
What more do you want to achieve?
I’m enjoying acting right now and I want to get better at it. So acting is my only focus now. I will also be modelling in between though.
Is there anything you wish you did differently when it comes to your career?
I wish I had taken acting more seriously before. Maybe I would have had more exposure and experience by now. But everything has a time, so I have no regrets.
What kind of directors do you want to work with?
I want to work with great directors who have a good story to tell. There are a lot of films with female protagonists now. Since my first film is something like that, I think I am also spoilt. I hope to continue getting good scripts like this.
