Being around Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman is overwhelming: Pallavi Sharda

Australian-Indian actor, Pallavi Sharda, has much to look forward to this year. Apart from Begum Jaan  featuring Vidya Balan, she has Lion, directed by Garth Davis, featuring Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman. Pallavi talks to us...

You’ve been away from the scene?
I just got back from Goa’s New Year celebrations. Before that, I was in Australia and Bali. I also shot Begum Jaan and an independent film in Manali.

Would you say you’re choosy when it comes to commercial films?
I never had a backup for my career. I’ve made it on my own, so I have to be careful. I always go with the films that resonate with the people and me. I never go running after every single role that comes my way. I think I am choosy in a good way, and am very happy with the choices I have made. Last two years have been exceptional for me and this year too will be good.

Was it difficult for you to get used to the rat race of Bollywood?
I think anyone who comes from outside faces a bit of difficulty in making a mark. I came from Australia and I thought I understood India, but I didn’t. I grew up with morals in Australia and came to the hustle bustle of Mumbai. I used to wonder whether to be conservative or non-conservative. I was like a good Indian girl, who was asked to push boundaries. I had a really interesting personal journey out here. My journey is more than a film.

Tell us about your role in Lion…
It is just so fantastic to be in a film like Lion. For an actor like me, who is an outsider, and to be around actors like Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman is an overwhelming and a learning experience. They are all such humble people. My director Garth Davis is such a fine man that he knows how to extract a performance. The whole set was so funny and fussy, but high on drama and emotions.

Do you regret that some films you were banking on didn’t pan out well?
Who knows Indian sensibilities? Films and audiences are changing. I feel that even filmmakers are confused about Indian sensibilities. I’m not solely responsible for the failure of those films? My job as an actor is to perform. If my director gives me a script, I need to step into the character. I don’t understand anything beyond that. If I wouldn’t have done the films I did, I wouldn’t have been here. I consider myself very lucky. If someone offers you a big film, opposite a superstar, would you say no to that? I am happy the way my career has shaped so far because I am self made. I am still working on some amazing films. What do I have to be unhappy about?

What are your projects in 2017?
Begum Jaan releases in March. I am going to shoot a journey story with Discovery India. I love travel and dance and the show is about that, so I am excited.

How is your dancing treating you?
It is going on very well all around the globe. Dance makes me happy. When I was kid, I saw Sridevi in Chandni in a pink lehenga dancing on Mere Haathon Mein... and I decided to become an actress!

Coming to Begum Jaan…
It is a very different film. It is a remake of Rajkahini but it is not right to compare the two. It is a story of human triumph. It is a provoking story of wonderful women. Vidya is so amazing that I am in awe of her. She radiates warmth and generosity.