Showing posts with label Anupria Goenka interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anupria Goenka interview. Show all posts
My relationships have played a huge role in shaping my life-Anupria Goenka
7:59 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 18, 2022)
For Anupria Goenka, relationships have been like a guiding force. The Aashram actress, who is currently single, says that she has learnt a lot from each relationship that she has been in. Apparently, she wasn’t certain if she wanted to enter showbiz, but her then-boyfriend supported her and pushed her to pursue a career in acting.
“My relationships have played a huge role in shaping my life. I owe the beginning of my career to one of my past relationships. My then-boyfriend was not from the industry, but he encouraged me to pave my way into showbiz,” she shares. One of her recent relationships, she says, made her realise that one needs to be a bit lenient in love.
Elaborating on the thought, she explains, “To be honest, I have always had a way of being a teacher or a daadi of my family. So, in my relationships, too, I was the one who would decide and take calls or even advise the other. I have always functioned from the space of tough love. Now, I have realised that tough love is not the only way to love. I let the other person grow, too. ”
Anupria says that she’s on a journey of self-discovery. She adds, “I have realised I want to live for myself too. I want to travel. I want to learn many more things as an actor. I started horse riding and pottery. I learnt a bit of dance, too. Right now, I want to learn pole dancing too. I am learning action because of my role in a film.”
Anupria, who has been a part of films like Padmaavat and War, is enjoying every bit of singlehood and the perks that come with it. “Now, it is only me who can spoil my day and no one else. I have full control over it. There are no fights, no drama or guilt of not meeting someone’s expectations or any anger over someone not meeting my expectations. This is so refreshing,” she signs off.
Had the OTT space not opened up, actors like me would have felt far more restless and anxious-Anupria Goenka
8:01 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; July 22, 2022)
She’s a prominent face in the digital space today, but Anupria Goenka didn’t grow up wanting to be an actor. Her love for theatre led her to movies and acting, which she feels is her identity today. So far, she has been seen in films like Padmaavat and War, as well as web shows like MX Player’s much-acclaimed Aashram. In a chat with BT, the actress talks about finding her comfort zone in the industry, how OTT platforms gave her career a boost and found a foothold in showbiz. Excerpts:
It’s been almost a decade since you made Mumbai your home and found a footing in showbiz. How do you look back at the journey?
I think Mumbai is home now and this city does give a lot to people. Yes, life isn’t easy here, but like most people say, and I too believe that Mumbai aapko apna leti hai. As long as you work hard, you will find a place and will be able to chase your ambitions here. Talking about my time in the industry, I left my cushy, corporate job and started working as an actor. I found my calling pretty late in life, but today, acting has become my identity.
Considering the fact that you didn’t have any contacts in the industry, how did you manage to bag projects with directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ali Abbas Zafar?
Thankfully, I entered the industry when casting directors were active and there was a set way of doing things. I didn’t have any contacts, so I did multiple auditions to get work. I am happy that we are in this phase; otherwise, 10 years ago, it was far more difficult to enter this industry. I got good work because of the casting directors we have today. It was because of them that I got films like Tiger Zinda Hai and Padmaavat. Director Pradeep Sarkar, who worked with me when I was new to the industry, showed faith in me. He liked me instantly and we went on to do so many ads together. There are good people in the industry, and they pushed me to work further. Then, of course, I got an opportunity to work with Sanjay sir (Sanjay Leela Bhansali), Ali Abbas Zafar and Siddharth Anand (director of War) and so on. I was never star-struck. I became a fan of all those great actors I got to work with only after I worked with them and saw their professional drive.
Outsiders always have to face their share of struggle in the industry and have many such stories. Did you face any harsh realities and how did you deal with those?
At the beginning of my career, I had a hard time distinguishing between good and not-so-good production houses and projects. I remember I almost took up a film thinking that it was a great opportunity as I was getting to play the lead role. But after seeing my friends’ reactions, I didn’t go ahead with it. I was too shy to visit production houses or call up casting directors for work. Today, I message directors saying, ‘Hey, I hear this project is being under discussion and I would love to test for it.’ Earlier, I was not comfortable doing that.
While earlier I was shy, over a period of time, I have realised that this is also a part of my job profile, and there’s no shame in asking for something you want or wish to do. If you ask me to narrate the other kind of hassles, where someone makes a pass at you or asks you to compromise, yes, I have faced that too. However, my early life experiences have made me strong, and that reflects in my personality. Probably, I could not get as much work as I could have if I had favoured a few people. Yes, favouritism exists, but talent is definitely appreciated in the industry.
Digital medium certainly gave your career a big boost. Can you imagine your career minus the OTT boom?
I am happy that I got an opportunity to play prominent roles in films like Tiger Zinda Hai, Padmaavat and War. At the same time, I also got to play some promising parts in web shows like Aashram, Asur: Welcome To Your Dark Side, Criminal Justice and The Final Call. The digital medium has played a big role in shaping my career. I got to play such diverse characters on these shows, which somehow went on to become the flagship shows of their respective platforms. This resulted in my OTT identity becoming so strong today. Had the OTT space not opened up, actors like me would have felt far more restless and anxious. With the digital medium, one can witness overnight success. We can show our talent and reach out to the masses with web shows. I stopped acting in ads because there’s so much work in the digital space. Otherwise, when I started off, for the first five years, ads were my bread and butter.
In your last interview with us a year ago, you said you are confident and ready to take up lead roles now. Are filmmakers receptive enough to cast you as the leading lady in their projects? Do you see the change?
This year, with my last release, I got to essay a lead role in Mere Desh Ki Dharti, where I got to play a village girl. That’s something I wanted to do for a long time. I have also shot for a film with Vinay Pathak, where I am in a lead role as a psycho killer. Then there’s Berlin, where I play the female lead. Apart from these, I am also excited about doing an action-oriented film, and a web series that will see me in a negative role. I am happy that I am doing a variety of roles this year. Yes, things are moving in the right direction, but whether it is really happening the way I wanted it to, well, not yet, to be honest! I hope filmmakers also start seeing me in that light.
Why Anupria Goenka likes auditioning from home
8:00 AM
The actor reveals that she has no qualms in auditioning despite belting out multiple blockbusters; adds it’s a ‘healthy way’ to bag a project
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 22, 2021)
Anupria Goenka kept herself busy during the lockdown as she had been auditioning for various projects from home. While virtual auditions made for a rather new and different experience, she believes that it helped her better herself in more ways than one. “It has definitely made me a lot more tech-savvy. Also, I’ve a newfound respect for every person in the crew. While shooting from home, I had to do pretty much everything on my own, right from makeup to lighting and setting up camera angles,” she says.
She adds, “It has been something unique, to be honest. I’ve done millions of auditions in my life, but all of them used to be in person. But here, I was getting ready, shooting my own self in one corner of my house and then sending over the file via email or messaging platforms.”
Despite delivering blockbusters like Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), Padmaavat (2018) and War (2019), the actor reveals that she has no qualms in auditioning to prove her mettle for certain parts. She explains, “Auditions are important. While filmmakers are getting to understand whether you’re perfect for the role, you are getting to know whether the role is something that you want to do. It’s a two-way street.”
According to Goenka, auditions are “a healthy way” to come aboard a project and is a testament to one’s hard work and talent. “That’s always how it happens in the West. Even some of the biggest actors go for auditions, read their lines and do look tests as and when necessary,” she says.
The actor, who will be seen in the second seasons of Aashram and Asur, resumed shooting earlier this week. She admits that she is still scared and equal parts excited to have begun work.“Life has to move on. Setting into a routine again could be a bit challenging but it didn’t require any mental preparation. I love my job and that’s why I do it. In fact, I was raring to work on my roles,” she ends.
I had got shortlisted for more than 30 ads in the same month, but none of them worked out-Anupria Goenka
8:05 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; May 25, 2021)
Anupria Goenka, who was noticed on the big screen in movies like Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), Padmaavat (2018) and War (2019), saw a spike in her popularity in 2020, with MX Player’s much-acclaimed show Aashram, which had Bobby Deol playing one of the leading characters. The actress has shown a lot of promise in the interesting roles that she has portrayed so far.
Leaving behind a comfortable corporate job, she came to Bollywood in 2014 hoping to find a foothold in the industry that was completely unknown to her. “Unlike the structured life I lived earlier, I knew that as an actor, my career would be dependent on diverse factors - right from being at the right place, at the right time, having a chance at good auditions, suiting the role and finding someone who inspires you and gives you a push. Basically, it’s an amalgamation of hard work, talent, luck and circumstances. Thus, my major struggle was this shift from a structured lifestyle to a very uncertain life,” says Anupria.
While today she boasts of being a part of films featuring prominent Bollywood names, it wasn’t easy to bag those projects and realise her dreams. “I must have given 10 auditions a day, carried bags filled with different outfits to wear for each of them, travelled in buses and trains for four hours to reach multiple venues. Out of the many auditions I did every month, I would get selected for only five-six. For me, even if one or two of these projects materialised, it would be a big thing. There was a time where I got shortlisted for more than 30 ads in the same month, but none of them worked out. In a short span of time, I realised that rejection is a big part of an actor’s life, but you cannot take it personally. It’s a waiting game at the end of which, you know if you have been accepted or rejected,” explains the actress.
Though she had a rocky start, Anupria goes on to share, there were several people who she met who made her journey pleasant.
Talking about director Pradeep Sarkar, who encouraged her, she shares, “I did my first ad with him. He showed so much faith in me and pushed me to go ahead in this direction. I realised that there are many good people in the industry, contrary to what we hear in the outside world.”
Riding high on the experience, after doing multiple films and web shows, Anupria now hopes that very soon she bags a project where she plays a solo lead. “From the last one year, I feel confident about pulling off lead roles that have bigger graphs. I feel I will be able to add value and do justice to these roles, where the character graph is layered and touches different emotions,” she says.
While she is excited about her prospects in Bollywood, she feels that it can all wait as today, the concern is more about surviving the Coronavirus pandemic crisis. Anupria says, “I lost my 90-year-old granny (my father’s mother) to COVID. She was staying in Kanpur with the rest of our family members. My grandma was the symbol of strength in our family. She always promoted education and aspirations in women, and I give her full credit to the way I have shaped up.”
The actress feels that the present situation has taught everyone a big lesson. She says, “COVID is a leveller as it doesn’t differentiate whether you are privileged or come from the lesser fortunate section of the society. Every day, I thank god for keeping those close to me safe. In a crisis like this, it feels good to see how people are coming forward to help others in whatever way they can.”
I started doing OTT work way back in 2017 and I never had second thoughts about it-Anupria Goenka
8:24 AM
Actor Anupria Goenka is all praise for web platforms and feels she could maintain connect with the audience only because of OTT last year
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 16, 2021)
The year 2020 has not been an ideal one for Bollywood, as theatrical releases took a big hit. But during this period, the medium of OTT took a centre stage and offered much needed respite to content creators and actors, something that Anupria Goenka is much thankful about. The actor, who had three web series that came out this year—Asur, Aashram and Criminal Justice 2, says it was rather nice that she was “working slightly at least and people got to see me.” This year too, Goenka, 33, has a bevy of OTT projects lined up as she exudes excitement for experimenting more with her characters. Excerpts from an interview.
Three of your web projects released last year, four if we count the two seasons of Aashram. Despite the pandemic situation, that was quite a silver lining for you?
Thank god for that silver lining. I did a lot of work in 2019 and that kept me relevant in 2020 as well. It is always nice that you still feel that you’re working slightly at least and people are getting to see you. There is some sort of connect I could maintain because I felt the audience is at least responding to my work. The year started well. Even when the lockdown started there was good news pouring in because of Asur. And somewhere mid way, Aashram happened and that again was a huge success. I was busy with promotions and taking in all the appreciation. Then at the end of the year we had Criminal Justice: Behind Closed Doors. The series did very well in its first outing and I’m happy it has repeated its success.
As an actor who embraced the OTT when it was in a very nascent stage in India, how do you see the evolution of OTT?
OTT has come into a new space altogether because of Coronavirus. I started doing OTT work way back in 2017 and I never had second thoughts about it. I think it was a right decision on my part to take up OTT back then, especially looking at what it has become today. Now everyone wants to be a part of OTT and that’s a great evolution for the medium.
How do you see the OTT revolution propelling the careers of actors, including yourself, and changing the landscape of entertainment in India?
OTT is now an important new space to consume content. I think it is great because it gives so much liberty to everyone involved in art. Not just actors but also directors, writers , costume people, designers… everybody. People have been consuming content online more than ever before now and even films have transcended there. In the coming days, a lot of films will be released on OTT. Now there will be a mechanism and differentiation about what kind of films would be released theatrically and what would go directly to OTTs. As we saw happen many times this year.
Many have applauded the OTTs for giving a much-needed liberty to every creative person, your thoughts?
We are progressing at a very good pace in terms of the content and also what we are building upon. I feel very privileged to be a part of this era. I still want to do a lot more in terms of content as an actor. I want to do comedy, even dark characters and period drama. We are seeing a change that’s happening both in the films space and the OTT space. So I think both film and OTT are exploding in terms of content, which is making it more meaningful. It is great time to be in the entertainment industry.
How would you look back at the last year?
It has been a very different year, both good and difficult. Good because we did a lot of things which we would not have done otherwise. I think that kind of pause was required for us in life, to just take a break and reflect. There was a lot of reflection that took place. I’m thankful for the privilege and feel responsible towards those who don’t have it. A kind of understanding and gratitude is there. It was an important year that way.
And how does the year 2021 look for you?
Covid or no Covid, we’ve to move on with our lives. In 2021, a movie is slated to come out and I’ve to shoot Asur 2 and Aashram season 3. I also have another series. I hope to do different types of content. I want to do much much more challenging roles. I want to do roles which have a lot of meat in terms of a huge graph of different emotions and characterizations.
Rejections aren’t a reflection of your capabilities-Anupria Goenka
8:14 AM
Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 28, 2020)
Amid debates around the industry being biased towards insiders, and hence fewer opportunities and more rejections for outsiders, Anupria Goenka says rejections are a part and parcel of showbiz. She explains an actor doesn’t crack every audition and it’s important to accept ‘no’, much like being happy for projects one bags.
“Sometimes you’re accepted for a project and sometimes you don’t make it though you might be great at your work, as the requirements might be different. You get some and lose some, but you can’t take everything personally. Rejections aren’t a reflection of your capabilities,” adds the actor known for films such as Padmaavat (2018) and War (2019), and web projects such as Sacred Games and Criminal Justice.
Goenka says taking rejections in one’s stride is the way forward. “Working on your craft is the best way to motivate yourself. Things like meditation, writing, painting and singing are just not helpful to one as a performer, but also help in navigating through difficult times, long waiting periods, minimising negativity and in keeping yourself upbeat. Keeping the doors of communication open with those you trust is necessary. Above all, understanding the process and respecting it is essential,” she adds.
Now more than ever, according to the actor, there are far more opportunities available. Especially with the “web space opening up, things have become democratic”, she feels. “Even films are becoming content driven and both mediums need strong, talented performers. I think the onus lies more with the public to support films with good content and great performances,” Goenka shares.
The casting couch too is rumoured to be rampant in the industry, but Goenka denies being propositioned. “There are people who have ill intentions but such people are there in every other industry. It’s about how you conduct yourself. It might take longer, but you’ll get recognition,” she adds.
I’ve great respect for Anurag Kashyap as a director and human being-Anupria Goenka
8:22 AM
Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 1, 2020)
Actor Anupria Goenka is one among those who extended support to filmmaker Anurag Kashyap when he was recently accused of sexual harassment by actor Payal Ghosh.
In a long twitter thread, she addressed the vilification of Bollywood and wrote how Kashyap is an “ardent advocate of human rights” and “women empowerment”. “I’ve great respect for Anurag, both as a director and a human being. He advocates human rights, talks against fascism, supports the idea of women having agency and choice, and it all reflects in his work and his everyday functioning as well. Strong, super talented and fiercely outspoken women (who’ve worked with him and are ‘outsiders’ as well) have come out in his support. That must stand for something,” says Goenka, who collaborated with Kashyap in web series Sacred Games.
The 33-year-old actor adds that the #metoo has done a lot of good, so it is our joint responsibility to protect its purity. “False accusations will derail and discredit the movement. I hope we don’t let it wither away,” she continues, “I totally stand with Anurag Kashyap. He has been so courageously and unflinchingly vocal about so many human issues, risking his personal interests and safety even. He, in fact, empowers the women around him.”
Goenka strongly objects to social media trials, and says there is so much “noise, negativity, name calling going on”, which is more about demeaning each other than resolving anything. “There are so many pertinent issues such as the farmers’ bills, growing unemployment, rise in domestic abuse, doctors’ deaths, Covid rise, floods… Instead of talking about the real issues, we’re focusing on a few already thriving individuals, their habits, WhatsApp chats, airport transfers, etc.,” she says.
The actor feels we need to give “each other respect and let a sensible dialogue” happen. “With so much misery pre-existing during the pandemic, now more than ever, we need to spread positivity. If you want to address the drugs issue, attack the cause. Stop the supply and give solutions and ask for action. We should use our time and energy right. These are not just film industry-centric but nationwide problems,” she ends.
Many of our stars these days are not industry kids, per se-Anupria Goenka
8:12 AM
Itishree Misra (BOMBAY TIMES; August 8, 2020)
Actress Anupria Goenka is happy that she has been able to prove her acting talent with the diverse roles she’s played in films. Originally from Kanpur, Anupria has featured in films, including Padmaavat and War. She first caught everyone’s attention with the Myntra ad she did in 2015, playing one of the partners in a same sex relationship. Talking about it, the actress says, “Firstly, I had loved the script and secondly, I have always been a strong believer of the LGBTQIA+ rights. I’ve never had any qualms about playing a lesbian, neither did I have to think twice about it or ask my parents. I have received messages from many same-sex couples, congratulating and thanking me.”Ask Anupria if she believes in the ‘insider-outsider’ debate going on in the industry these days, and she says, “Not really. This is the best time for anybody to be an actor as compared to before. We’ve come a long way. These days, we have a lot of forums to explore and exhibit our talent. Also, many of our stars these days are not industry kids, per se. Having said that, it’s also true that as somebody who’s an outsider, who is always pegged against an insider, there is obviously a huge gap. One has all the privileges, while the other is at a lower end.”
I don’t think nepotism exists the way it is being projected-Anupria Goenka
8:28 AM
Nishad Neelambaran (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 29, 2020)
“Lockdown has been a mix of all sorts of emotions. There is lot of uncertainty and pathos around. Fear for our loved ones catching Coronavirus is there, too. At the same time, we have got time to spend with ourselves and our loved ones,” says Anupria Goenka. The actor, who played the role of Queen Nagmati in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat (2018), says that a lot of “self-reflection and introspection has happened more than anything else” in the last four months.
Goenka believes that the new normal will definitely be different “as we will have to get used to maintaining codes”. “Everyone will need to be self-reliant and much more cooperative. We need to find a way to work with it as a team, and try and finish the project at hand with utmost proficiency while taking care of all the safety measures,” she opines.
Does she think actors will be a little skeptical to do scenes that demand them to be physically close to their co-stars? “Personally, I’m very okay shooting at this point in time. I think that life needs to go on. We all need to figure ways and deal with the current circumstances and get back to working while honouring the guidelines and taking utmost precautions. About physical proximity, I think we will avoid it as much as possible, but then, we can’t over think or be petrified while performing. We need to be sensible, but relaxed and trusting, too,” she shares.
Ask her about the ongoing debate on nepotism and favouritism in the industry, and she says, “Yes, there is nepotism and favouritism, but we have enough examples of talented artistes who have made it on their own without being star kids or friends and family. I don’t think that nepotism is ingrained in our industry in a manner that outsiders will not get chances at all. I’m a complete outsider. I didn’t know anybody from the industry at all. I have been able to do some decent work so far. The only way to handle this is everybody needs to make sure that talent gets promoted. I don’t think that favouritism and nepotism exist in the way it is being projected.”
I want to play a village girl and try to speak different dialects-Anupria Goenka
8:26 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 2, 2019)
“Being part of a film like War was a Diwali gift,” gushes Anupria Goenka, who is thrilled with the success of the film. “I really enjoyed shooting the film, especially as it was Aditya Chopra’s production house. It was a homecoming for me as I did Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), with them earlier. Working with Hrithik (Roshan), who gives 110% to his work and Tiger (Shroff), who is so dedicated, was fabulous. The collaboration was a beautiful experience. As I had never played an agent, in a stylised action film, it was a different for me. I tried to maintain a balance between being real and yet being in tune with the rest of the film,” says Anupria.
She hopes that being “part of good stories that work at the box office leads to better work”. So far, she has got a positive response from the industry and is waiting to see how it gets translated to better roles. “It is too soon to say (about projects). But with the role in War, people now feel that I can pull off versatile roles. The space was unlike my previous roles.”
After biggies such as War and Padmaavat (2018), Anupria will now be seen in the upcoming web shows — Asura, co-starring Arshad Warsi, and a political thriller, directed by Prakash Jha. “When you work in big budget films, the vibe on set is different from an OTT show. I enjoy playing intense roles. They are challenging and one has to dig deeper into your personal space to exploit it. You are more vulnerable, too. But I wouldn’t turn away from romantic and comedy roles either. In fact, I want to play a village girl and try to speak different dialects.”
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