"I Don't Know Why Bollywood Has This Big-Bad-Wolf Image!"

Kiara Advani talks about her first reaction to fame, the terrors of being typecast, and industry myths that just aren't true!

Mar 21, 2018
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Interviewed by: Saumyaa Vohra

You saw her first in the riveting role of Devi in Fugly, and then as the equally compelling MS Dhoni's wife, Sakshi Singh Dhoni, in the much-acclaimed biopic of the cricketing star. Now, with tonnes of other cool projects in the works, Kiara Advani is sitting pretty—and chatting with an easy wisdom well beyond her years...

Take us back to being offered your first film. Pure chance?

"Oh no, no. I always wanted to act. Growing up, I was always mimicking all my favourite actors and imitating them in front of the mirror. I got super-lucky with Fugly—I just auditioned for it off the bat, and got the part!"

Is it hard for someone without connections to break into the industry?

"I don't know why Bollywood has this big-bad-wolf image. It's as easy or difficult as any other field. People were actually quite nice about meeting and auditioning me...I didn't have a rough time at all!"

What's the one thing about B-wood that does bother you?

"The filmy parties, I suppose. It's a bit of a club—people tend to know each other, so I kind of feel awkward about just going up and inserting myself into a conversation. But I'm less uncomfortable about it now, thank God."

And when it comes to people—what's the one quality that instantly puts you off?

People that just can't get enough of themselves. And, of course, people that always turn up late. I'm punctual, and I'm drawn to people that believe in being on (or better, ahead) of time."

What kind of things do you watch on your own time?

"Suprisingly, I'm more of a TV show person. I usually have Friends and Sex And The City reruns on loop in the background while I eat breakfast."

What's the sweetest thing someone in the industry has said to you about your work?

"After MS Dhoni released, Raju Hirani called me to say he thought my work was incredible. I think that meant more to me than anything anyone has said."

Are you afraid of being typecast as a certain type or part?

"'Sweet, bubbly girl.' It's an archetype that's existed forever, and I'm allergic to the very idea of it."

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