Model-actress Alankrita Sahay, who won the title of Miss India Earth in 2014, is known for her outspokenness.
In a recent conversation with Interviews, she revealed how the producer’s strange behavior during the shooting of a Punjabi film made her uncomfortable, and she had to leave the film.
During the conversation, she shared some interesting anecdotes about her professional life. Let us tell you, Alankrita made her Bollywood debut with the film ‘Love Per Square Feet, ‘ in which she was seen with Vicky Kaushal.
Start of modeling and acting career
In childhood, I was very fond of performing arts. I used to participate in everything – dance, debate, drama in school. My teachers and parents always supported me. But at that time, I did not think that acting would become my career. My dream was to become an IAS officer, but fate had something else in store for me.
I had come to Mumbai for some other work, but the atmosphere and the glamour of the industry attracted me. I had done theatre in college but never thought of it as a career. Then, I won the title of Miss India and represented India at the international level. Only then did I realise that this was my path.
That day, my mother said, ‘You had to do something for the country, and you did it.’ That’s it, the journey started from there.
First film experience with Vicky Kaushal
Himesh Reshammiya sir launched me in his music album. That was a big opportunity, which allowed me to meet big people of Bollywood. After this, I got TV ads, and then I got my first film, ‘Love Per Square Feet, ‘ in which I appeared with Vicky Kaushal.
Vicky is a very nice person. Even when we worked together, he was talented, and today, his acting has become amazing. Seeing his character in the film Chava gave me goosebumps. We are still in touch. He comments on our posts on Instagram, and I also follow his journey.
Everything was going well after the film, but COVID put a brake on it. Without a film background, it was difficult to make a place in the industry again, but I did not give up.
Struggle even after becoming Miss India
People believe that if a girl is beautiful, she will not have talent. I also had to face the same thinking. When I became Miss India, some people said, ‘Arre, she is just a pretty face, she will not be able to act.’
But I did not give up. Gave auditions, did acting workshops, and proved myself. Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, and Sushmita Sen – they were also Miss India, but they proved themselves with their hard work. To survive in the industry, not only beauty but talent and hard work are also required.
Experience of working with Arjun Kapoor in ‘Namaste England’
Arjun is a very fun person. His energy level on the set was always high, and the atmosphere around him was never boring. He makes his co-stars feel comfortable, and there was always laughter and fun during the shoot. But when it came to work, he was equally professional and dedicated.
I remember one particular incident: we were shooting on a rooftop, and the weather was extremely cold that day. I was shivering with cold, but Arjun took off his jacket and gave it to me without saying anything. This shows his caring nature. He is a very nice person, not only on-screen but also in real life.
One more thing I liked about him – when my father passed away, Arjun messaged me and expressed his condolences. There are very few people in the industry who care for others, even on a personal level. Arjun is such a person – extremely grounded, caring, and good at heart.
Bad experience in the industry
Touchwood, my journey in Bollywood so far has been professional and good. But once I had to face a strange situation during a Punjabi film.
I was signed for a Punjabi film. The producer was new, but everything seemed normal in the initial talks. He said that the shooting would take place in Chandigarh and everything would be managed well. I had read the script, and I liked the story too, so I said yes.
As soon as I stepped into Chandigarh, the atmosphere suddenly started changing. As soon as I reached there, I realized that things were not as I was told. First, they asked why I was staying in a hotel, even though I had borne the expenses of my hotel myself. Then they said that I should stay at the place told me to so that I could ‘mingle with the team’. But comfort and safety were more important for me.
After this, the direction of the conversation slowly started changing. They started interfering in small things – where to go, whom to meet, and even started questioning my clothes and shopping. All this seemed very strange to me.
One day, they told me, ‘Our heroine should be present everywhere to promote the film. You have to stay with us, you have to walk like us.’ I felt uncomfortable inside after hearing this. At that time, I understood that it was not just a matter of professional commitment; there was something more. I immediately decided to leave the film.
Self-respect is the most important thing for me. If such things were happening in the beginning, then I was scared to think what would happen next. I felt that these people wanted to control my decisions, which I was not willing to accept under any circumstances. So, without any argument, I thought it best to leave from there.
