New Delhi: Evelyn Sharma, who played Lara Handa in 'Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani', will soon appear on the small screen for the second season of the travel show 'Life Mai Ek Baar'. We ask this Indo-German model-turned-actress about her journey from her home in Germany to Mumbai, the city of dreams. In an interview with IBNLive.com, she speaks about the difficulties she had to face and how each obstacle left her stronger and determined to achieve her objectives.
Tell us briefly about your background...
I grew up in a small town in Germany and lived a very normal life. I would have never expected any of this fame and wealth to happen to me and I am most grateful to how God has led my way. Be careful what you wish for, because it may just come true!
Was there a specific reason that made you join Bollywood? Do you think that you could have been a better fit in English or German movies perhaps?
Modelling happened to me by chance. One day a model's scout discovered me and told me there is an agency who wanted to give me a worldwide modelling contract. I was shocked! I never considered myself as pretty, because in my German small town with all blonde and blue eyed kids, I used to be the odd one out with long dark hair and bushy eyebrows. Who would have thought that on the other side of the world I could become a beauty queen? My dream was always to travel the whole world and discover new places, so I agreed and took a leap of faith. As a model my dream came true. I travelled five continents in two years. I had never even sat in a plane before that. It was an amazing rush and really opened my eyes to the world. Wherever I went people would tell me I should see India, as I am half Indian and had never been here. I was very hesitant, because it was a big thing for me to come to my father's country. I was a bit scared I have to admit. I didn't know what to expect, would people accept me? But destiny brought me to India. I signed a big modelling contract and slipped into Bollywood. I believe it was destiny. And there is no way I should be anywhere but right here.
Do you think that people try to take advantage of you as a foreigner in Bollywood or even outside?
People will always try and take advantage of a young girl, foreigner or Indian. Yes people have tried all sorts of bad stuff with me. But from every experience I grew stronger and I think the best revenge is success.
You might have visited a lot of places as a model, how was it different from traveling as a part of the travel show 'Life Mein Ek Baar' with an all girls cast?
The biggest difference was of course that 'Life mein ek baar' is a reality show. So while the girls and I were having the best time of our life, there were cameras and go-pros attached to us 24/7. I love travel shows and used to watch them even as a small girl. This show really was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I would love to do another travel show again soon.
Can you share a funny or adventurous experience you had during making 'Life Mein Ek Baar'?
Wow, there are so many funny and adventurous experiences, where to begin from? When you watch the episode where we went cooking at the 'Blue Elephant' in Phuket, you may not expect it to become very adventurous, but it turned out to be the funniest episode. Mahek Chahal and I had to run the professional kitchen and I can tell you it was hilarious to see us toss the veggies and mingle with the chefs.
You have worked in a Bollywood superhit 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' (YJHD) and it clearly helped you win applause for your role. Did the film change things for you? How was the experience?
Yes YJHD really changed my life. I am really thankful to Ayan Mukherji and Karan Johar for giving me this fantastic break. It will always be my most loved role I played. I will never forget a year of shoot where I had to flirt with Ranbir for the camera!
Through your work what have you learned about Bollywood and India which you were unaware of earlier?
People outside of India only know "Bollywood" which is musical dramas, over-the-top comedies and just lots of music and dance. But in India we know that there is much more to Hindi cinema. We have all types of genres, not only the typical Bollywood. The movie 'The Lunchbox' for example was very different and especially in Germany received great appreciation. I would love to be part of all kinds of genres.
Out of Ranbir Kapoor, Parteik Babbar and Ayushmann Khurrana, whom did you like the most as a co-star and as an actor?
Prateik is definitely the cutest, Ranbir the most fun and Ayushmann the most Punjabi. I loved working with all three of them. But Ranbir will always be my favourite.
Can you give us an insight into your upcoming projects?
I have finished shoot for a musical love story titled 'Ishqedaariyan', which will release early 2015. Right now, I am shooting for a comedy 'Kuch Kuch Locha Hai' opposite Sunny & Ram in Malaysia, this film will release in 2015 swell. I am yet to start shoot for my thriller titled 'Dannk', which will go on floor soon.
Comments
0 comment