Opening Doorz

By Bhavini Joneja | Opening Doorz Editorial | July 06, 2021

“Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.”

—Meryl Streep 

Sahher Bambba, who made her Bollywood debut on September 21, 2019, with Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, is one newcomer who had to hit on the brakes just as her career was just taking off. With interest in her rising, things came to a standstill within months of her debut. Was it frustrating? “To an extent,” yes replies the actor who signed up opposite Karan Deol. “I had signed a project, just five months before the release of Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas. We only filmed for three days after which the lockdown started, so we had to discontinue shooting, now after one year, we have been able to finish that project,” she reveals.

The Oppo Bombay Times Fresh Face Award Winner (2016) who bagged the lead role after five rounds of auditions, is gung-ho about the coming months.

Opening Doorz connected with the actor who spoke about the lull after her debut, glamour, punctuality and nepotism.

Excerpts:

What made you realise that you wanted to be an actor? 

Ever since I was a little girl, I would watch movies and music videos and visualize myself working in them. All the Indian actors inspired me. Coming from a small town like Shimla and a non-film background with no connections in the film industry, it is very peculiar that I was drawn to acting.

Have you received professional training in acting?

No, I was in my first year of college when I got my debut film, so whatever training I got was on the set itself. We had a short break in between shooting for about a month, and during that time I enrolled at Atul Mongia’s workshop for 10 days. This helped me gain a lot of insight into the world of acting.

What are the upsides and downsides to being an actor? 

The biggest upside to acting is the love and support you get. A lot of hard work goes into making these films, so when one receives such positive responses from fans it is a very fulfilling experience. I can’t think of any downsides, because I am so enthusiastic about it and like every part of it. 

Do you think actors need to plan an alternate profession? 

I think this answer will vary from actor to actor. As for me, ever since I was a little girl, I had made up my mind. I keep getting advised to finish my studies which I think I might do in some time. To answer your question, there is really no ‘Plan B’ since my goal is clear and I have invested all my energy into achieving my target. 

What challenges did you have to overcome in order to become an actor? 

One of the main challenges for someone like me who was new to the industry as well as the city was that it got very difficult for me to figure things out. I did not know what to do, who to meet, what is the protocol during an audition and even where the audition is taking place! It was difficult to know who to trust. Another problem for a new actor is facing many rejections. 

I’m sure you must have had your fair share of rejections, how do you motivate yourself?

I faced rejection several times before I got my debut film. I was at a very young, impressionable age and I gave all that I had into my auditions. I would wake up at 5 am for an audition to learn my lines. So when you face rejections even after you give your best, it is very disappointing. After some time, I became immune to it and realized that I shouldn’t get too attached to anything that I did. I learnt to move on. I think acceptance and trying harder is the only way to deal with rejections. What motivates me to keep going even after being rejected so many times is my pure love for acting. 

The film industry is all about glamour, what are your views on this statement?

No, not at all! It requires a lot of hard work to film a movie, not just for the actor but for the crew and everyone else working on the film. Most people outside the industry think that you have to just go to the set and look pretty. But it is very physical as well as emotionally taxing. Most scenes require so many takes that it completely drains you of all energy. You have to wake up at unusual hours and film non-stop. So it is assuredly not only about glamour. 

Due to the pandemic, people have switched to OTT viewing, how has it affected actors?

I think OTT is a great experience for viewers and a brilliant opportunity for actors as there is so much potential for new ideas and content. With OTT becoming popular, it is a great time for actors. 

The pandemic hit close to your debut, did you have any projects lined up after Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas?

Yes, I had signed a project, just five months before the release of the film. We had only filmed for three days after which the lockdown started, so we had to discontinue shooting. Now, after one year, we have been able to finish that project. Things have been a little slow due to the pandemic. 

Have you signed up for any new projects or web series? 

I signed an OTT project in February and we had started shooting it, but that also had to be put on a halt because of the lockdown. We will be resuming shooting this month itself. 

There is a raging debate about nepotism in the industry. What are your views on it?

I would be lying if I said that nepotism did not exist in the industry. But you can’t let it stop you from achieving your goal, and you need to just keep moving on and try harder. 

What is the biggest pet peeve in your professional life? 

I’m extremely punctual, so people coming late to the set and delaying shooting troubles me. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an actor?

Not to come with any presumption or opinions because that can be extremely disappointing. You should go with the flow, take each day as it comes. Learn from your co-workers, work on yourself. 

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