Beyond the Horizon
Breaking the typecasting and in love with solitude, Amyra Dastur is exploring the different world of cinema. From fair and pretty to bold and crazy, she is ready for challenges and is eager for what the future had on the plate.
Adventurous, natural and talented with a cute westernised accent, Amyra Dastur is going forward with full force and there’s no stopping her. With the opportunity to work in Hindi, English, Tamil and Telugu cinema, this young starlet is quite busy in building herself an impressive portfolio of work. Starting her career at an impressive age of sixteen, she had taken the film industry by storm. In this interview, she speaks about her dreams, self-improvement and her journey so far. Edited excerpts…
From doing commercials to making your debut on the golden screen. Are you content with your journey so far?
Yes, I am quite proud and grateful for where I am today. I started modelling at the age of 16 and shot my first film Issaq at 18. So far, I have had the opportunity to work with the most amazing people from Dhanush to Kangana Ranaut. Coming from a non-filmy background and not knowing anyone in the industry, I am extremely appreciative of how far I’ve come and very excited for the future.
You have worked alongside versatile actors such as Emraan Hashmi, Boman Irani, Saif Ali Khan and Rajkumar Rao. What values and skills have you are imbibed from them? And how was your experience with each one of them?
Working with talented and successful actors make me want to work harder so as to not fall short in my performance. All the mentioned actors have one thing in common - they all are inhibited, and that is the most crucial thing in acting. Even with distractions around, you have to perform at 120 per cent in front of the camera and that is what these amazing performers taught and even helped me with.
What made you pursue acting and be the part of tinsel-town? Was it a childhood dream?
Yes, it was my childhood dream. But, my dream was about Hollywood. Having a full Parsi origin and parents speaking English and Gujarati, I grew up watching English films for most of my life. My encounter with Bollywood movies happened when I began going to Hindi school. Eventually, I started to participate in play and dramatics workshop. My passion for acting grew and finally, at the age of 16, my dreams went into motion.
Coming to films, your look from Rajma Chawal is far-famed with a barcode tattoo and a bold hairdo. What made you choose such a different character? How did it feel like to step out of your comfort zone?
Rajma Chawal was the film that really broke the typecasting issue I was facing. People only saw me as a pretty fair girl and I was getting roles based on this judgement. The bold look and the crazy character I played set the tone for casting directors and directors to see that I’m more than just a pretty face and most importantly, that I can act. It was definitely one of my most challenging roles, but it was a magnificent experience, one I hold dear to my heart and will never forget.
Having shared the same screen with legendary actor Jackie Chan. What was your reaction when you met him for the first time? Any memorable moments from the sets of Kung Fu Yoga?
I have never been so starstruck in my entire life, it was like my childhood hero was in front of me. I couldn’t talk to him or even look him in the eye for the first week. But when I finally got to know him, I realised that he is a humble person who cares about others and loves to listen to Bollywood music. He is also passionate about the environment and knows a lot about mother earth. I remember I was turning 23 and I didn’t mention it to anyone because I was feeling homesick. However, Jackie called everyone to his office in Beijing and brought out a cake and we had such a fun celebration that really lifted me up for the rest of the schedule. It was truly a memorable moment for me and made me realise that he truly is one of the kindest most inspirational individuals I ever had the honour to work with.
You have worked in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil and the International film industry. What qualities set them apart in their field of work? Also which one of them is your favourite?
Honestly, it is all about budget, everything else is the same; there are a Director and a Camera and then there’s you as your character, it is the budget that helps with the quickness. In the south Industry, I’m definitely more partial to Kollywood (Tamil Cinema). The content they’re coming up with is simply mind-blowing. Hindi cinema of course is and always will be my favourite because it’s home, whether it’s organised or chaotic sometimes, it’s all worth it because it’s what I know and love.
From the past couple of years, Indian cinema is shifting paradigms from male-oriented to women-centric movies, with Kangana Ranaut in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi to Deepika Padukone’s recent project Chhapaak. What is your feeling about female actresses becoming more empowered and making their mark in the industry?
It’s absolutely amazing, actresses like Kangana and Deepika are setting the bar for beautiful stories that revolve around strong and real women. Films like these begin to open doors for other women in the industry and give more actresses the courage to take up female-centric films and shows. Bollywood is now looking for good content and the notion of only a hero can draw the audience is swiftly dissolving. I’m looking forward to seeing more female-centric films in the comedic genre with some great witty writing and direction.
Having a fit body is vital for celebrities. What is your fitness regimen? Do you follow the same routine even while shooting?
I’m an absolute fitness freak. As an actress, one would expect us to have chiselled bodies and great skin but honestly, our normal routines are absolutely extreme. Some days it is no work and someday it is a 24hrs plan, so it is important to adapt to schedules and develop routines based on these. When I’m not shooting, I manage to incorporate weight training, Gymnastics, flexibility training and dance into my week. But, when I am on a set, working out gets difficult. This is where I’ll focus on cardio and exercises that I can manage on my own, it consists simple yet effective core and free weight exercises that are doable in my room, before or after the shoot, and even in my vanity van. I’m also cautious about my food intake when I’m on location so, I stick to more fruits, veggie shakes, and low-fat carbs. But the minute I get back home, I allow myself some cheat meals as a reward for being healthy on set.
Tell us something about your future projects? Are we going to see a different role of yours in the coming time?
I am shooting a climax of the T-Series film with Kunal Kapoor, after which I begin shooting for my second show in a big OTT platform. I am also shooting for a Punjabi music video. You are going to see me in three different avatars, from Kashmiri to Parsi to a character completely out of her mind.
How was your experience with FHM India?
It was so much fun, the team was so collaborative and the styling was top notch. I like that FHM experimented with my look and that this shoot was different from what I’ve done before. I’m so happy that I got the chance to be a part of it. Can’t wait to shoot with FHM again.
Who’s She?
- Name: Amyra Dastur (Real name - Amy Rohinton Dastur)
- Date of birth: 7/05/1993
- Place of birth: Mumbai (Breachcandy - Parsi General Hospital)
- Height: 5ft 6.5 inches
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Profession: Actress
- Instagram: AmyraDastur93
- Twitter: AmyraDastur93
- Facebook: Amyra Dastur
This or That
- Daenerys Targaryen Or Jon Snow Daenerys Targaryen
- Coffee Or Tea Coffee
- DC Or Marvel Marvel
- Romantic Date Or Hangout with Friends Hangout with Friends
- Spicy Or Sweet Spicy
- Sunny Or Cloudy Cloudy
- Linkin Park Or Backstreet Boys Backstreet Boys
- Sunny-Side Up Or Scrambled Sunny-Side Up
- Sci-fi Or Horror Sci-fi
- Diamonds Or Pearls Diamonds
Rapid Fire
- If you get an invitation from Hogwarts, which house would you choose? Slytherin
- What is your most prized possession? My grandmother’s diamond ring which is a family heirloom.
- On a scale of 1-10, how much would you rate your cooking skill? Like 0, -1, I’ll poison someone.
- What would the most romantic getaway be for you? Maldives
- One song that you never get bored of? Wannabe by Spice Girls
- A director, you want to work with? Kabir Khan
- Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Kartik Aaryan. Who would you befriend, marry and kill? Befriend Kartik, Marry Ranveer and Kill Ranbir.
Quick Favourites
- Favourite Novel The Help
- Favourite Makeup Product Mascara
- Favourite Shopping Destination Dubai
- Favourite Accessory Big Silver Earrings
- Favourite Actress Kangana Ranaut
- Favourite Snack Anything that’s deep-fried
- Favourite Ice-cream Flavour Butterscotch
- Favourite Celebrity Moment Meeting Shahrukh sir at the premiere of my first movie.
- Favourite Pair of Shoes Sneakers
From the February 2020 issue of FHM India.
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