IPL’s wrong ’un: Pallavi Sharda

Hey Pallavi, how exciting was all the limelight surrounding the IPL?

I love the IPL. It’s an adrenaline-pumped tournament and I loved being on the field everyday and witnessing the colours, the crowds and the competition. It was an amazing experience.

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From an LLB graduate to doing modelling, classical dance, ads, theatre, movies and now anchoring. Is there anything left?

There’s always so much left. I don’t believe in limiting myself. I’m not sure that I’ve ever been a model, though. Maybe I should tick off your list before I get to the rest of mine (laughs).

So, what excites you the most among the things in your original list?

My first love will always be dancing. I love to move and don’t think I do it enough anymore! At the moment I am concentrating on my film career. I will be going straight to the US for workshops for my upcoming film.

This is your first time in FHM, tell us about yourself, from your growing up years to shifting base in India?

It’s funny that my first ever piece, when I visited India initially, was in FHM. So, actually this is a case of ‘life goes full circle’. I was born in Perth and grew up in Melbourne. I wanted to be an actress in Indian cinema ever since I can remember and geared my whole life towards achieving this goal. I quietly went about life as a kid and a teen pretending my childhood dream was not a real thing, but in reality I was planning a grand escape to Mumbai the whole time. I began learning Bharatnatyam at the age of three. Indian culture was a huge part of my upbringing. I am indebted to my life in Australia for everything that I am today, particularly my ability to switch seamlessly between the two cultures.

You must have been a nerd of sorts with a highly educated family background. How did you change course into the glamour world?

I still am a total nerd! In fact, I think what I miss the most are the rigorous intellectual discussions and debates. It is often not encouraged as an actress in India, and is sometimes even looked down upon. I think it’s very sad and unfortunate that glamour and intellect are often considered mutually exclusive. I quietly read books and write a lot to keep my brain ticking.

We’ve heard that you have a diploma in French. Teach us a line or two…

Il faut passer un petit peut plus de temps avec moi. It means, you’ll have to spend a bit more time with me!

Oh, how sweet! So, two lead roles since your debut... Where were you hiding all this while?

I am rather shy and keep out of the media generally. I guess I need to change that, because I’m here for the long haul! But honestly, I spend a lot of time shuttling between commitments in Australia, India and the US. Sometimes things seem quieter in one geography at a given time.

Ok. Now we’ll know you through the eyes of FHM. Are you dating anyone?

I wish! But it’s just me and my work right now.

If you had to be one half of a lesbian romance and had to pick a female co-star, who would it be and why?

Kangana Ranaut! You know, it’s nice when someone else wears the pants.

Tell us 5 things in men that turn you on?

Well... not in a particular order, but here you go – wit, charm, sparkly eyes, empathy and strong arms, to carry me (winks).

And what are the turn offs?

They are the exact opposites. Lack of wit, lack of charm, dull eyes, self-centredness and zero arm strength.

If you were a producer, which actor would you audition on your casting couch?

Casting couch is a concept that I’ve been fighting for my entire career and I’m not a hypocrite.

What is the naughtiest moment from your school days that you remember?

I once cheated in a game of UNO.

Isn’t that a bit lame?

Yes, you could say that. I was kind of lame (hehe).

What is the craziest place you’ve ever made love at?

On a spaceship at the NASA headquarters, right before liftoff.

Woah! So, how would you rate your lovemaking skills?

I don’t kiss and tell (winks).

What is your sexiest physical attribute?

The arches in my feet. They make me a good dancer!

If you get the power to change into someone for a day, living or dead, who would you be and why?

Oh, wow! I would want to turn into Marilyn Munroe. Because now subway air up your dress has become so passé! Wait, I can be Donald Trump, too, so that I can change my wig guy.

Let’s change the topic now. Having worked in and around the cricket field, tell us about favourite boys of IPL?

All the boys are wonderful and gracious. I have been overwhelmed by their professionalism and the jovial atmosphere. There are a few Australians who I have common friends with from back home, which is always nice. But my favourite boys are the commentators, the female ones too. They are all hilarious!

Who are the bad and the good boys of the tournament?

Didn’t the points table reveal it all (winks)?

So, are you into the good ones or the bad ones?

I’m more into the down to earth and funny ones.

Who is your favourite cricket guru?

There are so many. Sunny G, for being a true legend and saying that I can bowl straight. Danny ‘Mad Max’ Morrison for his quirks. Ramiz Raja for his exceptional hair. And Murali Karthik, of course, for his eloquence.

Where do we see you next then?

In an international film called Shambhala. It’s going to be a good one, unless my career as a T20 cricketer gets in the way, of course.

Cricket quiz!

Where is cow corner in the cricket field?

Umm… I know this one. It’s somewhere near the deep mid-wicket boundary.

What’s a leg glance?

Are we really talking about a cricket shot here (hehe)? It’s a batting shot played where both the legs come back towards the stumps and you snick the ball behind the stumps.

Is there a concept of fourth umpire in cricket?

Yes, there is. It’s the reserve umpire.

When is the pink ball used?

They are used in day-night Test matches.

What is a googly?

Off spinner bowled with leg spin action or vice versa. In Australia, we call it the wrong ’un.

From the June 2016 issue of FHM India.