World Is Her Oyster

When Payal Ghosh first set her foot in Mumbai, she had no idea what destiny had in store for her. Now, almost a decade later, with some of the biggest South Indian films to her credit, and a bright future in Bollywood, this Kolkata girl proves that turning your dream into reality takes lots of hard work and determination.

Be it her debut role on the silver screen with Telugu film Prayanam or her entry to Bollywood as Pooja in Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi, this young actress has been winning hearts all over with her charismatic personality and beautiful smile. In an exclusive interview, she talks about how the world is her runway and what has the entertainment industry taught her about life. Edited excerpts follow.

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You have worked extensively in the South Indian film industry before making your debut in Bollywood. Tell us a little about your journey. What attracted you to the entertainment industry?

I was 17 when I came to Mumbai, and knew it back then that I wanted to do something of my own. Although at that time, I was not sure about what exactly I wanted to do, so I ended up joining an acting school for a four months’ course, as I had a long vacation. From that time, I started getting offers.

I got a BBC television feature film followed by a Telugu film, Prayanam, that turned my life around. The film was a big hit and owing to its success, I started getting more offers from the south, and I guess that’s how it all began for me.

You worked with prominent actors like Paresh Rawal and Rishi Kapoor in your debut Bollywood film, Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi. How was your experience working with them? What was your takeaway while working with such amazing actors?

It was lovely working with these stalwarts and most of all, fabulous actors and I learnt a lot from them. Being a newcomer, I was a bit conscious while working with them but they made me very comfortable. They never let me feel as a newcomer. They were helpful, cooperative, and just lovely to work with.

How different is it to work in Bollywood when compared to its southern counterpart?

I won’t say there is much difference but the south Indian film industry is definitely more disciplined. The directors there start shooting at eight in the morning and therefore are able to wind up filming on time. In Bollywood, however, no one starts working before 11 unless there is a morning shoot. Also, there is no certainty of time around when they may pack up. So, I think that’s one difference I noticed while working in Bollywood.

You have been hailed as the most stylish actress of Bollywood. How would you define your style and who according to you is the most stylish leading lady in Bollywood?

To me, style is all about self-confidence and self-knowledge. It’s all about your attitude. I have admired Kareena Kapoor Khan for her confidence and style since my school days. So if I had to pick someone, then it would be her, without any doubt.

Critics review play an important role in defining the success of a movie, although it can be harsh sometimes. Do such reviews help an actor improve their skills? Also, how do you define the success of a film?

You should take criticism with a pinch of salt, I think it can always help you. Nobody is perfect; we learn something new every day and strive to become better. So, I think you should accept when someone offers constructive criticism and work on it, it always helps you improve your craft.

I believe that the success of a film is when the audience enjoys the movie. After all, we are here to entertain our audience and if we are successful in doing that, we emerge as winners.

Starring in a web series has become a must for actors these days. What’s your take on OTT platforms?

Personally, I’m not a big fan of web series. I have been offered a few projects but I haven’t taken anything up yet. But I might take up something this year, let’s see how that goes.

Paparazzi, social media trolling and rumours are all part of being a celebrity. How do you cope up from these things?

I believe ignorance is bliss. I ignore the social media trolls and never hit back at them. Everybody is entitled to have their own opinion and they can speak out about it. Now, it’s up to me whether I decide to take it positively and work on it or simply ignore it. When it comes to rumours, I am thankful that I have stayed clear of them. Also, I love to get ‘papped’, it gives a sense of happiness of being a celebrity.

Being in shape is an inseparable part of an actor’s life. What special diet and fitness regimen do you follow to stay fit?

For me, being in shape is very important. I’m fond of brisk walking. I walk seven to eight kms for four days in a week and also practice yoga. Right now, I’m on a calorie deficit diet as I have to shed some more weight for my next project.

What is your idea of romance—a scene out of Nicholas Sparks’ novel or something totally out of the box?

My idea of romance will be something totally out-of-the-box. I would like to go for a progressive dinner or maybe take a hike, and have a scavenger hunt. A spa day together also sounds like a great idea to me.

Balance is the key to success. How important do you think it is to balance your work and personal life?

Creating a balance is very important. I think being organised, planning ahead and maintaining a positive mental attitude helps you strike that equilibrium.

How do you like to unwind after a long day at work?

If I get enough time, I prefer going to spa for a deep tissue massage or may opt for a foot massage. Taking a bubble bath at the end of the day also helps me unwind.

Tell us about your future projects. What does 2020 have in store for you?

I have already signed a film called Jai Mata Di, it’s a satirical comedy. Besides that, I am also doing two south Indian films and will probably start shooting for a web series for Netflix and Hotstar soon.

How was your experience working with FHM India?

I had a great time shooting with FHM India and the entire team was lovely. They were cooperative and it was so much fun working with them, I had a great time shooting.

Who’s She?

• Name: Payal Ghosh
• DOB: November 13th
• POB: Kolkata
• Height: 5’5”
• Zodiac sign: Scorpio
• Profession: Actor
• Instagram: @iampayalghosh
• Twitter: @iampayalghosh
• Facebook: @payalghoshactress

Quick Favourites

• Ice cream flavour: Chocolate
• Street food: Chicken tikka
• 90s movie: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
• Piece of jewellery: Earrings
• Perfume: Dior, any day.
• Film character: Shahrukh Khan in DDLJ
• Romantic song: Baazigar
• Emoji: Wink emoji
• Leonardo DiCaprio film: The Wolf of Wall Street

This or That

• Sneakers or high heels? High heels
• Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani or Wake Up Sid? Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, any day.
• Pilates or yoga? Yoga
• Pout or smile? Smile, I think I have a good one
• Ranbir Kapoor or Ranveer Singh? Ranbir Kapoor
• Comfy hoodie or little black dress? Little black dress
• Text message or call? Text message
• Swimming or sunbathing? Swimming
• Iced tea or hot coffee? Hot coffee
• Alice in Wonderland or Robinson Crusoe? Robinson Crusoe
• Chocolate or caramel? Chocolate

Rapid Fire

• Who’s your celebrity crush? Shahrukh Khan
• What is your biggest pet peeve? Casting couch
• One novel you wish was adapted on the big screen. Ghôre Baire by Rabindranath Tagore. Although the film was made in Bengali, I wish to star in its Hindi adaptation, whenever that happens.
• How would you describe yourself in five words? Sexy, intelligent, wise, philanthropist, someone who loves everybody.
• What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten? Octopus and I hated it.
• If you could trade your lives with someone for a day, who would it be? Ranbir Kapoor
• One movie that you can never get bored of watching? Dil Toh Pagal Hai
• What is that one thing you own but you wish you didn’t? My flat in Andheri West. I could have bought it someplace better (laughs).
• One iconic film you wish to be a part of? Arth, I would have loved to play Smita Patil’s character in the movie.
• One junk food that you can never say ‘no’ to? French fries.