Congratulations on ‘Congratulations’! Before delving into the depths of the film, I would like you to give us Miss. Tell us about your journey from participating in diva To land here in 2014.
The journey has been wonderful. I feel blessed in many ways. And this is a huge opportunity for me. In the past, I was a part of some competitions. And being a part of ‘Badhaai Do’ right now is the next level of happiness for me.
How did you get to Miss Diva?
Well, this was the interview, I guess I said with the Times – small town girls can have big dreams too. And I feel like I’m living my dream right now. In 2018 after participating in a beauty pageant, I was told that I should try my luck in the city of dreams – Mumbai. So I thought why not? I had no friends, I didn’t know what I was doing. But I moved to Bombay in 2018. And I struggled, I’m still struggling. But also in the process. I have learned a lot. And I knew I had to do it.
Being someone who looks so different, will I be able to strike a chord in this Indian cinema? Tamasha was different and cinema is a completely different world. So it happened, but I struggled and broke some barriers, which even seemed impossible to me. But I have done it and others in the small town can too. Doesn’t matter if you are from small town.
The conversation about Badhaai Do took place in 2020. When I went for the audition process, the first thing that came to my mind was that I come from the North Eastern part of India, we look a little different from the rest of India. ,
How was the audition process? How many auditions did you give before getting into this role?
I gave three auditions for ‘Badhaai Do’. I went for the first time, before the lockdown happened, in March 2020. So I gave my first audition, and they called me again. I did it Again. And then the lockdown happened, I went home, I came back and I auditioned one more time Harshvardhan Siro, He took the final audition and then I was locked for the role. I learned a lot in the process and it goes on for an actor.
How was it working with such Rajkumar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar?
I never thought in my lifetime that I would get a chance to work with him. I am still in disbelief. I’m dreaming. If you asked me what I learned from him is the foundation. They are such wonderful human beings, – so grounded, you won’t feel like you’re a beginner. The moment I met him, he made me feel very comfortable.
Any memorable moments from the sets?
I had a very good bonding with him. I remember my first meeting with Raj (Rajkumar Rao) sir. I met him in the lift. I was going downstairs to read. And that too was coming, and I said, ‘Hello, sir.’ And he said, ‘Hi.’ So I asked him – ‘Are you coming to study?’ He said, ‘No, I think I am not doing the film.’ And I was like, ‘Okay.’ That’s why he was fooling. That’s a secret for you. He is such a funny person.
I used to call Bhumi – Mimi, because for me, it’s a name in the film, Sumi, that ends with me. And Bhumi also has ‘mi’ so I call her Mimi, which in our dialect also means sister.
What process did you follow?
Not once did I feel out of place. I think the comfort he gave me helped me play my part. And the other thing is – I never get things in my head. I mean, even if there’s a big scene, I’ll always take it easy. There is no pressure on me, because it is very important.
And were you the one who was so prepared for every shot? Or were you the kind of person who is quite comfortable?
I guess I am both, because some scenes require a lot of work, and some don’t, it happens.
Dude, what is the message you want to give to all the young girls who are planning to enter the industry and who are a little scared to come from small towns?
So first thing – never give up. And if you’re in doubt, there are plenty of talent agencies you can connect with. For example, I’m being represented by Times Talent – they encourage you to polish yourself, and push you higher, as if pushing you for the process you’re preparing for. Huh.
That’s why the Times is representing me and my manager also comes from the LGBTQ community. He is also breaking stereotypes and he is taking care of me. So I think if you want to come here to Bombay, then you must join agencies like Times Talent, it will help you a lot in this process.
Chum Darang is Times Talent Girl.
Times Talent is one of India’s leading talent search and management firms, catering for movies, web series/TV shows, TV commercials, print shoots, performances, events, celebrity-driven brand activations and much more.
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