After a short break, she is back under the spotlight yet again with ‘Hey Jude’
She was just a toddler when she first faced the camera. Her passion for dance began when she turned three and right through school, she stole the limelight with her dance, music and theatre performances. Modelling and ad shoots soon became her forte. She was preparing for her tenth boards when she bagged the role in ‘Malarvadi Arts Club’, that went on to become a big hit! A model, actor, singer, social worker and a lawyer by profession, she has also won the Doordarshan accredition for Bharatnayam! She took a short break from movies to pursue her degree in law and now she is back under the spotlight yet again with ‘Hey Jude’! RITZ is in conversation with Apoorva Bose who dons many roles both on and off the screen!
Interview: Riya Sonny Datson
Photography: Shafi Shakeer
What were you up to while you were away from movies?
After graduating from law school, I was workingwith the UN in Delhi as a program coordinator for their outreach program. I have also been actively involved with NGOs like CRY, Auroville and Kudumbashri, which kept me busy as I had to travel around the country for work.
How did you feel facing the camera after a break?
I have never been nervous about performance or acting as I have been performing since I was a child. But I was very apprehensive about working with a senior director like Shyamaprasad Sir and seasoned actors like Sidddique and Neena Kurup. But once we started shooting, I was totally at ease as they made me feel very comfortable! It didn’t feel like I was acting – for the character is very much like who I am in real life. It was also not the first time that I wasacting with Nivin. We have worked together for our debut film and he is like a brother to me. It was indeed an honour to work with Shyam Sir and his team.
You were a part of ‘Pranayam’ that had an amazing star cast and a great story. How did you feel working with the team at such a young age?
I was in the 11 th grade when I did ‘Pranayam’. I think that was one movie where I was literally star struck! I have grown up seeing and admiring Anupam Kher and I was apprehensive about working with a big star like him. I hardly knew anything about the technicalities of the movie making but he made it so easy for all of us on then sets. Watching him was a great learning and I think that’s where I really got to understand the craft of film making.
Of late, we have a new heroine in literally every movie. Does the competition pose a challenge to you?
Not really – Maybe because I haven’t been constantly involved with the film industry. I have taken breaks in between and have been selective about my roles, so I didn’t have to face that challenge. But yes, for people who are keen on making a career out of movies, it is becoming increasingly difficult. There are only very few actresses who have managed to rise above the tide. I think Aparna Balamurali is one such actress, who I admire. Basically, it boils down to the fact that if you are talented you would sail through. And of course, you need to be tad bit lucky in terms of being at the right place at the right time. When it comes to heroes, I think they have it easier as their shelf life is longer than that of a heroine.
How do you choose your roles?
Apart from the script and my role in the movie, I need to feel comfortable with the team that I am working with. That is definitely one important criteria about choosing my roles. I have always felt that that I should be part of movies that I want to feel proud about. Thankfully, I am proud of every movie that I have done so far and I am lucky to have had worked with some of the most sought after directors.
What is your biggest fear in front of the camera?
I am a very happy go lucky person and I usually don’t have any fears about facing the camera. But I have this habit of jumbling words and when that happens, I burst out laughing. When I am working with senior actors that is one fear that I have!
You are into movies, dance, theatre, social work…what inspires you to juggle it all?
As a child, my mom always gave me a time table and schedule for each day. So I am someone who needs to constantly focus on something. I thankfully belong to a generation where we are always encouraged to explore and try new things. So that leaves no space for regret. I have grown up watching my mom doing her bit as a social worker and my grandmother doing ads so they have also been my inspiration.
Where do you draw your style cues from?
My mom, my grandmother and my aunts! I think they are the most fashion forward people I have met in my entire life. They are like my In-house stylists and they know how to portray themselves well. I have learnt a lot from them and over the years, I am developing my own style. I like being eclectic in my styles.
What is your fashion mantra?
I believe that fashion is synonymous to what you feel. On a typical day, you would find me wearing whatever reflects my mood and personality. Comfort is also very important to me. Am not really someone who blindly follows trends.
You are often seen sporting a saree…
I love sarees and I breathe in them. I am very comfortable in them and grab every opportunity I getto wear them. But I haven’t bought a single saree in my entire life! My mom and grandmom have a great collection of sarees which I am sure is the best ever!
What is your beauty regime?
Right from my childhood, my mom introduced me to a beauty routine where I don’t use any chemicals for my hair or skin. I have never used a face wash in my life and whatever I use on my face is usually simple DIY stuff. I use lime and honey which is a great cleanser or a pack of crushed almonds, curd and oats, which is a perfect facewash! If nothing else, I scrub some papayas on my face!
What’s next?
I am planning to pursue Masters in International Law from Geneva.
Rapid Fire:
• Quick Make up: Pop of Lipstick
• I can’t do without: My family
• Favourite Perfume: Cool Water Men
• Indian Designer: Sabyasachi
• Fashion Faux Pas: Lycra!!
