PAVLEEN GUJRAL, aka Pammy of Angry Indian Goddesses, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about her latest project, how a lawyer turned into an actor and why she chose a web series to make a comeback
Tell us about your role in Marzi? What made you say yes?
The series is an adaption of a BBC original series Liar. When a project is backed by something great and is internationally acclaimed, there is some kind of trust on the project. The project has Rajeev Khandelwal and Aahana Kumra in lead. I always wanted to work with Rajeev Khandelwal, we know what he is capable of and seen his work. Second, it is backed by a great script and screenplay. Third, Viacom was on board and so I know the adaptation would be great. Then I came to know about the character and the graph and escalated and how she gets involved.
How did you come on board the project?
There were about three rounds of auditions. Interestingly, I never flew down to Mumbai for these. I sent a self-test and it all worked out. Also, the makers had seen my previous work. I have been lucky with all my projects. Bhor, Angry Indian Goddesses and City of Dreams, all of these through either no auditions or auditions over the phone. I give a lot of auditions, but projects that have worked via self-test or my previous work. But it totally depends on the project.
You took a break after Angry Indian Goddesses. How tough was it to work again?
It was tough. There were a few things that worked against me. I don’t stay I Mumbai; I am based in Delhi. So, I had to do a lot of travelling and build my base again. When I took a break, my daughter was very small and I chose to take a break. But the good is that the industry is at a stage where if the actor is good, age is no longer bar and one will get good work.
Do you think that people will see you beyond Pamela?
Definitely. After Pamela, I did Bhor where I play a village teacher. There was not even a speck of make-up, wore a saree and sported spectacles. In City of Dreams, it was a totally different role. I have done my bit in a variety of roles and shown a versatile side of myself. But I have still a long way to go.
How much boost did Angry Indian Goddesses give you?
Yes. I felt that it made the industry notice me. Casting directors call me due to that role. When I get critics like Shubhash K Jha give a special mention and send a message that my performance in the film was something that one would want one’s grandchildren to see, it warmed my heart. When the critics applaud your work and the audience does the same, that changed my life.
Most people say that the first film can make your break you. How much would you agree?
I don’t think it is true. It depends on what one’s contribution is in the first film. It also depends on the banner and who the director is. If you have a small role in a big movie, you are getting started but if it is a hit, it’s an added advantage. How you move henceforth makes all the difference.
Is it necessary that films be content-driven instead of entertainment driven?
There should be a balance. People watch movies to be entertained. If it is purely content-driven, people would not watch it. For example, Devi, the short film. The film was content-driven but entertaining as well. Even with Angry Indian Goddesses, it had a lot of messages — LGBTQI rights, woman empowerment and women standing up for themselves and was engaging. In Marzi too the message is no means no. But it comes with a lot of twists and turns to keep audience engaged.
From a lawyer to an actor. How did that happen?
I did study law and even practice it for six in High Court. I had also done a lot of theatre in school and wanted to actor but it was not an approved career choice in my family. Hence, switched to law and enjoyed it. But realised it was not something that I enjoyed. I explored being a model, an emcee and a host, which I still do and then Angry Indian Goddesses happened and found my true calling.
Why you chose a web series to make a comeback?
After Angry Indian Goddesses, I got a lot of projects that didn’t allow me to explore myself. I didn’t want to be part of a project that appeared to be forced. But with Marzi, it was something that clicked.
What next?
Bhor is suppose to release on an OTT platform. Made in Heaven 2 was supposed to start shooting. Marzi 2 is also in the pipeline. Then there are two movies that were to release this year but now everything is uncertain now.
