She is the girl Ranbir Kapoor had set his sights on in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani . She is also popular as the Sunny Sunny… girl in Yo Yo Honey Singh’s beach number from Yaariyaan . And she carries her bomb image with aplomb. “Every role I have done, whatever its length, has helped me grow. To me, it never mattered how many shots I would be giving, what I was doing in the film and whether it would make a difference to the story,” says the Indian-German actor and model. After three years of doing mainly the sexy, spicy variety of roles in ensemble cast films, Evelyn has bagged her first lead role in a film called Dannk . Directed by Hasnain Hyderabadwala, the crime thriller will go on floors this year. Hasnain is known for his films under the Bhatt wing — The Killer and The Train . He has also directed the recently released Ya Rab on religious fundamentalism.
Playing a teen
In Dannk , Evelyn plays an ambitious teenager who knows how to charm her way out of situations. She is obviously excited as it is nothing like what she has done before. “Playing a teen is quite a challenge. Also, crime thriller is a new space to be in. I think Bollywood has rolled out a warm welcome for me,” she says. While this will be her first diversion from her glam roles in films such as From Sydney With Love , Nautanki Saala , Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani , Issaq , and this year’s Yaariyaan and Main Tera Hero , it will also offer her more meat in terms of dramatics.
The actor is making sure she leaves no stone unturned to make sure she measures up. Her acting classes, Hindi-speaking workshops and Bollywood dancing and fitness training sessions are only gathering momentum. “I am serious that this is what I want to do and if I am getting opportunities I need to work hard. Also I haven’t got filmdom in legacy, so I have to work harder to prove my mettle,” she says.
My name is as heroine-ish as a Sonakshi or a Madhuri. I don’t think people look at names, they look at work.
Evelyn has another film Bhaiyyaji Superhit with Sunny Deol and Arshad Warsi ready for release. “This one is also special to me, as for the first time I have played a coy desi girl. I have been paired opposite Arshad Warsi. She’s a little funny. I have received compliments for my screen presence and comic timing from people like Karan Johar. I hope I can impress everyone with each film of mine!”
Ask her if filmmakers have asked her to change her first name to something more Bollywood heroine-ish and comes the prompt reply, “My name is as heroine-ish as a Sonakshi or a Madhuri. I don’t think people look at names, they look at work. Yes, earlier actresses have changed their names but with Evelyn Sharma I can assure you one thing — I am going to remain so lifelong and there will only be one Evelyn.”
