The one word that best describes model-turned-actor Sobhita Dhulipala is ‘passionate’. Be it her journey from an economics student to a model and her debut Bollywood film with one of most reputed names in the industry, Sobhita has always strived to put her best foot forward and come a long way from being a dreamy eyed girl from the idyllic city of Visakhapatnam.
Her Bollywood flick Raman Raghav 2.0 directed by Anurag Kashyap where she stars opposite ace actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Vicky Kaushal of Masaan fame is all set to hit the theatres in June. The film is a biopic on the sensational serial killer Psycho Raman, who had shaken Mumbai in the 60s. The film’s trailer that was out this week has a series of intriguing scenes that promises to make this one an edge-of-your-seat thriller. Sobhita, who was crowned Miss India Earth in 2013, will be heading to Cannes Film Festival this month for the premiere of the film in the prestigious Director’s Fortnight segment.
From a geeky student of Visakha Valley School to making it to the cover of top fashion magazines and a dream Bollywood debut, Sobhita’s success story is an inspiration to many aspiring models and actors in her hometown. The actor who was in Vizag to judge a fashion show spoke to MetroPlus about her debut film. “After Miss India happened, I followed it up with modelling. And now I have finally chosen the one thing that I have always wanted to do — films.” For someone who is doing her first film, working with names like Anurag Kashyap and Nawazuddin Siddiqui are very special. “I am very happy about it and very excited to be going to the Cannes Film Festival this month,” says Sobhita.
On working with actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sobhita says, “I have always looked up to him. He is someone who every aspiring actor wants to share screen space with. It is really inspiring to work with him. Instead of intimidating you, he empowers you. And that goes out to show how good a person and actor he is. He gave me strength and taught me a lot by just being himself.” The actor describes her character in the film as being ‘delicious in the darkness’. “Incidentally I play a Telugu girl in the film. There is a moment or two where I speak in my mother tongue. That’s a little exciting for me being my first film,” says the articulate and graceful beauty.
Working with Anurag Kashyap was a dream come true. “I have a list of directors whom I have always wanted to work with and Anurag Kashyap has been the number one director. To be able to collaborate with my dream director, Phantom Films production house and such terrific actors just blows you away. It challenges you and makes you growin ways you don’t even realise. I feel I am changed person at the end of it,” she adds.
She says her parents have been tremendously supportive and encouraged her to believe in her choices and in herself. “Every part of the journey and every single person I met have contributed to me being where I am today. I have had many memorable moments along the way. The curiosity to learn and determination to keep improving has brought me here today,” she adds.
Her parting piece of advice to aspiring actors: “It is important to be clear about what you want and pursue that passionately.”
