What is it to pursue a dream? We have the concept in mind, picture the end game as clearly as if it were already a reality. And yet, we then get faced with the real truth that there is a lot of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and just plain fortitude that will be required to reach that peak, attaining the success we long for, and then sustain it with integrity and always-evident determination and commitment to anything and everything we put our hand to. For this critic, that is a highly relatable work ethic that I in turn greatly attribute to my newest interviewee for “In Their Own Words”. A chance connection occurring via her reading another interview I had done many years ago now brought me into contact with this rising talent in the Indian film community, who also happens to dabble in a little modeling on the side to boot, further expanding her growing resumé, only to seek out even more opportunities which are now coming to her from more and more directions.
Having “met” this wonderful actress thanks to the 2016 potently dramatic and intense Bollywood film from Omung Kumar, “Sarbjit“, where she played a supporting role opposite several of the industry’s luminaries, a few newer overall to the scene including Randeep Hooda and Richa Chadha, plus a true legend, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. But don’t think this is all this vibrant and ethereally beautiful young artist wishes to claim as her own. No, there is the consistent push to be better, gain more and more exposure in the film and modeling industries, and allow the world to see that she’s here to make her mark, no questions asked. It’s been a long time coming since we first linked up all those years ago, and an interview was always in the cards. Thanks to the new feature film “Five Weddings“, that chance has finally arrived. So, it is with great pleasure I can introduce the name of one truly gentle yet fiery soul who I’ve had the privilege of knowing for a long while now, talking in brief about life, career, the future, and anything else I asked, Shiwani Saini.
One Film Fan: First off, thank you so much for taking the time from an ever-growing, busy schedule to do this interview, Shiwani. In broad strokes to begin, tell us about your general background (ie: where you’re from, childhood, etc) for those reading who aren’t yet familiar with you.
Shiwani Saini: Welcome, it is a pleasure to be able to do the interview. So, I am from a not so big town, Ambala. My entire childhood was spent there, and I was always a curious child, excited to do and learn new things, from learning languages, to music ,and then fashion designing and modelling.
O.F.F.: What factors initially lead you into a pursuit of acting?
S.S.: So, I stumbled into acting out of pure chance. I used to model, and during a shoot I was approached to audition for a role. True to my nature, I thought “why not?” and one thing led to another & here I am.
O.F.F.: How did you further learn the art of acting (ie: mentors, influences, schooling)?
S.S.: My biggest influence definitely came from the time when I joined a theatre group. My experience there helped and continues to help to this day. Other than that, each role is different and needs a different approach, workshops, etc. to prep for them.
O.F.F.: What was your very first professional acting gig and how did that experience influence you striving to maintain acting as what you desired to do?
S.S.: My first film was in Punjabi cinema. In my first film itself I got to share screen space with some of the biggest names in the industry. This gave me a whole new perspective, and definitely enforced my idea to pursue this further.
O.F.F.: Now, quickly diverging from film a moment, I believe you also do modeling and print ad work as well? Tell us a little about that facet of your blossoming career path.
S.S.: Oh yes! Like I said, modeling came into my life before films and surely is something I enjoy quiet a lot. Fashion and product shoots are both awesome.
O.F.F.: I first encountered you in the excellent Indian dramatic film “Sarbjit” in 2016. Expand a bit on how that particular film impacted you, personally, professionally, and even on a nationalistic level, given the events depicted were based on true accounts.
S.S.: That movie definitely had a profound impact on me and I am sure on everyone that has seen the movie. That movie touches so many topics, from geo-political issues to emotional turmoil and determination. It really makes you think about a lot. On a different note, personally, I was thrilled to work with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. It was a dream come true!
O.F.F.: So, onto your current project, the feature film “Five Weddings”. What drew you to this film and/or how did this opportunity come about?
S.S.: The movie has a such a great & different storyline, plus an amazing cast, so it was hard to pass by.
O.F.F.: Tell us a little about the character, Devika, you play in the film.
S.S.: Devika is a simple, Punjabi girl, happy and excited about her wedding, which is where the first sequence of the film is set up.
O.F.F.: Given the film’s overall thematic core involving an exploration of various Indian weddings and their differences, subtle or otherwise, what was it like to be a part of that grander narrative and what it conveyed about those varied ceremonies?
S.S.: The varied ceremonies made the shoot itself so much fun for everyone on the set.
O.F.F.: On those same lines, did the specific style of wedding you were a part of the film, Mehndi I believe it was, have meaning to you personally in any way?
S.S.: So Mehndi is a part of the wedding ceremony itself in Indian custom, and I loved it very much. It made me excited for my own wedding, when the time comes.
O.F.F.: The story is an ever-common but highly effective utilization of the dramatic/comedic tone I’ve so often enjoyed in Indian/South Asian cinema to date. Does that genre lend itself more to your preferences as an actor or do you like variety?
S.S.: Well like they say, variety is the spice of life. All my movies have been very different, first was a comedy, “Sarabjit” a very emotional one, and then “Five Weddings” is a grand festive one. So for me, variety it is, all the way.
O.F.F.: Now, the film ended up causing quite a stir in several countries due to its addressing the concept of the transgender hijras, who seem to like making innocent yet unwanted appearances at wedding ceremonies, mean no harm in it at all, yet are treated terribly. I must ask, what have your thoughts been about the controversy created by so much of the viewing public about this element being in the film, even if diluted quite a bit from what I’ve understood?
S.S.: We are all human. The transgenders do what they have to do to put food on the table. Controversy or not, it has got people talking about the discrimination that they have to face on a daily bases and the fact that they need an equal position in society.
O.F.F.: How was it working alongside such a diverse group of seasoned actors like Rajkummar Rao, Nargis Fakhri, Bo Derek, Ravi Aneja, et al? I know you’re used to it in some form, given he cast in “Sarbjit”.
S.S.: It was great! Not only is such a great cast a sheer pleasure to work with, but I feel working with such seasoned actors brings out the best out of you.
O.F.F.: How about working with writer/director/producer Namrata Singh Gujral?
S.S.: Oh, she is great. A very strong, creative woman.
O.F.F.: What other projects are on the horizon for you or are you currently involved in?
S.S.: You will soon see me in a South Indian movie and then another movie with Luv Productions (of “Pyaar Ka Punchnama” fame).
O.F.F.: Independent film is a medium still somewhat stuck in the shadows as it were, with distribution and overall notoriety/exposure still very much a work in progress. Yet, for me, so many of the best stories, characters, and just raw passion for film is found in the indie film community. How important is it, in your opinion, that indie film might finally get its truly earned day in the sun?
S.S.: I think things are changing now, with more streaming services cropping up and changes in audience preferences. (With) recent hits like “Andhadhun”, “URI” & “Badhaai Ho”, people now look for content-driven movies instead of larger than life, super star studded films. So, I am very hopeful for projects in Bollywood in near future.
O.F.F: The classic ending query, love it or hate it….what is YOUR favorite film and why?
S.S.: There are so many! It’s hard to choose. “Titanic” and “Interstellar”. One touches the heart and the other blows your mind.
I don’t know about anyone else, but all of this leaves me very much expectant and filled with an anticipation of just how exactly Ms. Saini will break out onto the scene in even larger ways, both on screen and on the print ad page, with her straightforward, no-nonsense, heartfelt resolve and will power to succeed. It’s a fantastic chance to make the world at large realize the level of artistic aptitude and expertise that resides within the ranks of so many involved with the entertainment industry that are more than paying their dues and, quite frankly, deserve to see their efforts pay off. And while we know the actuality of such a competitive medium said industry is, and that it’s simply fact that not everyone will live the level of success some have achieved, I feel very safe in stating that Shiwani Saini will be a name we shall hear more of in the very near future and beyond. May it be so, and may she be an inspiration to others striving to do the same things, for good role models are something we need much, much more of in this tumultuous world we reside in. Stay tuned, folks, because Shiwani Saini is on her way, full stream ahead.
Want to stay up to date on what Ms. Saini is doing? Check out the following ways to do so!
“Like” and “Follow” her official Facebook Page HERE
“Follow” her on Instagram HERE
And, don’t forget to check out the film, “5 Weddings”, which you can find out more about HERE
I again extent, as always, a heartfelt “Thank you!!” to Shiwani for taking the time to consider my queries and provide her insights. And therefore, also as always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
