Komal Sachdeva, who was cast in Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Dunki, had a knack for acting since her schooldays, says her uncle Professor Ashok Arora.
Komal excelled academically, becoming the topper in class 11.
While rooted in her Delhi upbringing, she has now shifted to Mumbai to further her acting career.
Also read | I am still a 22-year-old boy who is learning: Saurabh Shukla
Komal’s ascent in the film industry has been marked by stellar performances in notable projects such as Toilet Ek Prem Katha, Sukhee, and the aforementioned Dunki. Her latest endeavour sees her shining in the acclaimed web-series Chacha Vinayak Hai Hamare, now in its third season, streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
In an interview with Patriot, she talks about her career and latest projects
Excerpts:
What is the story of Chacha Vinayak Hai Hamare?
Chacha Vinayak Hai Hamare offers a peek into the comedic escapades of a small-town family, anchored by Zakir Khan’s character, Ronnie Bhaiya, in the bustling city of Indore. His inadvertent political entanglements, owing to his shared surname with a local MLA, add layers of hilarity to the narrative.
What kind of role are you playing in this?
I portray Anita, a fiercely protective sister to her younger brother, navigating familial dynamics with her husband. Anita’s unwavering determination to shield her brother from life’s adversities forms the crux of her character.
Are you from a family with a background in cinema?
No, I’m the lone ranger in my family, with no familial ties to the industry whatsoever.
Have you enjoyed your role in Dunki, although it was a small role?
Absolutely! Despite its brevity, my stint in Dunki was immensely fulfilling. The audience’s reception and recognition of my performance were truly gratifying.
Have you played a role as a friend in Dunki?
Yes, indeed. In Dunki, I portrayed the role of a long-lost friend of the protagonist, Shilpa Shetty, reuniting at a school reunion after years apart.
How do you like and enjoy working in Sukhee with Shilpa Shetty?
Working alongside Shilpa Shetty was a delightful experience. Her warmth and infectious sense of humour created a conducive atmosphere on set, making the collaboration a memorable one.
Can you tell us something about the director, Sonal Joshi?
Sonal Joshi is a director par excellence, offering actors the creative freedom to explore and imbue their characters with depth and authenticity.
What are your other passions besides acting?
Apart from my acting pursuits, I find solace in dancing, globe-trotting, engaging in meaningful conversations with people from various walks of life, and embracing the tranquillity of yoga.
Did you plan about becoming an actress?
Acting wasn’t a premeditated career choice for me; rather, it unfolded serendipitously. My innate curiosity and desire to delve into diverse experiences propelled me towards the world of acting.
Which actresses or actors do you admire?
I hold esteemed actresses like Tabu, Shabana Azmi, and Vidya Balan in high regard, along with Farhan Akhtar for his family comedies.
Are you comfortable acting in feature films or web-series?
Both mediums offer unique storytelling avenues, and I find comfort and fulfilment in portraying compelling characters, irrespective of the platform.
How was the experience of working with superstar Shah Rukh Khan?
Working alongside a luminary like Shah Rukh Khan, under the direction of a maestro like Rajkumar Hirani, is a cherished aspiration for any actor. Fortunately, fate smiled upon me, granting the opportunity to realise this dream.
Are you happy with the response that your role in Dunki has received?
The overwhelming response and appreciation for my portrayal in Dunki have been incredibly heartening, with accolades pouring in from acquaintances old and new. While I’ve been fortunate to embark on various cinematic ventures, Dunki undeniably marked a pivotal juncture in my journey, altering the course of my destiny in unforeseen ways.
How did you bag a role in Dunki?
Serendipity played a significant role in landing me the role in Dunki. Upon stumbling upon a casting call seeking a Punjabi-speaking actor, I seized the opportunity, eventually securing the role through a collaborative process with Mukesh Chhabra’s team.
Did you enjoy working with Shah Rukh Khan and Boman Irani?
Working alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Boman Irani was an enriching experience, characterised by their humility and camaraderie, which fostered a conducive environment on set.
Did Shah Rukh know that you are from Delhi?
Indeed, Shah Rukh Khan was aware of my Delhi roots, fostering a sense of connection as we reminisced about shared locales in the city, including the iconic Mandi House, where our paths had crossed in the realm of theatre.
