From performing in theatre during her college days to bagging projects like A Suitable Boy and Tooth Pari: When Love Bites, Tanya Maniktala has flaunted her acting skills time and again. She aspires to work in diverse projects, especially after the success of her recent movie, Kill. Her role was much appreciated in the action film. During a hearty chat with Filmfare, Tanya discusses her filmography so far, her aspirations to work with the industry stalwarts, and what led her to step into the world of showbiz. Excerpts…
How did you land Flames, your first project?
I got Flames while doing theatre in college.While performing in the circuit, some of my seniors spotted me and enjoyed my performance. I got a call from another senior from a different college who was in the theatre circuit. He wanted me to come in for an audition for Flames. He asked me if I’d heard of Timeliners. I used to be a huge fan of them back in the day. They used to release videos that were very youth-centred. I enjoyed their content. I was also in the middle of my internals and my semester exams were coming up. So, I had refused. My sister had overheard the conversation and dragged me to their office. She made me audition. One of the writers was a senior from my school and my sister’s batchmate. I did my audition and landed Flames.
If it wasn’t acting, what would you have chosen in academics?
I was actually aiming to become a writer. I really loved reading columns. I had applied for a masters in writing. Clearly, life had a different path for me.
You had a much meatier role in A Suitable Boy…
A Suitable Boy had always been a rage. Since I was a literature student, this book had been talked about quite often in my classes. It was a classic. I got to know it was being adapted into a series by Mira Nair. I was already working as a copywriter when I got a call to audition for this one. I had absolutely no hopes about landing the role. I went for the audition after my 9-to-5 job. I was dead tired and did not even know that I was auditioning for A Suitable Boy. They asked me to come for an audition again. It doesn’t happen often that you get a second chance. I gave it my all and got on a video call with Mira Nair.
Is Lata a special character for you?
I would keep talking about the characters from the book with my friend. She would always tell me that she always pictured me as Lata, even before knowing that the book was being adapted into the series. She felt there was something about me that was like Lata. She would send me articles about Lata. I had read one article about the letters Lata sent to her mother, sister, and one of her lovers. I did a lot of research into what Lata really was like. At the core, she was a young girl who was coming of age in a post-independence India and trying to discover herself. It really resonated with me. Mira Nair would always call me Lata. She would tell me that I am her dewdrop. She would tell me to just be myself, which is the hardest thing to do in front of the camera. The camera catches everything.
How did you deal with the popularity that came your way after A Suitable Boy?
People are appreciative of the work that I do. But it is also difficult for me to comprehend why I was being loved so much. I was just doing my work. But at the heart, somewhere deep inside your heart, you know that the work that you do is for your audience. It feels great when somebody connects with it. It is a feeling that gives you the validation that your work as an actor is being fulfilled. It is also fulfilling when people recognize you. When somebody tells me that they appreciate the work that I do, it drives me to give back even more.
Kill has added to that love.
The thing about receiving love is that it drives you even further. Right now, all the love that I’m receiving feels like I want to do so much more. It’s such a great feeling that people are messaging me from all across the globe. I’m getting messages from the UK, US, and all across India. It feels so nice that people are connecting with your character and with the work that you’ve done. It is a heartwarming and beautiful feeling.
The movie had so much gore or bloodshed. Was there any part of you that wanted to say no to the script because of that reason?
Cinema is just an art form. It is a medium to tell your story. When I read the script, I had a sense or gist of what we were getting into because all the action sequences were detailed into the script. I really thought that we were taking a chance with things and we were trying to start something new. I knew we were in safe hands with Karan Johar and Guneet Monga. Nikhil Nagesh Bhat knew what he was doing and what he wanted. So, we were really just trying to execute his vision and we were.
How was it working with Lakshya and Raghav Juyal?
We have a very easy going relationship within the three of us. We spent so much time together on set and off the set as well. We would all be hanging out while shooting scenes. We’d hang out in hotels where we would be staying while shooting outdoors. The more intense it looks to you, the less it is when you are off-camera. Yeah. Also, everyone gets so tired of doing those intense scenes. After a point, it starts taking a toll on you. So, you have to look out for each other. I think that is why it was never a dull moment on sets for us. We all knew what was going on with each other. We had a camaraderie.
Did you have to calm your mind after playing the character, especially because of how intensely the movie was filmed?
There was one particular scene right before the interval, which was very technical. It was an extremely emotionally charged scene. I remember Nikhil sir coming up to me and telling me that we will be taking some cinematic liberties while doing the scene. Everything was going to be a little bit more exaggerated. She is going to fight till her last breath. But it’s also goodbye for her. I could see Lakshya right in front of me, in front of the glass door. He was battered. Even though it was my shot, he was standing there for his cues, just to help me with the emotions. It felt so real to me. After finishing up that scene, I went to my van and kept howling because it wasn’t just Amrit I was saying goodbye to, I was also saying goodbye to Tulika who had been a part of me for so long at that point. It was quite cathartic for me at that moment. Lakshya came into the van and asked me if I was okay. But sometimes, these things just linger.
Did you receive any pearls of wisdom from Nikhil Nagesh Bhatt, Karan Johar, or Guneet Monga?
Karan Johar sir and I actually met post-wrapping up filming. But Nikhil sir obviously always was there. Guneet ma’am was there as well. They were always supportive of everything that I was doing. They were always ready with their answers if I had any questions. Nikhil sir wanted us to bring as much truth in these characters as possible. He told us that we were chosen for a reason. He kept us going, no matter how difficult it was getting or how many injuries were happening on set. We knew it was all for a bigger picture.
Did any memorable fan moments happen with you post Kill?
I went to a mall. Kill was being shown over there. But I hadn’t gone for the screening at the time. There were posters of Tulika and Amrit outside. It felt really heartwarming to see the kind of love that people are giving to these characters.
Back at home, did you have ample family support like to be an actress?
I was a very shy kid. I used to shy away from the camera a lot. It wasn’t like me to be in the spotlight. So, it kind of took my family by surprise. Now, my dad has become my biggest supporter. He would relay messages from his friends. It makes me happy to see them take pride in the work that I do.
Moving forward, are there any movie industry idols with whom you want to share your screen space?
Yes, Shah Rukh Khan. I don’t even take a second in answering that question. I would also love to share screen space with Rekha ma’am. I also admire Vicky Kaushal. I’ve been admiring his work since Masaan. He has done a great job in Bad Newz as well. I think he just lights up the screen. I am also eager to work with Amitabh Bachchan. I envision my career with all the stalwarts.
