Ekavali Khanna on Acting in Hollywood and Bollywood Films, Upcoming Roles, and Realities of the Film Industry
“Every actor is different.I like to consume and relish an opportunity to become a character. For that I need time, preparation, and a state of calm to enable deep understanding.” Today’s woman dreamer, Ekavali Khanna, shares her exciting journey as a film actress in Hollywood and Bollywood. Born in Kolkata, she has been in powerful films such as “What Will People Say?”, Dear Dad, and Lali. She shares how she finds her inspiration, her upcoming movies, and more.
1) Tell us your story. Born in Kolkata, you have had an exciting career as an actress in Hollywood and Bollywood, with roles in films such as Dear Dad, What will People Say?, and Lali? What inspired you to be an actress, and what were some of the most exciting moments in your life?
I did not start my career as an actor at an age where usually people do. My life played out in a way where I found myself in front of the camera. It was for a student film and that’s when I knew that THIS is what I wanted to do. I had no formal training, however the encouragement on the set of my first film gave me direction and fueled my self-confidence. Since then I have worked with 14 national award winning directors and some of the finest actors and technicians in the country. Each experience has nurtured the artist in me and has helped me evolve as an actor and as a person. A film shoot is perhaps the best place to learn not just about cinema but about human nature as well
2) What was your favorite role you ever got to play?
Every experience has left me with a greater understanding and a sense of victory.
If had to pick 3 of my favorite performances, I would actually pick 4
1) Najma of 'What will people say ' directed by Iram Haq which was the Oscar entry from Norway in 2019 where I play a Pakistani woman trapped in her own regressive belief system. It was challenging because I had to completely shed every bit of my own skin to play the character.
2) Kiran from ‘Angrezi mein kehte hai’ is arguably one of the most beautiful characters I have portrayed. It was the role that got me a lot of validation from the audience and the critics. I went on to win best actor at Oiffa held in Ottawa Canada that year.
3) My third and fourth favorite roles are from 2 unreleased films which will stream this year. In one of them I play an alcoholic and a bipolar woman, which felt like quite a feat because I stepped out of my comfort zone. And the last but not the least is a character where I play a woman trapped in a terrorist camp for 10 years Both these roles have truly challenged me and tested my own ability to embrace a character.
3) Off-screen, after a long day of filming, how do you like to relax and unwind? What are some of your hobbies?
Every actor is different.I like to consume and relish an opportunity to become a character For that I need time, preparation, and a state of calm to enable deep understanding
I don't see myself being able to deliver an honest portrayal of a character if I am consumed or preoccupied with projecting fame. I would rather spend time learning something new or doing something fun instead of trying hard to fit into the mold of a modern day celebrity. I value the respect and affection I receive but attention does not excite me. To unwind I spend time with my loved ones. Sometimes I go away to my dad's little country home where I can just read, watch films, listen to music and water plants
4) Where were some of the biggest lessons you learned in the acting industry? What is your advice to budding actresses?
My greatest understanding and learning from this profession has been to constantly reinvent oneself and be Aware LEARN from everything around you if you want to grow as an actor or as a person. My advice to budding actors is optimism and to keep making an effort. Each effort pays off. Don't get trapped in the conventions of glamour and fame. Focus on the experience of being another person; it's a privilege only an actor has.
5) As the platform for women dreamers, what is your next dream role?
I haven't bound myself by any notion of what a dream role would be. I am prepared to give every role my ALL. I am hopeful and a strong believer that I will always be rewarded with the right roles if I am true to my craft.