1. What is the best thing about being an actor?
J– Monotony minus-ed! I revel in the joy of playing different characters; there’s a sense of adventure that comes with every new character. It’s not just a job; you learn and unlearn as you go. You have to be fluid, able to adapt and evolve, which I think helps in life too. No two days are ever the same and if that isn’t enough you get to be loved by so many people who you don’t personally know Because I’m an actor and my job is to entertain people, they make me a part of their lives. I mean…that counts for everything!
2. What is the worst thing about being an actor?
J– Now that’s a tough one! But I think, dealing with pressure maybe… it can get to you sometimes. It’s cause your every action, or inaction for that matter, is analyzed, generalized and scrutinized. The unpredictable nature in our line of work can also create insecurities – you’re only as relevant as your last project. Other than that not too many cons really!
3. What’s the one change you want to see in the TV industry?
J– Let me be brutally honest – there’s more than just one change; And I think a lot of my peers will back me up on this. For there is a dearth of talent in the TV industry but not everyone gets the opportunity to play an out-of-the-box character other than the fortunate one offs, cause TV deliverables are very different from any other platform. I definitely want the makers of television to give this a think, take risks and think outside the box. Create opportunities that bring us on par with web and films because TV is the most viewed platform in this country and is longing for a good shake up.
4. Being a public figure, there will be times where you might also have to deal with controversies. So how do you handle such situations?
J– Ignorance is definitely bliss here! So yes, the best way I know of is to ignore. I personally think that there is no point arguing with people who have already made up their minds and formed an opinion on everything. They decide on the goings-on and even declare verdicts. As long as my loved ones and I know my truth and what I stand for, that’s more than enough for me!
5. Being a celebrity with such a busy schedule, how do you maintain the balance between your personal and professional life?
J – I’m not always busy, and lockdown made sure of that even more! (Laughs) So I do get time to do what I want to do. For me my professional life is as important as my personal life. If I’m working on a project for too long, I make sure to take a day or two off just to reenergize and reboot cause we all need our me time, don’t we? But making time for the people and things you love, should be top priority regardless of a schedule. You owe that to yourself.
6. If you have to choose between money and creative satisfaction, what would it be?
J– Creative satisfaction, hands down! Money can be earned but if I’m not happy with what I’ll doing, that money loses its value. I’m not saying money isn’t important but for me the creativity behind it, makes it priceless!
7. Please give us an insight on one incident that completely changed your life?
J – My life changes ALOT (laughs); and everyday for that matter! They say that Change is the only constant, no? It is!! But if I have to pick one it would be the success of Beyhadh 1. I had worked a lot before that too, but that show reinvented me in a way. Like It was Jennifer 2.0. I was one of the fortunate few to land a rare opportunity on television that not a lot of actresses get and thankfully I was able to deliver and the rest as they say is history.
8. One healthy routine which you never give up on?
J- My Pilates!
9. One habit of yours which you think is bad and want to let it go?
J- On some days Overeating, on other days overthinking! There’s no telling how levels can fluctuate especially on days when the two decide to meet each other.
10. What is your biggest nightmare?
J – Working with a cat!
11. One person whom you always look up to in your life no matter what…. And why?
J – You know the biggest blessing you can have in your life is to be surrounded with people who you can grow with. I mean besides my parents who have taught me the basic values of life and how go about all I do with kindness and love; I have been very fortunate to be surrounded with people who help me to learn and grow. There are many and I cannot name them all.
People come into your life for a reason, season or a lifetime – while some have stayed, some have gone, but each one of them have taught me valuable lessons in life that make me a better person today. So I can’t say just one person who I look up to but I’m grateful for everyone who’s still in and been in my life.
12. What is the best advice you have ever received?
J – Never get into anything half heartedly… be it a project, a relationship or anything for that matter, give it your all or else don’t do it! And these wise words are my father’s and I try my best to live by it.
One mantra, and this one’s mine – is to never take life so seriously and not be too hard on yourself. It’s taken its due course for me to understand this fully myself but I guess that what life’s all about! Gathering experiences, learning from your mistakes and truly living in the present moment. Everything else just falls into place.
13. Tell us about your recent release. How does the project stand out?
J – Courtesy Covid-19, It’s been a while since my last release but I cannot be more eager to get onto set and begin shooting for season 2 of CodeM. I am so excited. This show makes me challenge myself not just on the acting front but also Physically, getting into the skin of an army officer. So Without giving away too much, let’s just say that with season 2 everything is amped up twice as more and I cannot wait for audiences to see it.
14. Do you think the idea of conventional beauty is pressurizing? Do you think we have evolved ?
J – Beauty isn’t skin deep, and to me, more so, it’s not having to conform. I will not say its pressurizing but I find it rather odd that everyone is so hung up on looking a certain way. What ever happened to Imperfection is beauty and feature unique and distinct to everyone. I mean times have definitely changed in the last few years but we still have a long way to go…hopefully one day, soon, we will get there!
15. What is your idea of styling yourself?
J – If I had it my way, I’d probably even shoot in pyjamas… but since I can’t have it that way, I have a team of super troupers who clean me up good!
16. What do you like in your spare time?
J – I love sleeping and can sleep for hours on end! With the lockdown came more spare time at hand I had to look for ways to keep myself entertained. That’s what made me take up painting. What started as a means to pass time, grew into something I really started enjoying. I think I may have made made some very cool onea, if I may say so myself . I’ve framed them and put them all up in my Goa house and it gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment every time I see them .I am also very addicted to solving crosswords… no kidding!
17. An actor`s work you always look forward to?
J – currently, It has got to be Alia Bhatt!
18. What is your professional wish list?
J- I don’t think I had a Wishlist until this question but hey, A girl can dream right? So I might as well just put it out there – a film with Mr. Mani Ratnam that has music by the AR Rahman. There I’ve said it! Hahaha… now just keeping my fingers crossed till it actually happens!
19. Where do you see yourself in coming five years?
J – One day at a time! I have never planned ahead in my life and I don’t think I am going to start now. I just want to be able to do great quality work and travel the world, and hopefully someday have a family of my own too.
20. What is your message for “BeAttractive” readers?
J– There’s a will to be weird, find it! Challenge the norm. Find your quirks. Your opinion of yourself is what should matter most. In a world that is constantly trying to make you into something or someone else, be yourself. Embrace your imperfections, they are what define you. It’ll be the greatest accomplishment.
