Having made quite an impression in her debut film Rockstar as Ranbir Kapoor’s lady love, one would assume that Nargis Fakhri has had it easy in B-town. However, Fakhri admits that it is tough for an outsider to make a place in the industry and it is sheer luck that she got the opportunity to work alongside A-listers.
In her second film Madras Café — a political thriller directed by Shoojit Sircar which is scheduled to release on Friday — Fakhri will be seen with another top actor, John Abraham. “I’m still in awe of how I got so lucky to work with actors like Ranbir and John. I hope to continue working with more A-listers,” she said.
Fakhri feels that her team has played a huge role in her success so far. “It is pretty difficult for a newcomer to make it in Bollywood. You need guidance, and I was fortunate that agencies like Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and KWAN Entertainment and Marketing Solutions had taken me on. If it wasn’t for the team, I think I might not have been here,” she claims. “In this industry, you need to know people or have family that is already in it to make it big. I still have so much to learn and so many people to meet.”
Nevertheless, Fakhri is open to the idea of working alongside newcomers as scripts also guide her decision. “I am open to work with newcomers. It’s not just about the co-stars — it also depends on the script… I’m an equal opportunist,” she asserts.
The actor will be seen essaying the role of a foreign journalist in Madras Café. Sharing her experience, she said, “It was difficult as I am not a real journo. But with the help of workshops, people, documentaries, as well as footage from on-the-field war correspondents of BBC and CNN, and my own effort, [have helped me] understand my character in the film.”
According to Fakhri, working with John was a rather comforting experience. “John made me comfortable on the sets. He is a talented actor and a lovely person to work with. It’s great to work with people who can make you feel safe and at ease,” she said.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 21st, 2013.
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