‘Pyaar Hai Toh Hai’ Paanie Kashyap, making her debut: It’s a little easier for those in the industry, but talent is what will keep you alive

The small-town native Paanie Kashyap just made her big-screen debut in “Pyaar Hai Toh Hai.” Although the movie didn’t get many theaters when it was first released, it did garner a lot of positive reviews. Even Amitabh Bachchan tweeted the movie’s teaser and gave the newcomers praise for breaking into Bollywood. Pradeep RK Chaudhary’s film is now aiming for a major OTT release with the hopes of being well-known to digital viewers.

In an interview with Prateek Sur, Paanie Kashyap discusses how she landed such a significant assignment, the difficulties she had as a newcomer to the film business, the controversy around nepotism, and the reasons her movie received so little publicity. She also discusses about having unconditional love for a certain someone in her life and the casting couch.

Take-outs:

How did you come to be in the role?

I gave this position a tryout. The producer was a fan of my previous short film that we had completed together. For the role Nimmo, they were searching for a somewhat well-known face, but they were unable to locate somebody suitable. I was invited to try out, and I met with the director. I had a broken leg and was using walkers when I met him. They requested me to do a second audition with a more dramatic scenario after seeing a spark in me. They took a while to say yes after the second audition, but they finally said they would offer me the role. I had no idea whether I would get the role or not since no contract had been signed at the time. Thankfully, I received the position offer after a while. The completion of the procedure took about six months.

Although nepotism is a topic of much discussion, you are a wonderful example of how outsiders may succeed as well. Have there ever been situations when you were passed over for a part and the daughter of a famous person got it?

Of course, yes. The process of auditioning involves both rejection and selection. I think that being an actor or working in this field requires you to face rejection. It exists in the world. When someone rejects you in front of them, it might be discouraging. It’s crucial to realize that you’re not the proper fit for the position; it’s not about you. Since hundreds of candidates try out for every position, there is a good chance that you will be rejected. Of course, they can’t cast you in every part since, on sometimes, the character will need something else. Everything is based on your skill and expertise. That’s just part of my work, I guess.

What is your opinion on the whole nepotism controversy?

The phrase “nepotism” doesn’t have any significance for me since I’m too busy honing my trade. I think that you become better the more you practice. Additionally, I believe that a few things important when someone is being launched or making their debut, such their social media presence, the level of interest the audience has in them, and, lastly, their level of training. Professionals in the field will, of course, have an advantage, but in the end, skill is what will keep you alive.

This movie marked your cinematic debut alongside a Starkid. Have you ever seen starry skies whilst working with him?

To be honest, I didn’t feel that way while I was filming. Working with him never made me feel like a star child. However, ever since I began interacting with the media, I’ve been asked this same question a lot, and I’m beginning to wonder whether that’s the case. It never even occurred to me before.

The movie discusses friendship and unconditional love. Is there somebody unique in your life that you love without conditions, other from your family?

There is no one else like my family, and I adore them. Aside from my family and friends, my work and I are in unconditional love.

The movie received positive reviews despite receiving very little promotion. Do you believe that more marketing could have been done to increase the number of people who were aware of the movie?

Getting additional screenings is, in my opinion, more important than advertising. The movie is still well-known, and the songs are becoming popular, but there aren’t quite enough theaters for everyone. We weren’t able to acquire many screenings because of the several other releases, which is something else I learnt from the producers.

You previously produced music videos and short films that were very well-received. How hard was it for an outsider like myself to obtain those music videos and short films in Mumbai?

Fortunately, everything worked out for me in the end. Although I was confident in my abilities, it wasn’t too tough for me to break into the profession. But first, it was very difficult to connect with the right individuals and get the proper jobs.

A common topic of conversation is how young females from smaller towns and cities are exploited in Mumbai. Have you encountered a similar difficult circumstance throughout your difficult time in Mumbai?

To be honest, I think this industry and Mumbai are more better and more accepting than the outside world. I have been leaving my house for work since I was very young and have encountered a wide variety of individuals, but overall, I think Mumbai is the safest location I have visited.

Has there ever been an unpleasant experience when you were urged to commit a moral transgression in order to get cast in a movie? . Do you still believe in casting couches now, or have they all been replaced by other methods?

Since this is a diverse field, I acknowledge that some individuals may have had bad experiences. But I’ve always felt secure in my workplace, and I’ve had the good fortune to collaborate with individuals who have helped me feel at ease. I’ve never worked on a casting couch, and my success has always come from my skill.

What lesson would you want people to remember for the rest of their lives if you could distill it down to just one from your first movie?

The most crucial element is, first and foremost, unconditional love. I’ve also come to realize that deeds speak louder than words. Rather of allowing our emotions to impair our judgment, we should use reason.

What can we anticipate from your end coming next?

I’m reading a few scripts and in negotiations for a couple projects. I’ll speak when things finally come to pass.