by ASJAD NAZIR
MODEL and TV anchor turned actress Donal Bisht has shown off impressive versatility with an interesting array of projects.
The small screen beauty has delivered winning performances in popular drama serials, including Ek Deewana Tha, Roop-Mard Ka Naya Swaroop and Dil Toh Happy Hai Ji. With more projects on the way, the unstoppable star will continue to rise.
Eastern Eye caught up with Donal to talk TV, acting and inspirations.
What was it that first connected you to acting?
I always had an interest towards this field from a young age. Even when I was growing up, I always imagined myself playing the heroine’s part – even when I used to work! Since then, I had a gut feeling that I don’t belong here and have a greater inclination towards acting. And hence, I took a big risk and quit my job to pursue my acting career.
How did you feel being in front of the camera for the first time?
I was never camera conscious as I was in the media and was an anchor of a show on Doordarshan. But my heart always belonged to acting, so that confidence helped me a lot. That’s when I learned that whatever you do in life it never goes to waste and you see the results at some other point of life.
Which of your projects is closest to your heart?
I think Ek Deewana Tha because it gave me a different kind of recognition and was my first show as a lead. I was very pampered as my co-actors and unit never made me realise that I am new into this industry. And fortunately, I got to work with a very good set of people.
How do you approach creating a character?
I try to get into the skin of it. I try to study the nuances and incorporate it while playing the character. Also observing has helped me a lot to improve as an actor.
Do you have a dream role you would love to play?
I loved Alia Bhatt in Raazi and her character in the movie. I would love to play something like that.
What do you enjoy watching as an audience member?
I enjoy watching web shows. Also, I have watched around 40-50 films in this lockdown and all were award-winning movies. And mainly, good content is imperative. If it’s films, web or TV, I’ll watch it if the content is good.
Who is your acting hero?
I’ve adored Leonardo Di- Caprio since his path-breaking performance in Catch Me If You Can and love Brad Pitt too, because they have the looks and great acting skills. In Bollywood, I love Ranbir Kapoor and think nobody can beat him.
Who would you love to work with?
I want to work with all the great actors, because it is more of a learning process when you work with the best, like the three Khans of Bollywood. I also aspire to work with Amitabhji (Bachchan), and among the women, Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra. Also, it is my biggest dream to work with Mr Sanjay Leela Bhansali, as he has made quite a few masterpieces.
If you could master something new what would that be?
I am a creative person, so won’t limit myself with just one thing. But I would love to learn and master dancing as I never learnt it professionally. Apart from that, painting is also one thing I would want to master.
What inspires you?
People who achieve it big in their lives! I think that is the biggest motivation for me. No matter whichever field they belong to, but it gives me the push to do better in life and encourages me that if they can do it, then why not me? I think we have many examples in our surroundings and everyone teaches us something or the other.
