Global appeal

by ASJAD NAZIR

GERMAN-BORN EVELYN SHARMA ON GOING BACK TO HER INDIAN ROOTS

THERE is a lot more to Evelyn Sharma than a strikingly attractive face and knockout figure.

The multi-talented German beauty went to India to connect with her father’s Punjabi roots and made a mark in a fiercely-competitive movie industry.

Born in Germany to an Indian father and Ger­man mother, she has found success as a model, actress, philanthropist and wellness advocate.

Evelyn has also set the red carpet on fire in hot outfits and has become a fast-emerging sym­bol for girl power. Recently she ventured into di­recting with an eye-catching music video for British singer Avina Shah’s new song Playboy.

Evelyn has also landed a role in one of Indian cinema’s most high-profile films Saaho, which will be the next release of Indian superstar Prabhas after his blockbuster Baahubaali films.

She is balancing being in the spotlight with philanthropic ventures like her own charity foundation Seams For Dreams and an impressive online presence that includes her popular blog Evelyn’s Secrets. Eastern Eye caught up with Eve­lyn to talk about fashion, philanthropy, films, future plans and more...

Was landing up in India to work always a part of the masterplan when you were growing up in Germany?

I came to India to discover my Punjabi roots when I was instantly picked by the fashion industry. A well-known beauty brand signed me as their face and that made me step into the entertainment industry. I signed five films in the initial year and my career took off from there.

After, my popular films like Nautanki Saala, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Yaari­yan followed Main Tera Hero, Jab Harry Met Sejal and my first solo lead in Ishqe­darriyaan! Till now, India has treated me very well and I am very fond of the country and the people living here.

How do you look back on your time working in India?

As I said, it’s been a wonderful journey. I have completed 10 years, and by the grace of God have managed to achieve a lot of appreciation and love from my fans. I can now say that coming to India was one of the best decisions of my life.

Which of your movies is closest to your heart?

I think my fans loved me the most in Ishqedarriyan, and even I believe it was one of my best performances till date. I got to learn a lot from that movie.

What is your acting masterplan?

I just want to keep giving my best, work­ing hard and trust that God has put me here for a reason.

What would be your dream role?

Working on my first action movie Saaho has really given me the desire to do an­other one! I would love to play a badass gangster daughter or a tough hero. (Smiles) A female villain even! Why not? I’m always keen to try out new things. Most important to me is however the message of the film. I want to make films to inspire people.

Does it bother you that you are largely offered the glamorous roles?

It only bothers me when people think that’s a bad thing! I love that directors and producers consider me as the beau­ty of their films. I keep getting offers all thriller or sex-comedy genre, but it’s simply not what I am looking for. the time for films in the horror, sensual

I love comedy films, drama, suspense, crime, thriller and action! And of course, I’m happy if I get to play the hot girl in them! I’m just not going to sell out for too much skin show, and that call is up to my own comfort level. The first thing I will always ask for is the script and a narration. It’s the most im­portant part for me to understand the director’s vision of the story.

What was it like directing British sing­er Avina Shah’s music video?

Oh, that was wonderful! And so creative­ly satisfying to make your imagination become reality. Coming from the other side of the camera, I also know how im­portant it is for the artist to understand the director’s vision and for the director to reassure the artist at all times.

It was wonderful seeing my friend Avina shine through this process. She is an amazing singer and performer, and I really want the world to see that through the video!

Is directing something you want to pursue further?

As a creative person, you are never happy with just one part of the field. I act, write and direct. I’m an entrepre­neur and a philanthro­pist. I’m a student and teacher. Life is like that.

You never cease to learn and evolve. With God being the wind in your sail, there is really nothing that could ever stop you from living your best life.

What is the secret of making it in India if you are from overseas?

I believe more than achieving your heart’s desires, we ought to find our purpose to feel satisfied. I never planned to become an actress, but I discov­ered my purpose in it and realised this is all my heart desired! Commit your fu­ture in the hands of God, trust me. It will be a rollercoaster ride, but it will be better than you could ever imagine.

Who would you love to work with in the future?

Aamir Khan! I have always been a big admirer of his work. I think he has an incredible eye for talent and detail.

Can you see yourself doing more work in the west?

Why not, Asjad? If there is something in the west that clicks with me, then I would love to!

What are your passions away from work?

My biggest passion is to do something for this society. With Seams For Dreams I’m trying to do exactly that, by giving people the opportunity to get involved by donating their own clothes, which we then give to the ones in need across India.

You do a lot of work for charity, but which cause is closest to your heart?

All causes have equal importance, but you can’t save the whole world and have to choose your battles. Three basic needs are food, shelter and clothing. I would like to create awareness for the need of appropriate clothing across India and the sustainability in fashion. Providing for the everyday need and following that up with the right education is key.

You always look amazing, what are your fashion inspirations?

Be you! Just be yourself, no one else could ever be as fabulous as you. You are created unique and beautiful, flaunt it!

What is the secret to a great red-car­pet look? You clearly know...

To get your outfit fitted correctly to your body. You can pull off anything as long as you feel comfortable and safe in it.

What is your best fashion accessory?

Heirloom jewellery.

Your website has a great section called Evelyn’s Secrets; what inspires the secrets?

The inspiration is my everyday life, travels, and my obsession with an­cient beauty rituals. I’m a complete wellness freak, so if you ever wonder what to gift me, it’s either a hun­dred-year-old Chinese tea recipe or the latest stem cell serum from La Prairie.

Can you share some secrets?

(Smiles) For that you will have to check out www.EvelynsSecrets.com!

What inspires you?

The smile on someone else’s face!

What is the best advice you have got?

Have a tough skin, but a soft heart.

What would a guy need to do to im­press you?

It’s quite simple. Take me for a foot mas­sage, movie and dinner. That’s my per­fect idea of a date. If you really want to impress me, tell me a beauty secret I’ve never heard about!

What movies do you enjoy watching?

I love comedy movies! Stand-up shows, chick-flicks and anything that makes me laugh. I love to laugh.

Why do you love cinema?

I think cinema is magical! It is the way to people’s hearts and minds. I love to tell stories, to inspire people, and to watch them leave with a smile.