She played the role of the legendary Suraiya in her first film ‘Manto’ and is now back on the silver screen with ‘Facebook Wala Pyar’. In this interview, Nancy Thakkar talks about her new film ‘Facebook Wala Pyar’ and her journey as an actress.
Was ‘Manto’ your first film?
Yes, it was my first film. I played a small but interesting part of actress Suraiya. After that, I shot for a film called ‘Phir Se Shaadi’, which was technically my first film as a leading actress. It was the second film produced by Rashmi Sharma after ‘Pink’. The film touches upon the controversial subject of triple talaaq. It should release sometime this year. I shot for ‘Facebook Wala Pyaar’ after wrapping up the shoot for ‘Phir Se Shaadi’ but this one will release first.
After doing a film like ‘Manto’, how was the experience of working in an out-and-out commercial film like ‘Facebook Wala Pyar’?
It was a great experience. As an actress, I want to do different kind of roles. I am very active in theatre and I do a variety of roles there too. I have done several ad films which are different from one another.
How did you get interested in acting?
I was born in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. My father was working as an interior decorator in Goa, so we ended up shifting to Mumbai. I do not have an interesting struggle story to share (laughs). I was always inclined towards acting and started giving auditions. I started doing ads. Casting director Honey Trehan called me to audition for ‘Manto’. During ‘Manto, I met Raghav, the writer of ‘Phir Se Shaadi’ who suggested me to give a screen test for the film. I bagged the film and then, I auditioned for ‘Facebook Wala Pyar’.
The film has been shot in Jharkhand. Have you had a chance to visit the state before shooting for the film?
No, I had never been to Jharkhand. It took a while for me to get a hang of the dialect and the overall setting. We shot the entire film in Lohardaga, a small town in Jharkhand and had a great time. Everything happens at a slow pace there and people lead very relaxed lives.
Do you think Facebook is a good place to find love?
There is a friend of mine from Meerut who met a person on Facebook and ended up getting married to him. There have been times when I have stalked people on Facebook and I am sure I have been stalked too (laughs).
You are active in theatre and are now doing films. Would you like to work in other mediums like TV and web too?
Yes, of course. I do not differentiate between different mediums. I am open to doing good work. I am a greedy actor. As long as I get a good role to play, I am willing to work in any medium.
What are you doing next?
‘Phir Se Shaadi’ should release soon. I have signed a Punjabi film which I will start shooting for soon. Since I am a Punjabi myself, I have been wanting to do a Punjabi film for a very long time and I am glad that finally it is happening.