'Panchatantra' is a turning point for its debutants

The cast and crew of ‘Panchatantra’ were at the DH office on Thursday. Metrolife had a quick chat with Sonal Monteiro and Simran Vijayalakshmi Mishrikoti, leading ladies in the movie, who spoke about their experience of working with Yogaraj Bhat and more.

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Sonal Monteiro

How was the experience of working with Yogaraj Bhat?
Working with Yogaraj Bhat is a dream come true, not just for me but for any debutant actor. I always dreamt of working on a film like this, which would give me an opportunity to explore myself, and I feel this will be a big break for me.From handling the camera to directing, I have been allowed to experience everything on the set.

How was it to work with senior artists like Rangayana Raghu?
Rangayana Raghu is someone who everyone looks up to. He would sit with us during practice sessions and rehearse along with us. His humble nature and the way he encouraged each new artist is inspiring. It helped me get over my initial nervousness and realise that working with senior artists at the beginning of my carrier will help me grow.

Tell us about your character...
I play a character called ‘Sahitya’, who is naughty and bold. I was able to relate with her. In fact, every teenager will connect with the characters in the film as it talks about generation gap, which is quite common in Indian society.

Simran Vijayalaxmi Mishrikoti

How did you get into acting?
Honestly, acting was not even on my list. I wanted to be a clinical psychologist. We are three sisters and my mother wanted one of us to get into acting. During my exams, my mother entered a picture of mine in a beauty pageant and I won. After that, opportunities poured in and now there is nothing that interests me more than acting.

Simran Vijayalaxmi Mishrikoti

How were you approached for this role, given that you live in Mumbai?
The entire casting was complete by the time I met the director. But, they needed a non-Kannadiga and as I looked like one, I was instantly roped in.

What character do you play ?
I play a character called ‘Sheeba’. Even though the role is a small one, it’s quite important in the movie.

Why should one watch the film?
The audience today looks at the content than the star cast. Star-studded films are not guaranteed hits now. I think Yogaraj Bhat has done a fantastic job by giving a platform to fresh actors, along with bringing out good content. There is also a takeaway from the film, which is not common.

Was acting always your passion?
I always liked being in front of the camera; I am known as the ‘drama queen’ in my family. As a child, I used to take my aunt’s lipstick and get dressed up. But I did not take it up as a career initially as my parents were a little conservative. I started out as an air hostess at Qatar Airways and then tried in Bollywood. But destiny had other plans.