Actress Kritika Kamra has strengthened her position in the OTT industry with projects like Bambai Meri Jaan and Gyaarah Gyaarah. Her fierce role has received a lot of love and appreciation. We caught up with the actress on how she prepped for her role in Gyaarah Gyaarah, what kind of projects she wants to do in the near future and shows that have inspired her in recent months. Read on…
With thrillers having mass appeal on OTT, are you sure you’ll stick to the genre or want to explore everything?
If you had to choose three genres that you work in as an actor, what would they be?
Oh, it’s so hard. I feel like I haven’t seen a comedy this good in a long time. I think satire will be very clever, it’s a very interesting genre for me. As I said, investigative thrillers are interesting because they keep you involved. They keep you, they are immersive. You feel like you are involved in solving the crime. Like Mindhunter, for example, it’s a great watch because it’s like putting together the pieces of a puzzle, getting into the psyche of a person you can’t relate to a criminal. You know, it’s just, it’s just fascinating because you don’t know much about them and you always wonder what drives people to do these extreme things. So, this is another great genre. I think thirdly, I must say, we were all brought up in Bollywood and, we are all big Shah Rukh Khan fans. So, romance is another genre that will always appeal to me. And a well-crafted and progressive love story is timeless, I feel.
What kind of setup does it take to be a police officer in Gyaarah Gyaarah?
There are two types of things to do. There are certain characters that require a certain physique. This is one of them. When you play an officer or a man in uniform, there’s a way you carry yourself. And you feel proud and responsible. Fortunately, half the job is done by the uniform itself because the moment you put it on, you change it. You start walking different, talking different. You are more upright. You feel like you have a purpose. We are also trained with weapons. So that our attitude and use of guns look professional. I also learned how to drive a manual SUV in the hills, because we shot this picture in Dehradun and Mussoorie. Also, because my character is in both the past and present timelines. I played like 20 years ago and 35 years now. So, I had to create an arc in a way that looked like the evolution of the same person. And since we are not taking it chronologically, I have to distinguish it with behavior and performance. So, young Vamika has some nervous energy. He slouches but he will erect as soon as his senior comes. He is eager to prove himself. You can see he’s a bit new here. Now Vamika is more confident. He was convinced. He leads the team now. He couldn’t show any emotion on his face. Because this is not an age where you can be buried or use any kind of prosthetics. It must be really internal. But it has to be there so you can tell the difference between the two timelines. Because 15 years have passed. So, that was the focus of my preparation.
What was your favorite thing when you started playing?
I am most excited about the fantasy element of this. Because when it comes to me, I’m like, do we need another police procedural drama? We make some big ones off the end. If you look at the streaming space, there are some good ones. But when I started reading, I realized that all these connections are two walkie-talkies connected every time the clock strikes 11:11. And this surreal element in a realistic world is a new twist. And we haven’t explored the idea of ​​time travel in movies and series before. So, that’s really unique. As I read, I stayed engaged. And I thought that this would be something new for people to watch. And I want to be a part of it.
So, come to 11:11, do you believe or not?
How was it working with Dhairya Karwa and Raghav Juyal?
It is very interesting because we are very different. And we are very different actors. Each of us has a different process. And our director, Umesh Bisht is very sensitive and understands people. And he knows what it takes. So, they nudge us in different ways. There were times when Raghav and I would be in the same scene. But the direction Raghav will take will be very different from the one I will take. Or when Dhairya and I do things, the rehearsals will be completely different. Because the director constantly organizes according to what is needed. Which was a new experience for me. There is a cure, right. Because it really is a collaboration. And they are very sensitive to our needs. And willing to adapt to us. That doesn’t happen because it’s usually the opposite. It was a different experience when Raghav was on the set. Because they are more spontaneous. They have a certain fluidity. He comes from the discipline of dance. So, he had her. He prefers that. Dhayya is more… Just like her name. He was very calm, composed. He likes to train them all. And come fully prepared. And know what you want. So, as a co-actor, acting is a reaction. And you can’t do anything in silence. So, you have to keep adapting according to your co-actors. And I was with both of them. I learned about it too. I learned that I can adapt.
Do you think you’ve evolved as an actor over the years?
I hope so. I mean, I hope so. I have learned everything on the job. I started acting when I was 18. So, I have literally picked up all my skills, all on the job. It’s an art and craft, right? You must have basic talent or basic sense. Then there are a lot of skills that you need to be able to adjust and keep learning. Because it, at the end of the day, ends in a certain situation. You have to hit the mark. You have to take the light. You need to know the camera. What I didn’t learn was to stop being critical. I was sweating watching myself. I don’t forgive. I want to repeat everything I watch. But I also know that I can’t be a pain for the director. So, I never told them anything. That’s just my internal dialogue. Or when I watch it at home or something, I have this feeling. But on set, also one thing that I have learned over the years is your behavior. Character is greater than talent. And how you conduct yourself and how professional you are and how good to work with as a professional takes you far. And that’s something I’m proud of. My work ethic. Because that’s something I remember very much. Because talent without it is nothing. I totally agree.
What roles have you wanted to play but haven’t been offered?
There are so many. I mean, the sky’s the limit these days. The writing is excellent and varied. I will limit it if I have a wishlist. But at the top of my list right now, come off these powerful dramas, as I said before, I really want to do music, romantic, something that requires me to pick up a skill like a certain dance form or something. Like something in the world of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Perhaps. Like a costume drama with extravagance and dance numbers. Everything I do is real and fun. And I love watching it. But just for a change, some romance would be great.
If you could go back in time for a day in your life, which day would you choose?
What is one thing you want to do before this year is over?
I’m taking two things and I’ve been promoting Gyaarah Gyaarah, so I’m not traveling much this year. I want to travel to a place where I can watch something that inspires me. So, I’m probably going to New York next month. And just watch some Broadway, some theater. It’s like I’m watching something live that really inspires me. So what I want to do is work.
Pick a movie or series that inspired you this year?
So me, I’m a big fan of the show, The Bear. Oh God. I’m a big fan. I’ve been a fan since the first season. I love the show and I love where it’s going. This is a show that fans are not happy about. It’s a brave show. It’s a show that breaks the clutter. This is a show I’m really looking forward to. I also watch another interesting show called Shogun. The insight it gives you into Japanese culture is amazing. And I feel that Japan has always been a place that fascinates us all. I also really like One Day. It’s one that knows, when I say romantic drama well-made, I mean it. Baby Reindeer, who showed me a disturbance, positively shook me up. And I think there are a few things that can affect you. It was one of them.
