THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL

Breaking every bar of what stands dogmatic in terms of a 'small town girl', Neha Sharma is a name synonymous with a self-made star. In a tête-à-tête with WA, she gets candid about work and life.

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Academics were always your strength. How did the path towards art begin?

I was always creative and enjoyed different art forms more than other things. Sketching and painting, brought joy to me. And I loved clothes. When I was in the sixth grade, I started looking at the books from Armani and the like, in awe of clothes, gowns and all the things lovely. It pretty much started from there, and I decided to pursue fashion. My love for films was another chapter. I don't remember if there would be an interesting release that I would miss. I loved watching the Oscars, even during the final exams; always curious to watch the Best Actor-Actress winners. So, I guess cinema was always an intrinsic part of my growing-up years. Many may not guess, but I was a shy kid. Yet, if someone told me to perform, sing or dance, I would do so without a hitch for my love of performing arts on stage. I even played parts in Shakespeare's plays in school.

How difficult was it to go bold with your characters knowing parents could be watching?

I come from a small town where I feel like I want my parents to be proud of the work I do. I have honestly been quite conservative in how I chose to do my roles on screen. So, I have refrained from many things. But as I grew older, I realised at certain times, the characters demanded a few things which were nothing personal but a choice or the director's vision. Since it's a visual medium, there may be times when I might not be comfortable doing as myself but delivering as an actor. So, for bolder performances, my parents and I both evolved together gradually.

Struggles are a part of life. Is a non-Bollywood background more struggle-some?