FILM INTERVIEW: EVELYN SHARMA

German Import Makes Bollywood Debut in Prateek Chakravorty’s ‘From Sydney With Love’

By: Parimal M. Rohit

July 27, 2012

The pipeline between Europe and Indian cinema continues to strengthen almost every week, it seems, as someone from England or German or wherever else from the continent finds a way to land a starring role or item number in a major film. Recently, British model Amy Jackson made a big splash opposite Prateik Babbar in Ekk Deewana Tha. The next Euro beauty to gain significant billing on a Bollywood film is Evelyn Sharma, the half German, half Indian actress who will star opposite Sharad Malhotra and Karan Sagoo in Prateek Chakrvorty’s From Sydney With Love. Some call her the next Katrina Kaif, but one thing she is not: a flash in the pan. Her big screen debut is still one week away and she has already finished shooting four films, including the lead in T-Series' Class of 2013. Just moments after this interview, Ms. Sharma announced she will be starring opposite Ayushmann Khuranna in Rohan Sippy's next venture.

Before all that, audiences will get a chance to meet Ms. Sharma on the big screen August 31, when the fashionista takes on the celestial soul Lubaina in From Sydney With Love.

Headed to Chennai for a fashion event, Ms. Sharma takes a few minutes out of her busy day to chat with Buzzine about the film, an upcoming project, and some of her dreams.

Parimal M. Rohit: Some quick background: Where are you from and how did you get into acting?

Evelyn Sharma: I’m half Indian half German. I grew up in Germany and I started drama classes and theatre in high school. When I was 18 I was asked to act in an English movie and I instantly fell in love with the profession. However, I studied business and languages, worked in real estate law and forgot about it. Who would have though one day I’d make acting for a living!!

PMR: What three words best describe your acting style?

ES: Real. Simple. Emotional.

PMR: How would you best describe your role in From Sydney With Love?

ES: I play Lubaina, nerdy best friend, fashionista, proud Indian, and a hopeless romantic.

PMR: This is your first significant role on screen. How nervous are you? What was the whole experience like?

ES: I just want people to appreciate the movie, have a fun time watching it, and come out with a smile on their face :) The experience of making this movie was fantastic! The whole team was great to shoot with, Prateek Chakravorty did an awesome job guiding us and I had a super time driving everyone nuts with my accent at the dubbing. Haha!

PMR: What makes From Sydney With Love stand out from other Bollywood love stories?

ES: The film is not only a love story. It’s also about friendship and especially about the experience about an Indian girl coming to study in a western city like Sydney. The movie is great comedy with drama and a lot of depth to it.

PMR: Can you tell us anything about your next film, Issaq?

ES: Issaq is planned to release soon and I’m super nervous! Haha! I have some pretty bold scenes in that and my opening shot is more of my sexy legs than me! However I play Rosa, a very spiritual foreign girl in it, who came to Banaras for peace and awakening. And she’s also hot haha!

PMR: Many movie fans in the United States or Europe do not know too much about Bollywood. In one sentence, how would you describe Bollywood to them?

ES: Actually it’s “Hindi movies” and there are as many genres to it as in English movies. We have some fantastic directors and actors here! I wish the world would watch more Hindi movies. The idea of girls running through fields and dancing around trees is very outdated.

PMR: We are seeing a wave of “imports” coming into Bollywood, especially from Europe. What do you think is the appeal of Bollywood to European actors?

ES: I’m guessing the same as in Hollywood: the love to make movies, money and fame. 

PMR: Do you have any ambitions to work in Hollywood?

ES: I’d definitely love to make some English movies!

PMR: What is your dream role?

ES: A character completely opposite to mine. Or a fantasy movie!

PMR: What have you done in your professional life that made you proud?

ES: I’ve recently shot for the CPAA calendar. I think the best way to deal with fame is to create awareness for things that matter.

PMR: Which actor has had the most influence on your career?

ES: Audrey Hepburn. She was my inspiration as a little girl.

PMR: What is your favorite movie?

ES: The Godfather. I think it's one of the most brilliant movies ever made.

PMR: Where do you see yourself in five years?

ES: Playing with my future kids in the future backyard.

(All images courtesy Dale Bhagwagar Media Group).