She might come from Delhi’s most famous media family, but she’s always carved a name for herlsef on her own terms. An actor, producer, TV presenter and a newly minted author, she has, by her own admission, “always wanted to tell stories through acting, writing and producing” She’s taken on edgy, eclectic roles in films including Amal, White Noise, Everybody Says I’m Fine, and of late played Betty Cooper’s mom in film maker Zoya Akhtar’s comic book caper The Archies….Her debut novel Clearly Invisible in Paris circles the friendship among four women living in the City of Lights
In conversation with Koel Purie Rinchet
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Having back-to-back creative work.
What is your greatest fear?
Not realising my full potential.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Reacting before thinking.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Laziness.
Which living person do you most admire?
My daughter.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Time.
What is your current state of mind?
Restlessly stable.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Validation.
On what occasion do you lie?
Whenever required.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I don’t.
Which living person do you most despise?
All our current leaders who divide and kill for personal gain.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
The ability to talk soul to soul.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Sass.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Oh just, get on with it.”
Shilpi Madan for The Leela