Actor Sarah Jane Dias is a headturner. Blame her stunning looks and her ability to essay roles on the big screen with inborn ease and elan. She starred as a bride left at the altar by her groom in film maker Zoya Akhtar’s web series Made in Heaven 2. The role has been a resounding changemaker for Dias who won the Femina Miss India World title in 2007, walked the ramp for leading fashion designers, modelled for adfilms and print campaigns and dabbled in VJing and compering.
Her film repertoire brings in movies including Zubaan, Tandav, Never Kiss
Your Best Friend, Angry Indian Goddesses, and Panjaa. Sarah is as eloquent as she looks and has pursued her passion for singing and yoga over the past few years.
Excerpts from a conversation:
You’ve received tremendous response to your role as the bride at the altar in Made in Heaven Season 2. How does it feel?
Wonderful. My role has resonated with women across all age groups and
locations. It is overwhelming when people come up to me and praise my
performance that struck a chord.
Name your passions for us.
Acting, singing, fitness, yoga. I am a certified life coach too. I have always been a singer and have emerged more confident now of my vocal skills. Expect a few releases up next!
What has been the most important turning point in your career?There have been many! I took to VJing, playing compere, and modelling, and won the Miss India contest. Then movies beckoned. I lost my father a few years ago, the pandemic saw me through a heartbreak too. I have bounced back like a true survivor with Made in Heaven 2.
What is that one misconception people have about Sarah Jane Dias?
Based on my name, looks and the way I dress, people usually assume that I am “non-desi”. Nothing can be farther from the truth.
What’s your biggest challenge right now?
Not overthinking. Going with the flow.
What have you learnt?
To let things go. Turning 40 sealed the deal for me, honestly. I am in a much happier space.
What makes you happy right now?
That I have bought my own apartment in Mumbai. I have always lived with my parents and this is the first home I have bought on my own. I feel overwhelmed.
Who forms your support system?
My sister, mother, girlfriends. I have strong women in my life to guide me.
What’s that word of advice you can share with women who want to be in your shoes?
Find your own pair of shoes!
What’s next?
A show – Kan Khajura- for an online streaming channel, with actor Mohit
Raina comes up soon for release.
Shilpi Madan for Deccan Herald