When did you first discover that you wanted to become an actress? “When I was very young, perhaps in school but I never told anyone. When I did, dad did all he could to dissuade me. I persuaded him for months and finally he relented. He did a photo shoot with me and was surprised how comfortable I was in front of the camera. “And what was his reaction when he saw you on the big screen? “Oh my God, I don’t think I will ever forget that day. He accompanied me for the screening and as soon as the lights went out dad started a running commentary. According to him everything about me was wrong. I was so offended that I just walked off. “
Year: 2004. Two years have passed and Antara Mali has done five more films – an assertive voyager in Road, a victim in Darna Mana Hain, a villager in Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon, aconfidante in Gayab and a choreographer in Naach. Are you happy with the way your career is moving? Antara smiles, “I’ll say life has proved more beautiful than I had imagined. Every morning, I wake up with a rejuvenated energy, unsure and excited of what has to unfold for me, I’m happy, life is thrilling!” What about the unpleasant memories? “Yes, there are many because my past is a part of my present. If I can change anything about myself, I would like to be less intense, too much anxiety is not good for health”.