In Conversation With State Award Winner Sunmeera Nagesh

In Conversation With State Award Winner Sunmeera Nagesh

Actress Sunmeera Nagesh is riding high on success. Having bagged the best actress award in the recently-announced 29th Odisha State Awards, Sunmeera becomes one of the youngest actresses in Ollywood to have managed this feat for her film ‘Laila O Laila.’. She had debuted as a child actress with the film ‘Sapana Ra Pathe Pathe’ in 2017 at the age of 15. Apart from ‘Laila O Laila’, she was also seen in ‘Lokal Toka Love Chokha’ and ‘Love Express’.

A native of Baripada, Sunmeera is pursuing +2 in Arts stream from MPC Junior College. The 17-year-old actress sat down for an exclusive conversation with MyCityLinks. Excerpts:

Whom Would You Credit For Your Big Win At The State Awards?I would like to thank my entire family, especially my mom. It’s just beyond my expectation. I have only tried to give my best. I am grateful that my audience and jury members appreciated my performance.

Tell Us About Your Debut As A Child Actor.

When I was a kid, my mom used to take me to participate in different children special TV shows like ‘Tuan Tuin’. I was only seven years old when Director Chandi Parija noticed me and gave me the first ever chance to play a small role in the film ‘Suna Chadhei Mo Rupa Chadhei’. I have acted in three other films ‘Akashe ki Ranga Lagila’, ‘Allo Mora Kandhei’ and ‘Sapath’ as a child actor.

What Is The Difference Between Being A Child Actor And A Lead Actress In A Film?

As a child artist, I used to play on the sets in between takes. There was no such seriousness. I would just follow the instructions of the director and have fun in front of the camera. As an adult, it is a lot of responsibility. I gradually learnt what acting really is. I’d credit Susant Mani who brought out the actor in me and Chandi Parija without whom I might not have been here today.

Out of all the characters you have essayed on screen, which is your favourite?I choose a character to play only when I can fall in love with it first. My performance comes in only after I love my character in the film. It is difficult to choose one.

Any Actor Who Inspires You?

I have been inspired by a lot of them. I always pick up their best part and try to improve my acting skills. The list includes Bollywood actors Kangana Ranaut, Deepika Padukone, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Aamir Khan. In Ollywood, it would be Mihir Das, Aparajita and Mahasweta Ray.

If Not An Actor, What Would You Be?

I wanted to pursue a career in administration or opt for higher education.  But now as an actress, I would love to act in a few films with a good subject and a challenging character. Even if the film fails to gather audiences, I don’t mind. But, it needs to be appreciated.

How Do You Manage Your Studies And Acting?

I always believe you can’t put your legs in two different boats at the same time. I never tried to do two things together. I divide my time accordingly. While shooting my focus is only on my acting and when I am studying I don’t think about anything else.

How Has Your Life Changed After Becoming A Celebrity?I continue to maintain a simple lifestyle for which my family teases me at times too. There hasn’t been any major change in my personal life. But, my social life has changed as more people know me now.

Do You Have Any Dream Role?

Any character I find difficult to essay on screen is my dream role. Like the role of Datto played by Kangana Ranaut in ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’.

As A Youngster, What Would You Do To Increase The Viewers For Odia Cinema?

I am still a new face in this industry, so there is not much power in my hand now. But whenever I reach a certain level, I would definitely encourage original scripts.

Any Crazy Fan You Have Come Across?

I once came across a social media post where someone made a tattoo of my name on his hand. I met him later at a shoot. I felt blessed to get so much love from my audience.`

What’s Your View On New Mediums Of Entertainment Like YouTube? Would You Like To Act In Any Daily Soap On TV?Any medium that helps you show your talent to people is obviously useful and should be used. I feel daily soaps are being made on similar concepts pan-India. Whenever I get any out-of-box script, I will definitely do it, whether for big screen, TV or YouTube.

Who Is Your Acting Guru?

I feel the whole world is my Guru. If you can observe life and learn from it, you can be an excellent actor.

What Is Your Fitness Mantra?

I used to believe that for a healthy body, one needs to have a proper diet and workout. But now I have come to believe that fitness is all about your inner happiness. Pure soul and pure mind are the two real mantras of fitness.