You recently finished shooting for the multi-starrer film Kalank’ releasing in April this year, which is a period drama rumoured to be set in Old Delhi during the Partition. What was the most challenging aspect of your role in the film?

Because it’s a period drama, it takes you to an era you have never experienced. It was a challenging role in ways I can’t reveal now. Fortunately, my director was extremely clear from the first day, what he required of me, and the team on the whole was great as well, so things became way easier than they should have been.

Which actresses of the yesteryears do you admire, and why?

The one and only Sridevi ji. Her body of work, her personality and the range she had as an actor, I think are reasons enough for millions of people to admire her; and I’m just one of them.

If you had to play one role from the past, what would it be and how would you attempt it? 

Rekha ji’s role in Khoon Bhari Maang, Sri ji’s role in Chaalbaaz, Kareena Kapoor’s role in Jab We Met, and Kangana Ranaut’s role in Queen, is what I would’ve loved to do as an actor. Such strong protagonists and amazing films they turned out to be! They all delivered so beautifully and if I ever got the chance, I would love to do it my way.

You were nominated for two awards for your action-oriented female lead in the film Akira. How was your experience? 

It was a surreal experience. For the first time, I was experiencing what my heroes experience. I was not a part of choreographed dance numbers, but a part of choreographed action sequences. Not only did I love shooting for the film, but I also enjoyed training in MMA (mixed martial arts) before and during the shoot. When you learn a specific skill and apply it to a role, it just becomes really special.

With Kalank being one of the many films you have done with Karan Johar, what directors would you like to work within the coming years?

The list is endless since there are so many of them doing such great work. But recently, I watched Simba and I am really looking forward to working with Rohit Shetty. I’ve been waiting to work with Vikramaditya Motwane ever since Lootera was released. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Imtiaz Ali, Sriram Raghavan are also directors I would love to work with.

Hollywood stars were on the red carpet dressed in black in an effort to make a statement against sexual harassment. What stand do you take as a professional in this space?

I feel women should feel secure in their work environment and I am a strong supporter of that. That is a basic right of every woman. I also believe women should make themselves strong enough so that they don’t need to depend on anyone to be taken care of. It’s great that women have finally found their voice when it comes to a matter that has been suppressed for so many years.

Social media has become the messenger between the inaccessible stars and the masses that dote on them. Every fashion choice one makes has become a major part of an actor’s brand identity. What is your take on fashion and beauty?

Fashion is always changing and I love experimenting with my looks. Social media is where I can share my personal as well as professional style with people who care about that sort of thing. That’s where the applause comes in, and so does the criticism and I appreciate both. I like to learn from my mistakes and I believe I’ve made enough to finally come into my own when it comes to fashion. 

You were a costume designer before you made your debut in acting. What was the epiphany-laden moment that led you to study fashion, and what made you switch later?

I was good at sketching, so decided to veer that skill in a particular direction which is why I studied fashion designing back in college. I never intentionally made the switch to acting because it was never on my radar. That decision was made for me by Salman Khan, who always encouraged me to act. The rest is history.

Many youngsters now want to pursue a creative career rather than a 9 to 5 job. What positive changes have you seen in the creative industry, whether films or fashion, since your entrance?

There’s never an end to being creative so if there are more people steering towards that, I think it’s amazing! Films and fashion show constant change with time; every day there are new challenges, new situations and every day you need new ideas. It’s limitless.

Between hectic schedules and the hustle-bustle of the city, what keeps you at peace and positive throughout your work? 

My family and friends is a strong pillar in my life, who keep me grounded and sane always, as I try to keep up with the hectic schedules. Apart from family, travel, music and art, are my go-to stress busters.

Lately, you have become heavily involved in fitness. Did you ever struggle with weight, or how people perceived you? 

Growing up I have always struggled with being overweight, which is why when I started acting. I have promoted body positivity and being comfortable in your own skin. Yes, I have lately been more conscious about my own fitness and that’s only because I wanted to, and not for any other reason. Fitness is a very personal matter and should only be done for the right reasons, which is health and happiness. 

It is hard to imagine you as a shy bride whenever that role comes to life in your movies. Even in orthodox settings, you come with a ‘don’t-mess’ attitude. What traits from those characters can inspire girls to step into their role as soon-to-be brides?

I will be the bride who will dance the most at her wedding…far from the shy bride. That’s one day that I’ve looked forward to all my life and when it happens I’m going to enjoy it the most! 

If you had to play the bold and rebellious bride of the millennial century, how would you dress her and what would be her personality? 

I would dress her in something comfortable. These heavy and overbearing lehengas that weigh more than you, are not my cup of tea at all. It pains me to see some brides crumbling under the weight of their outfits on their d-day. 

Share three favourite destinations, outfits, and the ultimate X-factor you would add to a wedding if you were planning it.

Maldives, Bali, or a fort in Europe. I am not sure of the X-factor, but I always wanted a small wedding with my closest people, somewhere far away, on a beach.

People are moving from traditional to modern ways of thinking in all respects. Even the Indian bride is not who she used to be. What do you love about the bride from the past and her modern counterpart now? 

I love the fact that brides are being a part of the wedding much more than they used to be earlier. Many of my friends have got married recently and I love the fact that each one has taken matters in their own hands. They have been involved in all the planning and enjoyed themselves while doing it.

What is the recipe that would make a man perfect marriage material for you? 

Honesty, humour and humility are my recipe for marriage material. It has to be someone I can be myself with, have endless conversations with and go on adventures with!

How does the Sinha household celebrate weddings? Tell us one unforgettable memory you have of them.

I think the most unforgettable one was my brother Kush’s wedding. It was huge and it was fun. But it was also the opposite of what I want. 

India loves the wedding season, especially celebrity weddings that created a buzz last year. What would you like to see as the biggest wedding trend this time around?

I think the biggest wedding trend I want to see is each and every wedding not getting reviewed and judged like it’s a movie! Everyone has the right to do things their way, and they should! 

What is the next big thing you’re planning in your life?

I’m not much of a planner. I’ve understood the best things that have happened to me have always been unplanned, so I go with the flow. This year has lots of things in store for me! I have four releases this year and I am super excited about each one of them.