Actress Paanie Kashyap has made her acting debut opposite Karan Hariharan (son of singer Hariharan) in the film Pyaar Hai Toh Hai. The movie is directed by Pradeep R K Chaudhary and was released on 20 October.
Previously, she acted in the short film Dwand (2020) and featured in Vikram Montrase’s song Sajna (2022) while she was a casting associate for the film Gun Pe Done (2019) that starred Jimmy Shergill.
In an exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Paanie talks about her dream debut in films and much more.
From being a television host to theatre and now full debut, how challenging is it to shoot for a full-fledged feature film?
It is challenging! Being a lead actor in a full-fledged film is challenging because it comes with a great deal of responsibility. You have to follow the arc and graph of your character throughout the film and develop it carefully. However, in cinema, scenes are often edited out in the final cut, which can suddenly change the trajectory of your character. Therefore, you have to maintain your character’s arc and shape it well till the end, which can be quite challenging.
How does it feel to make your debut in Pyaar Hai Toh Hai?
This is like a dream come true in a real sense. This is the moment I have been waiting for my whole life, to become a lead actor in a mainstream Hindi film and that too in the most favourite genre of mine i.e love story. I have prepared all my life to begin a journey as beautiful as this and now that it has happened, it also brings lots of responsibilities. At this moment when I look back on the life journey, I can connect the dots that experience as to how the years of hard work, sincerity and consistency shaped Paanie Kashyap.
Coming from a small town and then seeing yourself on the big screen with hoardings, what does it feel like?
It is euphoric! My sister once shared that I have always envisioned and dreamed of your hoardings gracing the streets of Mumbai. I feel that vision has finally materialized. The dream that we jointly conceived has become a reality, and it feels surreal. It still feels unbelievable and dreamlike.
Did you get any advice from people in the industry while you were about to make your debut?
Several of my successful friends in the industry have advised me to stay grounded and take things one step at a time. They remind me that there is always something more to learn from those who have achieved success. I never underestimate myself or my abilities, and I continue to work hard every day. The producer of the film also guides and supports me, helping me to perceive things positively and constructively. He has advised me to keep flying, as this is a journey.
What kinds of roles do you want to play?
I aspire to play roles that resonate with audiences and inspire them. I yearn to explore diverse genres and complex characters that will challenge me as an actor and push me to grow. Apart from the kind of roles, I really look forward to working with good directors who can project a particular character in an appropriate and balanced way. I hope and pray that they find that kind of potential in me and cast me in their films.
What do you like the most about your character Nimmo?
She’s very straightforward and honest and speaks her heart out. She doesn’t hold any tenants in her heart and is very true to herself.
