Adah Sharma: I am a complete outsider, but I still have a big audience that supports me unconditionally – Exclusive – Times of India
You hail from a family where your father was a captain in the merchant navy and your mother was a classical dancer. How did you get decided to choose acting as a career?
I have no idea, to be honest. I suspect I was possessed then, maybe because I have no rational data to support why I would suddenly want to get into movies. I used to do theatre and do plays and all that in school. I was a good student who topped the class. Ideally, I should have studied and gotten into architecture. I was keen on joining the circus because I thought the trapeze was exciting to do and I would get to hang with elephants all day. I am getting to do both now and also act, so life is good!
What was the reaction of your parents when you told them you wanted to pursue acting?
My mom took me to the ashram for a week to show me how wonderful life could be there. My dad told me I should study and make our family proud, but other than that, they were supportive, though they would have preferred if I dedicated my life to finding a cure for cancer.
You made an unconventional debut in Bollywood with ‘1920’. What were your thoughts at the time?
I am a very intuitive person. When I was offered the role, I was certain I wanted to take it because it was unique. My parents have always allowed me to be different. I have never been ridiculed for doing things differently. So if I were to debut, it would have to be something unique. Black teeth and scary eyes seemed the best! Also, getting a role that gives me scope for that level of performance in my first film, I thought it was the best nightmare ever.
You have featured in several iconic films, including, ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’, ‘Commando 2’ and ‘Bypass Road’ among others. Which one is closest to your heart and why?
It would have to be ‘1920’ because that was my debut in Hindi and ‘Heart Attack’ because that was my Telugu debut. I think the debuts will always be a little more special than all other films, just because they are your firsts.
You have often spoken about your love for action films. What are your thoughts on female-centric action films in Bollywood?
I am doing three action films currently, so let’s hope there’s scope for them. Only time will tell, but I have high hopes. People loved Bhavana Reddy in ‘Commando’.
You have been in films down South, where it is still about celebrating machoism. What is your take on female actors taking centre-stage and not being just eye candy? Do you see that happening?
I have actually been in films in the South that had the heroine in a prominent role, a role as important as the male protagonist’s. I debuted in ‘Heart Attack’ and did ‘Kshanam’ which had the female actors definitely not as eye candies. I can’t predict the future, but I think we are in good times where films are being made all over India with great roles for women. It would be lovely if roles were written without keeping gender in mind.
Have you ever felt your success was hindered due to the ‘first move advantage’ or sense of entitlement felt by actors who come from film families – as opposed to someone like you who is a complete outsider?
I try to destroy any feeling that makes me feel self-pity for not being from a film family, because that means that I don’t respect the womb I was born in. I feel huge levels of gratitude that I am a complete outsider but still have a really large audience that supports me unconditionally. Every time I try to do something experimental, they keep their hearts and minds open. I am very lucky!
What has been your biggest learning over the years?
The industry tries very hard to change you and make you a replica of someone else who has been successful. My understanding is that you don’t have to thin your eyebrows. Leave them thick, wear them with confidence, and then everyone will want bushy eyebrows. Be you. Being kind never goes out of fashion.
As a public figure, a lot of stuff gets written about you. Do you ever go online and read about yourself?
Yes, I read about myself. Getting misquoted after repeatedly, clearly saying something would sometimes irk me. Now I am amused at how a quote can be twisted.
How do you deal with negative comments?
You know, even on a post on Instagram, I never delete a negative comment because under that comment there will be 100 comments from people who will be defending me. I read those and feel so touched, and then the negative comments seem exactly like my performance in ‘Pathaan’ (laughs).
When you are not acting in films, what is it that you love to do?
I like talking to birds, playing the flute, walking on water and ironing.
You will next be seen in ‘Commando 4’ with Vidyut Jammwal. Do you both bond over your shared love for martial arts and fitness?
Yes, we do share our love for fitness, but we mostly bond over larger things in the spectrum, like electromagnetic waves, gravity and God.
From all the actors you have worked with so far, who has been an absolute delight?
I did one Kannada film opposite Puneeth Rajkumar. He was such a lovely, kind person to all the people around him, like his fans and people on set. I felt that’s the kind of person I want to be—someone who can spread joy and entertain people.
What else does 2023 have in store for Adah?
I have ‘The Kerala Story’, which is based on true events, coming up. There is ‘Commando 4’ as well. Then another film called ‘The Game Of Girgit’. In Hindi, these are the three projects I have. There are two more that I am currently shooting for. They will be announced soon. The one that I am shooting for right now, we are using these crazy prosthetics. I am very excited. Lastly, there are two Telugu films and an international project in the pipeline.
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