Dreams Come True Jhataleka Malhotra

Jhataleka Malhotra, the first runner-up of Femina Miss India 2014 recently made her Bollywood debut with the film Tuesdays and Fridays, produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and T-Series. For the young actress, it was a dream come true and she believes that it happened because her mother always told her a famous quote by Walt Disney that she abided by throughout her life, which says, ‘If you can dream it, you can do it.’ While the promising debutant has impressed all with her acting prowess and is enjoying all the appreciation, TMM asks her the experience of working under the perfectionist and how the beauty pageant changed her life.

It is often said that beauty pageants change your life. What changes did Femina Miss India bring in your life?

Well for me, I wouldn’t call it a change. It was more like me stepping into adulthood and being independent. I was only 18 and it was only after Miss India that I stepped out into the world of pursuing my dreams and aspirations for the very first time all by myself. I felt like suddenly I was not my parent’s little girl but an independent woman navigating her way through it all.

You recently made your debut in Bollywood with Tuesdays and Fridays. Was acting always on the card?

It is the only thing that has ever been on my mind and with a passion. I’ve never had a plan B. Pageants and everything came later. Acting came first and still continues to be. I have lived to act and this is all surreal and exciting to me. I consider myself fortunate and blessed to not only have won the pageant but also to be able to pursue my passion and make that my career, it truly is a gift that I am grateful for.

Tell us about the first-day experience of shooting for the film.