DESTINY'S WILD CHILD

ALAYA F CAUGHT IN A CONVERSATION WITH JITESH PILLAAI

- JITESH PILLAAI

Alaya F talks nineteen-to-the-dozen and her enthusiasm is infectious. She's Pooja Bedi's daughter and Kabir Bedi and Protima Bedi's granddaughter and she's a firecracker just like them. You can talk to her all day and not get bored. And she's informed and articulate. Her opinions have come from life and not books. She's a sorted individual and this wisdom has come from living independently and taking onus for her actions. Despite her connections, she feels she isn't a nepo-kid. In fact, she has just returned from a screen test and feels she has flunked it. She loves the process of testing, of preparing for a role and has learnt to take failures in her stride. Her love for preparation extends to relationships. Listening to her sort herself out feels like a therapy session. Excerpts from an engaging chat with the actress who is still finding herself at the movies...

You’ve moved out of your house. What’s the fun part of staying independent?

The fun part of staying independent is thriving on the challenges and responsibilities that come with it. My independence is something I’ve always cherished. I’ve always had a sense of control and autonomy, which I deeply enjoy, even if it means facing more responsibilities.

When you were in New York, your mother had moved to Goa, right?

When I returned from New York, my mother had not yet moved to Goa. However, after I became financially independent, I moved out, and my mother, who had then relocated to Goa, was upset. I pointed out that she no longer lived at home either. We now spend time together when she visits my place, which has become a place to chill for everyone.

Were you a rebellious child, always clashing with your parents?