Shy hearts, strong bonds

Manasi Parekh opens up about her journey from shy beginnings to a successful marriage and thriving careers with Parthiv

- ta Raheja

The year 2024 saw a number of acting debuts, but the one debut that left an indelible mark not just on the Indian audience but abroad as well was that of Nitanshi Goel with Laapataa Ladies. In the film, she played the inimitable Phool Kumari, who won over the hearts of the audience with her innocence. In an exclusive chat with The Free Press Journal, Nitanshi opens up on filming Laapataa Ladies, its selection by India for the Oscars 2025, upcoming projects, and more. Excerpts:

Q. How was this year for you?

A. I am very thankful and very grateful. I poured my heart into this role. I believed so much in Phool and the film. I was just hoping that it gets all the love from the audience. But when it's actually getting so much love, it's a surreal feeling. When Laapataa Ladies was announced as India's official release to the Oscars 2025, I couldn't stop smiling and dancing!

Q. What was the brief given to you by Kiran Rao for Laapataa Ladies?

A. She used to call me her 'instinctive actor' and sometimes, her 'one-take artist'. She would ask me to do whatever I felt like in the moment while shooting for a particular scene. Half of the time she would not even cut the shot because she would know I'd do something more, which was not in the script. The scene in the film where Phool breaks down inside the public toilet at the railway station was completely improvised. I told Kiran ma'am that Phool is vulnerable and I believe she should cry. She asked me to follow my gut, and that I did. And after we shot that scene, everyone was crying and clapping!

Q. What's your most memorable moments from the sets of Laapataa Ladies?