After a role that let her explore “women’s rights”, Nyra Banerjee, who was naive and shy in her childhood, is primed for much, much more. The Mumbai-based stunner who opted for the bold role of Simran Raisingh, the wife of the protagonist in One Night Stand, is also armed with the enriching experience of having worked as an assistant director in Emraan Hashmi’s Azhar. Excerpts from a conversation...
How were you like in school?
I was the cute girl, naive and shy. I was also popular for my dancing and singing skills. Everybody loved it!
What piqued your interest to take up the role of Simran Raisingh in One Night Stand?
I’m awestruck and proud that a lot of content-oriented films are being made and accepted by the audience. I had always wanted to be part of a film about women’s rights. Since One Night Stand deals with gender equality, I thought it would be a good start.
How was it working with Sunny Leone? Would you consider taking up challenging roles like her?
She’s sweet, down to earth and a nurturing co-star. Honestly, I have not seen all her films. But I like facing challenges. Only a challenge can give me the push to perform better and work harder.
How was the experience of working as an assistant director (AD) for Emraan Hashmi’s Azhar.
Fantabulous! I was always eager to know more about continuity sheets, edits and the constant pressures which I keep hearing about from my AD friends. I got an opportunity to closely observe how senior actors like Emraan Hashmi and Kunal Roy Kapoor flesh out their unique characters. It was such a great platform to learn.
So, actor or AD? Which works better?
My work as an actor was draining but limited to 15-20 days. Azhar is closer to my heart because I was a part of it throughout.
To her own tune
Being a trained dancer and singer, the leggy lass would love to be a star singer!