The cutest part is that both my grandparents have tried to adapt to my dream. When I sat them down and showed them a film that I did - with an intimate scene in it - I was surprised that their reaction wasn't dramatic. My grandmother even came to me to ask, 'How do you do it?'
My nana was strict and didn't express a lot, so naturally, I was scared of him. I would even get the usual 'strict-father' scolding if I didn't study or stick to my curfew.
I wanted to act and do good work with good people. I wanted to be a part of good content. That was my only ambition. So I made the most of the opportunities that came to me.
I look at the Internet as an opportunity. I think you should do your stuff, and if you want to showcase it, it's a great platform. What people like and don't like is not in your control, so just have fun with it.
I spent the most impressionable years of my life with my grandparents, and they meant a lot to me, which is why I wanted them to come around with my decision of acting.
'The Cup' song did give a huge push, and after that, a lot of Internet happened. In the meantime, I was auditioning for many things, and 'Karwan' happened.
It was intimidating to work with Irrfan Khan and Dulquer Salmaan, not because they made me feel intimidated, but more out of respect and awe; they are both extremely gifted artistes.
My grandfather is my biggest fashion critic. He takes a keen interest in the millennial fashion, most of which he disapproves of, but he is a very practical fashion critic.
I speak for myself... I am here to tell stories. I'm here to be an actor and not a superstar. If, in the process, that ends up happening, great. But that's not my endgoal.
While I was doing the first season of 'Girl In The City,' a lot of people remembered me through my character name. None of them knew my real name, and my onscreen name, Meera, became my identity.
It was my dream to start my creative journey with a Marathi play, but sadly nothing materialised. So, I took up some good English plays that were offered to me.
Initially, it took me time to realise that I am sharing screen space with Irrfan Khan. But when I started working with him, a lot of times I would end up laughing in a scene.
I have never been to an acting school, and on the sets of 'Karwaan,' Irrfan was my acting school. By observing him, I learnt to improvise in the scenes along with focusing on the smallest of the details.
I always knew that I wanted to be an actor. I made my debut on stage when I was 12, and I was sure that this is what made me happy. However, nobody takes a 12-year-old's career choice seriously. Everybody laughed it off. I also ran away from it, but acting eventually found me.
I shop once in six months. My friends often point at my shoes to tell me that they've worn out. It's embarrassing, but it doesn't affect me too much. I shop when I have to.