Vandita and Anu Kapoor during The Shaukeens shoot
Multi-facetted actress Vandita Shrivastava…has worked in projects of noted filmmakers-producers such as Vishal Bhardwaj and Aamir Khan. Bagging roles in critically acclaimed “Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mann Dola” and Reema Kagti’s “Talaash” offered Vandita the perfect springboard to make a mark in the film industry, which is desperately looking for impactful performers. And now she played a cameo in the just released ‘The Shaukeens’ which had impactful actors (Anupam Kher, Anu Kapoor and Piyush Mishra) and an even more impactful producer (Akshay Kumar). Imagine rejecting three of the most talented actors in Bollywood – that is exactly what Vandita did in a role. The scene is significant in the plot because its aftermath propels the protagonists to take a decision to leave India and head to greener pastures abroad in Mauritius to pursue their aspirations. Excerpts from an interview with Vandita…
Vandita strikes a pose
How did you land this role?
The casting director of The Shaukeens, Indu Sharma, had liked my photographs and called me up to test me for another role initially, however later she asked me to audition for a more prominent role of an escort. I gave the audition and landed this role.
Vandita sets her goals high with the city of dreams behind her
Why did you take it up?
I have always wanted to work with great actors like Anuji and Anupamji, and when i got to know the scene i was to be part of, i instantly said yes. It was a very brief role, but i was more than happy to be a part of a fun film like The Shaukeens with great actors and a director like Abhishek Sharma. I would be more than happy to work with all of them again in future. I was a part of a film with my favourites Akshay Kumar, Anu Kapoor and Anupam Kher. What more could i ask for!
Vandita’s retro ode to the yesteryears
What were your experiences during the shoot?
We shot this scene at Madh Island and had a great time during the shoot. It was a night sequence. Director Abhishek Sharma is a very chilled out person and fun to work with and we had a great team. He made the shoot enjoyable.
Vandita is happiness personified
What happened with Anuji, Anupamji and Piyushji?
The scene was shot with all 3 actors Anuji, Anupamji and Piyushji. My main interaction during the shoot was with Anuji. Apart from being one of the most versatile and celebrated actors that we have ever had, he is also a very down to earth and spirited person. He made us feel very comfortable during the shoot as it wasnt easy for us to shoot with three senior actors. He was very accommodating and patient and has a great sense of humour and would make us laugh during the shoot! Anupamji is super talented and everyones all time favourite actor, but unfortunately i did not get a chance to interact with him during the shoot. Piyushji is a lovely person and apart from being a great actor, i am a bigger fan of the amazing singer that he is!
Vandita gets real – away from the reel world
How many days was the shoot?
It was a brief role and we completed the shoot within one day.
Vandita aspires to make the capital of Bollywood her stage
When will my time to bask in the glory come? asks Vandita
Brief bio and profile of Vandita
“And my destination… makes it worth the while… Pushing through the darkness… still another mile… I believe in angels… something good in everything I see… I have a dream… A song to sing… To help me cope with anything…” Guided by these words posted on her Facebook profile, this MBA turned model, actress, anchor in the Indian Film, TV & Advertising Industry as well as an Event Planner & Artist Manager is carving her own niche in tinsel town. Meet the enigmatic Vandita Shrivastava… who has done Movies, Short Films, Print Ads, TVCs, Catalogue shoots, Runway et al.
. Endowed with a plethora of expressions, Vandita is in the mould of intense actresses that set the screen on fire with their histrionics. Her look, feel and persona transforms with each character or get-up and makes her stand out in in a world wherever wants to look the same! And yet her slim and slender frame (inspite of being a gourmet) is the kind of personality that many mainstream actresses crave for! The daughter of an armed forces official, Vandita brings a diligent discipline to her performance even though she doesn’t claim to be a method actor. She claims that the camera sets her free to explore a world beyond boundaries wherein her creativity transcends the divide between real life and reel life! Don’t be surprised if she suddenly leaves Mumbai city to accompany hardcore admirers of the fastest racer bikers during the India Bike Week 2014. Her portfolio also includes “Chal Picchur Banate Hain” but Vandita ardently believes that her best is yet to come! Unlike others who deploy multiple performances to define their body of work, Vandita is looking for one high impactful performance that will etch her mark in the sands of time. And she believes that it is just around the corner… The vivacious Vandita has featured in several Print Ads – Davidoff cool water perfume, Axis Bank, Lakme Fashion week (Worked for designers – Sumit Dasgupta, Sayantan Sarkar, Devarun, Amalraj Sengupta, Nupur Kanoi), Stylekandy.com, Marvel Tea and catalogues for Davidoff perfumes amongst others. Charismatic Vandita has also done several catalogues / Reference shoots / Concept shoots – Usha Maheshwari sarees & kurtis/Tunics, several other prints for sarees, western outfits, Footwear, Jeans, T-Shirts, Shirts.