Evelyn Sharma: Be yourself! Be your best version! There never will be any competition

Tell us about your journey…

A lot has happened in my life in the last 10 years and I have been lucky enough to achieve all that I have worked for: from building my career in Bollywood to starting my non-profit organisation ‘Seams For Dreams’ to being able to give back to the society. It has been a roller-coaster ride to say the least!

You debuted in Hollywood. Why did you choose to join Bollywood?

I have always wanted to experience and discover my Indian roots. When I got the chance to model and travel in India, I just jumped on the plane! Getting into Bollywood was never the plan. But I was discovered and was approached for films through a TV commercial just one month after my arrival! I got the chance to be a part of amazing films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Jab Harry Met Sejal, and Saaho, and got to work with amazing people. Ishqedarriyaan was the movie where I got to play a small-town girl from Himachal and that really connected me to my Indian roots!

What are the differences between Hollywood and Bollywood?

Same thing, different language.

You started off with modelling. What are the differences between fashion and the film world?

I feel that the fashion industry and the film world are interconnected. Both divisions consist of artists that work in their own creative way. Inspirations for both can be derived from places one would not often think of.

How would you rate Bollywood as far as fashion is concerned?

India is known for its various weaving methods and crafts that have been carried out for centuries. As far as fashion is concerned, I think we have some of the best artisans and designers in the world working in the film industry. However, a lot more could be done on the sustainability front in India. Working across the globe, I have seen large well-kept warehouses for the reuse of costumes that are not only used for extras or small scale films, but especially for blockbuster movies and for TV, daily shows, news, soaps, web series and more. I think we could be way more cost-efficient and eco-friendly.

How is fashion relevant to the Indian society where many people lack basic things of life?

We live in a society where there is a vast difference in the lifestyle of people. On one side, there are people who feel like they never have enough clothes. They spend lakhs of Rupees on a couple of beautiful new lehengas and suits for every wedding invite they receive. And on the other side, there are people struggling each day to find a T-shirt to sleep in. Meanwhile, the clothing industry causes an insane amount of pollution and waste, consumes our valuable drinking water and other precious resources, and inflicts its workers with horrible illnesses. I think it’s time we stop closing our eyes and face the ugly truth.

What projects are you working on?

I have a couple of projects lined up for 2020. You know there’s always plenty of work in the entertainment field! But I leave it to my producers to make the big announcements.

How did you come into acting and what motivates you?

I was discovered in a TV commercial for Parachute Body Lotion when I just reached India in 2010! From there, one thing followed the other. Modelling is a fantastic stepping stone into the film industry. The most important thing I’ve learned throughout my journey is to stay true to yourself! There are many people who dream of a career that someone else has already had. Be yourself. Be your own best version! There’ll never be any competition for you.

When did you have some difficulty in playing a character?

I think the most challenging role I have done until now is playing Jennifer in Saaho. It is my first action film and it took me a lot of practice and patience to perfect my role. The blazing desert heat of Abu Dhabi didn’t make car chases and action stunts any easier. But I’m super satisfied with my performance and I’d love to do an action role again. I always love a good challenge.

If not an actor, what will you be?

I’m making a plan to save the world.

What will you say to people who are struggling in the industry?

Patience. There is no such thing as instant success. Everything needs to be well thought through and planned long in advance. If you want long-term success in any industry, you have to think of business, not fame.