Fans of Shah Rukh Khan must have definitely watched the movie Fan. Do you remember the girl who played SRK’s assistant in the movie? Well, its hard to recall, because not only was that four years ago, it was also a forgettable role. But, little did we know back then that, that dusky assistant would be seen sharing screen space with another big name, Ayushmann Khurrana, just a few years down the line. That too in an unforgettable role. If you have already watched Article 15, you know who I’m talking about. If not, please go watch the movie, more for her than for the lead actor, because she is just as good as he is! When you see her, you may also recall her as Chitra from Baar Baar Dekho.
Sayani Gupta is the name behind the above mentioned roles, and people who follow Indian web series, may also know her as Damini Rizvi Roy from Four More Shots Please on Amazon Prime Video. But, apart from these roles, do we know anything about this dusky beauty and her foray into Bollywood? Let’s find out here today!
A method actor
She essayed the role of a blind Pakistani gay activist named Khanum in ‘Margarita, With a Straw’ opposite Kalki Koechlin. To perfect her acting in this character, she would pretend to be blind all day on sets and try to complete as many activities as she could on set, with a blindfold around her eyes.
Unconventional choices as an actor
If you look at Sayani Gupta’s filmography, you will see roles ranging from the urban girl to the rural girl. Her choice of characters she portrays is truly unconventional and off beat, not to mention quite diversified too. This only goes to prove her range and mettle as an actor. For those who may be unaware, her noteworthy works include Margarita With A Straw, Parched, Fan, Jolly LLB 2, The Hungry and now even Article 15.
No filmy family background but strong passion and training
Sayani Gupta doesn’t have any Godfathers or relatives in the film industry. She got where she is today, only through her passion and a strong dramatics background. She studied at the reputed Film and Television Institute of India in Pune and also worked with Atul Kumar’s Company Theatre in Mumbai.
Other projects outside Bollywood
Sayani has played major roles in 3 different Indian web series including Inside Edge, Kaushiki and Four More Shots Please. In an interview, she said, “I have been refusing Bollywood offers for lack of time. Jolly LLB 2 was my last film but I have not had the time to breathe. I was doing Inside Edge 2, Four More Shots 1. I did two films last year – Kaushiki and a British series in Sri Lanka, which was for ITV. Then, I did short films and a travel show in Cannes. I want to work internationally and that is my focus. Last year, I did a film called Axion with Sa Re Ga Ma, which is a one-actor film.”
As for her future, going by her choices and career growth so far, we can be sure of great things to come up from this dark beauty with brains!
Do you know more about Sayani Gupat’s personal or professional life? Are you a fan of her work? Do let us know in the comments!