Just when you thought they don’t make ’em like they used to, there’s Malavika Mohanan (24). Come on, look at that gaze! Sultry with a hint of old-school razzmatazz, the Mumbai-based actor will star opposite Ishaan Khatter, Shahid Kapoor’s younger brother, in Iranian auteur Majid Majidi’s Hindi film debut, Beyond The Clouds, out this month. We get a little cosy with the girl (who gave up advertising—good call!) on the verge of superstardom.
Breakout moment:
“I never thought I’d land the role, but Majidi sir loved my audition in January last year. I met him the next day, in character, with clothes and make-up. Later, he said he saw his Tara [the character] in me.”
Currently obsessing over:
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Big Little Lies. Both the shows have such powerful female protagonists.”
A character she identifies with:
“The Bride from Kill Bill (2003); you need to fight your own battles.”
JOMO or FOMO:
“FOMO. Even when I’m having fun, I’m thinking about other things that I’m missing out on. It’s ridiculous.”
The feminist in her:
“I never give up, I will push, fight, patiently wait, and strive to better things myself till I get what I want.”
Goals:
“Working with Wong Kar-wai. And to go back in time to shoot with Satyajit Ray.”
Photograph: Manasi Sawant
Styling: Sujala Newar
Hair and make-up: Mehak Oberoi
Assisted by: Jui Chitaliya (Styling)
Location courtesy: Istituto Marangoni, Mumbai
