Actor Malavika Mohanan is set to take Bollywood by the horns

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