'The role was cathartic'
Priyanka Singh

Spontaneity and raw energy best describe the acting prowess of Koel Purie, daughter of India Today’s editor Aroon Purie. Though only two films old, this spunky actor knows where she is headed. From a slot on Doordarshan-II that may have escaped the attention of critics to tele-series for the BBC and HBO and, finally, to Bollywood, she has come a long way. Excerpts from an interview:

I was just out of college when I was offered a talk show. My first reaction was how boring. I then came up with the concept of a show where women spanning three generations express their views on varied subjects. I produced the show, besides acting in it. I would also rewrite the script. After about a year, I felt sapped and pulled out to join the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), London.

I was in London when Rahul Bose approached me for the film. I was in the second year of my course in RADA and we weren’t allowed to act out of the academy so I completed my course and signed the film.

The title is a term in physics but in the film it is used as a metaphor to signify the turbulences in the life of the characters. It is autobiographical in parts and draws on the experiences of Vinta Nanda, the director. I play Gauri Khanna, a self-destructive television writer who takes to drinking in a major way after a tumultuous relationship with a married man. I have gone through a similar crisis in my life — emotionally not situationally — and Vinta perhaps zeroed in on me after sensing my pain. It was a challenging role, as it was cathartic.

Most definitely I would be doing the commercial number. I’ve been besotted by Bollywood potboilers. I’ve signed two Hindi films. One being Mahesh Bhatt’s Nazar and the other is a comedy, Dil Deke Dekho. I want to strike a balance between English and Hindi films.

My parents have been supportive to say the very least. My mother has seen my debut film umpteen number of times. Amused, the cinema hall manager would say "Aap phir aagaye, ma’am!"

My father would see my plays in London and I would be embarrassed to see him sitting in the front row getting all moist-eyed. My dad has urged his friends to see White Noise.

A bit of both I guess but I do feel that other than talent, sometimes the knack of marketing your image to your advantage takes you places. Endurance is another asset, as is the ability to sense a good opportunity and learning the ropes. One can be hugely talented but it would come to nothing if one fails to project oneself at the forum where it counts.

I love to dance. None of the classical stuff though. I read a lot of scripts but I like to catch up on some books, mostly fiction, whenever I can.

As of now, none whatsoever but I can’t be sure of tomorrow. I am living out my dream and so is my father. He has given me wings and has always let me be.