Amyra Dastur: I have lost parts to star kids

The actress opens up on nepotism in Bollywood, her new web series and what she's been up to amidst the Covid lockdown.

Actress Amyra Dastur, who kicked off her Bollywood career in 2013 alongside Prateik Babbar in the romantic drama Issaq, firmly believes that despite the existence of nepotism in the industry, you have to play the cards you're dealt, and losing a film 'doesn't end your career'.
Amyra, who has worked in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu cinema as well as Jackie Chan starrer Kung Fu Yoga and whose current projects include Saif Ali Khan starrer Tandav and period drama Dongri To Dubai, spoke to City Times about making a mark in Bollywood despite not having a famous surname, and what she's been up to amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

What can you tell us about Tandav? What's it like working with Saif?
I didn't get a chance to share screen space with Saif on Tandav. Season 2 is where my character will unleash herself in the plot of this awesome ensemble show. We finished shooting Season 1 in December 2019 and now I'm yearning to head back to Delhi and get started on Season 2. Tandav revolves around the dark side of politics and the characters are all different shades of grey.

You were first interviewed by us for your debut film Issaq. How has your Bollywood journey been since then?
LOL, it was definitely NOT smooth sailing but I'm so grateful of how far I've come both as an actor and a person. My journey has definitely had more downs than ups but now I definitely feel more secure as I've found the door I needed to unlock to work with some of my favourite directors on some fantastic scripts. Today I can say that I truly understand the meaning of - Nothing Good Comes Fast. I've paced out my career and 2021 is going to prove my standing in the industry.

You started out as a model and then acted in multi-lingual projects. Are you satisfied with your accomplishments?
100%. As an outsider, modelling was the only way to get myself noticed by casting directors. I literally started at the bottom and worked hard to come to the place that I am in today. I still haven't gotten a role without auditioning and I'm glad because it reinstates the confidence I need as an actress.
Every time I'm low or feel sad, I remind myself that I came this far only on my hard work and talent and not because of a last name. That itself is my biggest achievement and is what pushes me to keep bettering myself and my craft.

So many debates on nepotism have sprung up since the tragic death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. As a Bollywood outsider, what are your comments on cliques and gangs in Bollywood. Have you ever faced any rejection or bullying?
Unfortunately, Bollywood is always under the spotlight which is why this debate for some reason only occurs with this industry. Nepotism is prevalent everywhere but the media doesn't cover that.
Yes, I have lost parts to star kids. Yes, I have been denied roles because I don't have a last name attached to me. Yes, people have written me off when my film has flopped. But, that's life. If it was so easy then anyone could be an actor. Losing a film doesn't end your career. Not being liked by big names doesn't end your career.
Quitting on yourself ends your career. I've been rejected countless times by directors but I've also been cast by some amazing directors too. Insider or outsider, doesn't matter to our audience. They liked me and that's why I'm here today. Nepotism is always going to be there no matter how many debates go on, it's all about how you play the cards you've been dealt.

The industry was hit hard by the Covid pandemic but stars kept themselves busy and were extremely active on social media during this time. How did you spend your lockdown time and what are some of the lessons you have learned from this experience?
I worked on my social media. Everything and everyone is going digital and as a person in the entertainment industry, one has to adapt. That's what I did during this lockdown. I upped my social media game and did lots of fun test shoots and workout videos to keep myself busy too. I learnt a lot about myself during this lockdown and I'm more peaceful about who I am. I have become far more grateful for the things I have in my life and realised what I can live without.
I can't wait to get back to work though because I love being on set, but I got the chance to move back in with my mom and dad and really spend some quality time with them which I will always cherish.

What are the other projects you have in hand right now, apart from Tandav. Have you re-started work on them?
There's Dongri To Dubai based on Hussain Saudi's book, a period gangster drama set in Mumbai. We've shot about 30% until the lockdown occurred and we'll be back to shoot for this by the end of November.
I am currently finishing off the last schedule of my Tamil Film Bagheera which stars Prabhudeva. It's a crazy thriller being directed by Adhik Ravichandran.
I have just signed two new projects and will announce them in end October. Tandav season 1 will be releasing on Amazon Prime towards the end of this year or early 2021.
I guess you could say I'm one of the lucky ones whose projects have just halted and are ready to resume unlike some of my friends whose projects have been shelved. I'm extremely grateful for the work I have and this pandemic has truly taught me not to take any project for granted.