Kashmira Pardeshi will be seen in 'Nartanasala' as Naga Shaurya's heroine. Ahead of its release on August 30, the actress talks about her role, how she landed the project, knowing theatre and dance, and more.

Tell us about your background and how you got this film.

I am from Pune. I did a course in Mumbai's NIFT. During my stint there in Mumbai, I used to do modelling for commercials, etc. I got interested in theatre. I went to a workshop during that time. It was a life-changing, brilliant experience. I then got interested in acting. I used to give auditions for films. But it's 'Nartanasala' that I liked the most. The director took my Navrasa audition (Krodha, Sringar, etc). He liked my performance, especially Sringar and Bhaya emotions which I am very good at. They took my Navrasa audition because there are different moods in the story.

I had got offers even during college days. But I couldn't do them because attendance was very strict. I couldn't take up long-term projects.

What did you like the most about working on 'Nartanasala'?

The people and the energy was so good. When you are in a different land with a different language, you would like to work with such people.

Do you watch Telugu movies?

In Pune and other places in my state, people watch a lot of Telugu movies. Language is not a barrier. Telugu movies are about lots of emotions. One moment it's a fight, another moment it's a sentimental scene, so on and so forth. I like Allu Arjun sir's movies. He is solid with all his performance. I also love Mahesh Babu sir's movies, and Chiranjeevi sir's work.

What's your role in 'Nartanasala'?

I will be seen in a simple girl's role in the movie. She gets in trouble because of her caring and giving nature. She doesn't fight for anything. She is calm and innocent. She finds strength in her love. She is scared and when she starts loving the hero, she derives strength.

When I met director sir, he was so involved in the script and his characters. The script was like his baby. I loved to be a part of his project. It was backed up with the passion of Naga Shaurya's parents (producers). Even if I don't know the language, it felt very familiar and I felt I can do so.

How was it working with Naga Shaurya?

I had no idea about the technicalities of the camera. He is the one who taught me as to how to face the camera, lights etc. These things one doesn't know in the theatre. In films, you have to show emotions in the most minimal way. He would take care of everything from my costumes to other things. Only if you are comfortable with costumes, you can perform well. He is a decent and quiet guy. In the beginning, we didn't talk much. As we got to know, we started having small conversations.

Do you understand Telugu?

I can understand little bit of Telugu. I am still learning. I can't speak fluently as yet. I have a friend here. I like understanding and speaking. Mugging up is not nice. My mother tongue is Marathi. I know Hindi, English and little German. I am learning Tamil, too. I am doing GV Prakash and Siddharth in Tamil.

Do you know dancing?

I started learning Kathak from the age of 6. I like classical songs. I have done Latin American, hip-hop, too. But my base is Kathak. That's how I developed an interest in acting because in Kathak there is the aspect of Abhinaya.