JOIN USActor Sonnalli Seygall, known for her role in ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’, was in town recently for the inauguration of the art show ‘The Space Between’.
The model-turned-actor talks to Chetana Divya Vasudev about her foodie side, what perks her up when she’s feeling low and how she has fond memories of the city she’s visiting after six years.
Your association with Bengaluru...
I last came in 2010, and I remember it was the first week of August for the Bangalore Fashion Week. That’s when I got the call for my first film ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’. So I guess Bengaluru was lucky for me last time. I hope it will be this time too.
How did acting actually happen to you?
It was a natural progression for me; it wasn’t something I had actually planned. Every since I was young, I wanted to be ‘Miss India’, which I was. When I moved to Mumbai and started doing ads, I discovered that I wanted to be in front of the camera more than (I wanted to) walk the ramp. Then I auditioned for ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’ and got the part. I fell in love with acting after I started acting.
It has been six years since you forayed into the world of cinema. What has the journey been like?
I’ve had a lot of high points, some low points. The low points drive you to the higher ones. Six years, three films — I’m very happy but not content. I have been blessed to have been part of a franchise so early on in my career. I definitely don’t have any complaints. But I’m not a Mumbai girl, so every day, making a new life for myself away from my family has been a journey, a beautiful one in that.
What do you do in your free time?
Watch films. I’m just stuck to my bed, watching films, watching Netflix, with my two babies (dogs) Boundy and Candy by my side. And I love to eat.
What kinds of food do you like?
Anything. Here, I had something with three ‘Bs’, Bisi Bele Bath, is it? It was yummy.
And before I set out to Bengaluru, I had tweeted asking what I should try. I heard the biryani and thali here are great.
Your favourite film...
That’s a toughie, there are so many... In Hindi, it’s ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ and ‘Rockstar’. In English, it’s ‘Closer’.
Actors you look up to...
Everybody. From the new ones to the old ones and the ones who aren’t there anymore. I believe that whoever is wherever has some reason to be there. They all have a journey and I can take something away from them.
Inspiration...
It has always been my mother, but inspiration is not limited one person or thing.
Sometimes, I feel I’m an inspiration to me. When I’m down and out, I have to remind myself that I’m living the things that I once dreamt of.
On a bad day, is there something that will definitely turn it around?
Yeah, two things. One is a workout — going for a run or some physical activity. Another is spending time with my mom and my dogs.
Sonnalli Seygall
Actor Sonnalli Seygall made her debut with the 2011 release ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’, directed by Luv Ranjan. She has also been part of its sequel ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2’ and the rom-com ‘Wedding Pullav’. Prior to her stint with acting, she has walked the runway at many prestigious events and was ‘Miss India’.