Beauty pageant is just a platform

After representing Perth as a finalist for a beauty pageant, Alisha Farrer made her way to Indian television and also bagged the couple of films in Bollywood. In a chat with DC, Alisha reveals about her not so smooth journey to Hindi film industry and more.

As you are from a non-film background, how difficult was it for you to make it to Bollywood?

Back home, things were very systematic, your agency get calls and they send you for auditions and you get paid for your hard work. I had lot of trouble in running here and there in India. Out here it is very unprofessional and they also don’t pay on time. I still consider myself lucky as I kept getting films and TV shows back-to-back. I landed in India and within a week I got ‘Hotel Beautifool’.

Do you think casting couch happens in Bollywood and have you ever faced it?

Yes, I do believe in it. Couple of months back, I got a call from one of the casting director. I got few lines and then I had to perform a dance. Later, the producer of the film called me and told me that he liked my work but I need to sleep with him, I was shocked and turned down the offer. I told him that my family background doesn’t allow me to do all this.

Can you name him?

It would not be good to reveal his name. He is very renowned producer- director. I don’t want to get surrounded by any kind of controversies.

How did you get Vikram Bhatt’s ‘Love Games’?

The casting team of the film called me over for an audition. Later, Vikram saw my tape and liked my audition. I got a call from them a little later but honestly, I wasn’t expecting a great role. I thought they would consider me for a small role but I got to know that I have a big role.

Who inspired you from the Hindi film industry to enter Indian cinema?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has so much grace and perfection. She inspired me so much to act in films. Katrina Kaif and Nargis Fakshri too inspired me since they both hailed from abroad and made their mark in Bollywood.

Do you think winning beauty pageant made your way little easier to enter Bollwyood?

No, I don’t think so. Beauty pageant is just a platform. It gives exposure but it’s about your hard work you do and luck.