"We all struggle in our own way… but I never had to sit at home without work"- Parul Gulati

She has been in over 70 ads, is a beauty by all standards and definitely has the talent to back up her looks. IAD finds out from model and actor Parul Gulati about her roller-coaster ride in this industry
 
What are your memories of the first print/tv ad you ever did?
My first TVC was for a car, Chevrolet Beat. I still remember it was a night shoot in Mumbai and the script demanded that I wear a Christmas cap and distribute gifts to the poor and needy on the road. I was damn excited but also a bit nervous as it was my first commercial and that’s why it shall always bring back fond memories and it will be that way for lifetime.

 
How did you get into modelling/acting?
Acting to me happened by fluke over a social media networking site where an agency spotted me and I moved to Mumbai and there has been no looking back ever since. But somewhere deep down I always knew that I am born to be famous. Also my family has been very supportive towards whatever I have chosen to do and my mum especially is someone who motivates me to work hard each day to achieve my dreams.

 
Any movies on the horizon?
Yes I have done two films up North and I am very proud of them as those are in my mother tongue i.e. Punjabi and the next one is on the verge of releasing. I am starring opposite rap star Yo Yo Honey Singh in it. I am really looking forward for its release. Also I am in no rush as I am only 22 years old and want to do quality work; it might take a little more time than it usually takes but I know my destination. I have done more than 70 television commercials till date out of which 6 of them are still on air on all the leading Channels. So I would not like to limit myself to any language and genre; having said that I do understand that Hindi films have a wider audience and I definitely see myself catering to that audience in the near future but I’m very sure that my debut will have to be worth the wait.
 

 
 
Among all the big stars you have worked with-Dharmendra, Virat Kohli, Anurag Kashyap-who’s been an absolute pleasure working with?
They all have been so graceful and down to earth! Dharam Ji, initially I thought would be very intimidating but he was cool and we both are Punjabi so we started chatting in our mother tongue and broke the ice immediately. Even with Anurag Kashyap, the first impression was that he is such a serious film maker and will be intense but again he was really chilled and a fun person to hang with. It’s really funny that during the shoot with Virat, we hardly spoke to each other but later I was introduced to him by a common friend and that’s when he actually registered that we have worked together. It’s been almost two years since we shot together, but if I may take the privilege to say that he is one of the most humble and grounded celebrity I’ve known till date.

 
 

 
 
How difficult is it to make it in this industry?
We all struggle in our own way but god has been really kind in the sense that I have never had to sit at home without work and my craft has always kept me engrossed. But yes it’s not a cake walk either. One goes through a roller coaster ride being in the industry; there are many highs that one can achieve but also enough lows one goes through to balance it backed by the unpredictability of the profession.

 
 
Is it a constant pressure to look good?
Yes, always but fortunately we today also have enough support staff which is well equipped to take care of us in that department. People who are educated in the field of grooming individuals, whether its hair, make-up or clothes, we have professionals running the show and they all excel in their respective jobs and come together to create this larger than life persona for us actors.
 
What’s the best stress buster for you?
Best stress buster for me is running or a long drive all by myself.

 
You goal in 5 years?
I have just started out but hopefully I shall find my calling as an actor and will be able to portray  characters which have an everlasting impression in the minds of audience and at the same time I hope I will be remembered as someone who was a game changer.

Follow Parul Gulati on: Twitter, Instagram, http://www.parulgulati.in/, Facebook