Bhubaneswar: Odisha audience who would have seen Rohit Shetty’s latest blockbuster ‘Simmba’ released today, must have surely jumped at the sight of Cuttack girl Supriya Roy who plays the leading lady Sara Ali Khan’s friend in the movie.
Landing the small but significant role was a surreal moment for the Probashi Bengali girl who has grown up in Cuttack. “Working under such a huge banner is nothing less than a dream come true for me. I have only done ad films so far and a Tamil movie, ‘Paiyya’, so this was a big leap,” she said.
“I was crowned Miss Odisha in 2006 and was offered a lot of Odia movies but my family didn’t approve. I got married and moved to Bengaluru. I had a child, completed my MBA and got a job at ITC. My husband is very supportive. When I told him about my dream of acting, he encouraged me to go ahead,” she said. Supriya moved to Mumbai in 2016 and appeared in several ads, including Colgate, Kalyan Jewellers, Clinic Plus and more.
Then she met Casting Director, Gaurav Shah at one of the auditions. He asked her if she is interested in doing the role. “He asked me to send some photographs. I sent a few normal ones and was called for the audition the next day at Rohit Shetty’s studio. I was supposed to be dressed in a kurta and a Patiala salwar and was asked to speak a few lines,” she said.
Two days later, she was informed that she had got the role. She was selected among the 125 girls auditioned, so she believes luck plays an important role.
Speaking about her experience, she said it was terrific. “While Ranveer Singh is a hyperactive and energetic person who keeps everyone on their toes, Sara is a simple girl. They are both very humble and they would spend time with us click pictures and hug us. It was really warm,” she expressed.
As for, Rohit Shetty, he is a person who likes strict disciplines, she said. “He observes everyone and does not like anyone loitering around. The best thing about Rohit sir is that he makes sure everyone gets a good share of on-screen presence. He tries to adjust everyone and no matter how small the role, it is given equal importance. We all felt important and that was really good,” she added.
Her character, Supriya said, is a bit loud compared to how she is real life. “She is chirpy, friendly and speaks her mind.”
Supriya is taking back tons of good memories and a lot of good friends from the movie. “We shot the movie in Goa, Mumbai and Hyderabad, from June to October last week and the hospitality was amazing. I have never seen that before anywhere,” she said.
Supriya has earlier hosted an Antakshri show ‘Jhoom Tananana’ in Cuttack. It has been a long journey of about 12-13 years, she said. “It has been good so far with little steps all the while. I keep hoping for more. Several doors open for you when you receive appreciation even amidst all the ups and downs,” she said.
Her next big project is a Web Series titled ‘Verdict’ and she is looking forward to acting in Odia and Bengali movies.
