Naila Grrewal is back as Ananya Shroff in Maamla Legal Hai Season 2, and she is overwhelmed with the love the show is already receiving. The actress, who began her career with a brief stint in Tamasha, believes that every yes has shaped her identity as an actor. In an exclusive chat with mid-day, Naila opens up about the second season, recalls working with Ranbir Kapoor, and seemingly speaks about the inherent sexism existing in the industry.
Naila on Maamla Legal Hai Season 2
The actress asserts she is excited for Season 2 as it breaks from the clutter of psychological thrillers and actioners ruling OTT and big screens. “This is that one show that you can sit with your family. You can easily watch it while having a meal or just, like, wanting to watch something light and exciting and fun and relevant.”
She has been among those actors who choose quality work rather than quantity. Revealing the real reason behind it, Naila avers, “I`ve realized that every yes shapes your identity as an actor. While I feel like when you come from the outside, it`s not like you have a hundred options to choose from. Every day is a challenge.”
Naila on working with Ranbir Kapoor in Tamasha
Naila Grewal has reflected on her experience working on Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha, calling it one of the most eye-opening moments of her early journey in films. Working alongside Ranbir, she realized how an actor needs to be self-aware, as every expression is captured on set. “The shock that I got was just the lack of awareness that I had as a person. You know, I realized over time as an actor, especially for films, because every little twitch of your face, every impression is captured on that camera. You have to be very self-aware.”
Recalling her experience opposite Ranbir Kapoor, Naila admitted she was struck by his immense talent and effortless command over his craft. She praised his ability to seamlessly get in and out of character. She added, “Ranbir Kapoor was and still is my favorite. It was a very starry feeling for me to be seeing him live in front of me, and the fact that I could actually talk to him was quite a surreal feeling. Like there`s another level of honesty in his eyes when he performs. It`s just the kind of intensity in his eyes that has stayed with me till this day. I feel like that`s something that I`ve really learned from him.”
The film also starred Deepika Padukone. While the Ishq Vishk Rebound actress didn’t interact with her much, she admires her quality of being able to be so individualistic and not losing her voice.
She also seemingly highlighted the sexism existing in the industry, noting how Anubhav Sinha’s Thappad was a set where she felt heard. “That was the first time where I felt like, as an actor, I was also allowed to voice my opinion in terms of the character I was playing. Before that, it was always that, Naila, this is your job, you have to do this. But Thappad was the first film where Anubhav Sinha was giving the women who were in his film the kind of space to explore as a woman.”
Naila on self-doubt
Naila Grewal opened up about dealing with self-doubt as she navigates her journey in the film industry, sharing how external pressures and negativity can often make artists question themselves. “I also have faced a lot of that. I feel the only thing that has really helped me, personally, is the fact that my family has been very supportive. Because a lot of times you can feel very kind of alone, that no one understands what you`re going through.”
Naila on losing 12th Fail
The actor also reflected on missing out on a casting opportunity for 12th Fail, admitting she regretted not responding to the casting call. “It was such a good film. So I did really beat myself up for not responding to that casting inquiry repeatedly that I received as well. I was doing something else and I don`t know, I just missed out. But the thing is that I also started believing big time in destiny. So definitely it was the perfect casting, ultimately.”
