I'm connecting to my Indian roots: Ayesha Kapur

You're known for your role in Black even though it was many years ago. Since then how do you think you've transformed as an actor?
An actor never stops doubting himself/herself. I have been through a stage in Black where everyone was like you're amazing, which is crazy because I was just an ordinary kid. Somehow you have to be really protected so that you don't think too much of yourself. And luckily I had that and I was able to keep to myself which I think is very important for an actor. An actor needs to be himself/herself o be able to portray any character. I went through Sikander. I went through boarding school, I was acting there. And just because people at times may not say you've done an amazing job... I think either way, it's important to know who you are as a person. I've been able to keep grounded and not become completely downhearted when people were like you're not doing this perfectly. I've been through that entire journey and now I'm here and meeting lots of people. Things are going really well. I am really excited to start working with Yash Raj.

Are you in touch with Sanjay Leela Bhansali since the film?
I met him once, just recently. I went to his office. It was really funny. It was like deja vu. He looked exactly the same as I remembered. The whole time during Black, that entire experience, I can remember it so vividly because it was an important time in my life. Even though I was so young it is very clear in my head. All the people, the experiences and the moments. When I met him I felt like I was a little kid again walking into his office to meet him. It was very nice.

Have you seen any of his latest films?
I have seen Ram Leela, I really liked it. I liked both Deepika (Padukone) and Ranveer (Singh). They are very talented.

So even though you have been away from the camera you have been following films.
Of course, that's my job. I have an excuse to sit and watch films.

You're going to be next seen in Paani?
It is not confirmed yet. They're looking at a couple of different projects. I can't reveal more about the three-film deal with YRF. It will be announced soon. I think Yash Raj will know exactly where to guide me. I have been training. I have been working on dancing, working on acting. I learnt Hindi for about a year. I didn't know a single word but slowly I was able to pick it up. I think an actor should never stop training.

Any of the newer crop of male actors that you would like to work with?
There are a lot. I really like Ranbir Kapoor. In fact, he is the one who trained me when I was a kid, he was an assistant director on Black. So I had a lot of interactions with him. He's very effortless, a great actor. I like Aditya Roy Kapur, Sushant Singh Rajput. I'm really open to working with all of them.

As an actress are you looking for different roles or are you open to commercial ones?
I want to be versatile. Naturally, Black was that kind of film, it was put in a certain genre. But I'm really open to everything. Acting is my passion. I would like to do films that have meaning, something that has a greater impact. But I'd be happy to do a romantic comedy or a Bollywood commercial film.

Is acting your first love?
Everyone asks me that. But I love both acting and designing accessories. I can't put one in front of the other. I would love to do Bollywood movies for a long time. Initially I got into NYU and was supposed to study there but I deferred it by a year and then decided it was a time in my life when I'm meant to be here and focus on my career. I can always study later.

Ayesha Accessories is four years old, any plans to expand it further?
We are expanding within our accessories collection. Like our bags range was very limited and now we have more options. We launched a pearl collection inspired by the TV show Two Broke Girls.We have a boys collection which is unique. The brand is affordable, it's fun, it's funky. It's about being able to buy 10 pieces of jewellery where in another store you might buy one. It's for the young at heart.

Where do you look for inspiration?
I'm inspired all the time by stuff off the streets of Tokyo. I love street shopping. Also, young and upcoming designers who no one knows about. I'm inspired by people around me. Being observant is important.

Have you thought of doing a traditional Indian line?
I'm connecting to my Indian roots more now that I'm living in Mumbai. But I don't know if I understand it that well yet. It makes sense that the brand has a mix of Indian and Western influences since that's what I am.