Pallavi Sharda, a powerhouse actress, shares her journey from a suburban Melbourne upbringing to leading a Bollywood movie. She discusses facing racism, navigating Bollywood as a foreigner, and the search for belonging. The podcast explores cultural identity, academic success, and the challenges of the entertainment industry. A creative brainstorming session for an 'imperfect' movie plot adds a fun twist to the conversation.
Pallavi Sharda overcame racism and pursued Bollywood success in India, breaking barriers for Australian women.
Me Too movement prompted Pallavi to seek safer global acting opportunities, highlighting industry challenges.
Transition from Bollywood to UK, Australia, and US signified quest for diverse, inclusive creative spaces for growth.
Deep dives
Navigating Identity and Struggles in the Film Industry
The journey of entering Bollywood as an actor was rife with challenges and complexities. Growing up in multicultural Australia, the speaker, a woman of Indian descent, embarked on a path to pursue her dream of being a Bollywood actress. However, she encountered various obstacles like colorism and expectations of physical appearance. Struggling to balance authenticity with industry demands, she faced pressure to conform while preserving her identity and agency. The experience highlighted the skewed power dynamics, exploitation, and the need to navigate multiple lanes of privilege and opportunity.
Me Too Movement and Impact on the Speaker's Career
The Me Too movement and its repercussions in India marked a turning point for the speaker, prompting reflections on safety and agency in the film industry. The movement exposed pervasive issues of harassment, power dynamics, and compromised autonomy within the entertainment sector. The speaker's decision to shift focus from Bollywood to global opportunities stemmed from a desire for a safer and more supportive environment to pursue her acting career. It emphasized the importance of reevaluating personal boundaries and navigating a changing landscape of gender dynamics and workplace culture.
Journey from Bollywood to Global Film Markets
Transitioning from the Bollywood industry to opportunities in the UK, Australia, and the US, the speaker embarked on a new chapter in her acting career. The move symbolized a shift towards exploring diverse and inclusive environments for creative expression. While reminiscing about the grandeur of Bollywood sets and the allure of dancing, the decision to diversify locations reflected a quest for professional growth and safety in the pursuit of artistic endeavors. It underscored the significance of seeking supportive and inclusive spaces for artistic development and fulfillment.
Embracing Multifaceted Identity Amidst Industry Realities
Amidst the complexities of the film industry and personal struggles, the speaker navigated the nuances of identity, representation, and resilience. Balancing cultural heritage, societal expectations, and artistic ambitions, she grappled with the dichotomies of privilege, authenticity, and opportunity. The journey underscored the challenges of preserving individuality while operating in structures influenced by power dynamics, gender biases, and industry norms. It highlighted a profound exploration of self amidst a shifting landscape of artistic and personal growth.
Navigating Dual Cultural Identity
The podcast delves into the complexities of navigating a dual cultural identity, focusing on the challenges and reflections of individuals with multicultural backgrounds. The speaker shares a personal journey of reconciling heritage, societal expectations, and familial influences, highlighting the internal struggle of belonging and authenticity. This introspection prompts a deeper exploration of cultural pride, privilege, and the impact of societal perceptions on individual identity.
Embracing and Owning Cultural Heritage
The conversation evolves to emphasize the significance of embracing and owning one's cultural heritage, despite internal conflicts or external pressures. The narrative shifts towards a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, acknowledging the value of cultural roots and familial connections. The dialogue encourages introspection on the privilege of cultural identity, the evolution of pride, and the importance of authentically engaging with one's heritage.
What would you do if a teacher said you couldn’t achieve your dreams because your hair and skin colour weren’t acceptable?
When this became Pallavi Sharda’s reality she moved to India by herself and became the first Australian women to lead a Bollywood movie
In this episode we meet Pallavi Sharda, a powerhouse actress, who grew up in Taylors Lakes, a suburban area in Melbourne’s west, who went on to not only clock Bollywood, but see tremendous success on screens in Australia, the UK and the US.
Pallavi is a VERY impressive person, but she grew up believing that she needed to be exceptional in order to have value in Australia. From living with racism as a second generation immigrant, to navigating Bollywood as a foreigner, Pallavi has been on a search for belonging, carving out a place in the world for herself & all future generations of ‘multi-hyphenated’ Australians.
To listen to the Audible Original podcast, Sleep Sound with Pallavi Sharda**,** follow this link: *https://bit.ly/4bhkeNV*
To watch Pallavi in 'Wedding Season' on Netflix, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3UBUdDh
To watch Pallavi in the Australian series, 'The Twelve', follow this link: https://bit.ly/4dins5j