Amid claims of nepotism and star kids getting big launch pads, Aisha Sharma got her first big role through the age-old way — auditions. Sister of actress Neha Sharma and daughter of Bhagalpur’s sitting Congress MLA, Ajeet Sharma, Aisha will make her debut opposite John Abraham in Satyameva Jayate. She spoke to The Woods about her journey. Excerpts:

The Woods: You are debuting in an action film. Usually actresses would prefer romantic films where they have more to do.

Aisha Sharma: Right projects happen at the right time. I believe there could not have been a better debut. My introduction scene is a monologue, not a glamorous scene... The idea was to wait for the right film and keep auditioning.

My most conscious decision was that I have to start with the right film that works at the box office. That is very important. Because if your film works, everything works.

You could have it easier considering your sister has been an actress...

I am Neha’s sister, but I don’t feel like an insider because she is not in a position where she can make films happen. The only way you can get a film is through auditions. Whatever I have got so far, including the ad campaigns, have been through auditions. If you don’t get it, keep doing it till you get a job.

So, Neha is no godmother to you?

My sister cannot pull any strings whatsoever. It is not she is Salman Khan and can make calls. I wish she could do that, but she cannot. In fact, I used to audition and go home and our favourite topic of discussion would be “mujhe aaj phir nahi mila”.

Who was the first person to know that you got a film?

Neha! I told her that I got a film. And she was like, “finally!” I was thrilled.

There were reports that you were approached for Judwaa 2. You were also to do Namaste England.

I never auditioned for Judwaa 2. I was not approached. Since there was curiosity around it, someone 
made a news out of it. 

The only film I was supposed to do before this was Namaste England opposite Akshay Kumar. But that project fell through. Akshay sir is not doing the film. I want to set the record straight with this.  

Now that you are in films, does Neha offer a lot of advice?

Your sister will always try to help. In my family everyone tries to offer advice. Neha is protective. The only advice she has given me is to not let success get to your head and failure to your heart.

The two of you will be compared. You have some similarities too.

That’s natural. Something that I love about Neha is her voice because it is so different on screen.  It is a big compliment when people say our voices match, and some people say so.n Your father is a politician. 

Did you ever give thought to enter politics instead?

Politics is my father’s passion. It is not my passion at all. Our family believes in letting every one do what they enjoy doing. Politics is not even discussed at home.