I’ve been running around like a crazy person! Film promotions are such a big deal,” Pernia Qureshi complains to t2. The design entrepreneur — she’s the brain behind Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop, an online haven for the best in fashion — who is trained in dance (Kuchipudi) made her screen debut on Friday with Jaanisaar, a period drama directed by Umrao Jaan man Muzaffar Ali. A t2 chat…

You must be a bundle of nerves…

I haven’t really had the time to think what I am feeling. I guess all those feelings will set in once I am done with all this madness and I have a minute to myself to just relax. I haven’t had that in the last two weeks. It’s a funny state of mind I am in.... Everyone is really enjoying the look of the film. It’s completely different from what has been out there in terms of Bollywood in a long time. I think it’s standing out as quite unique, which is nice. We had a screening for a few dignitaries a few days ago and the response has been great. That’s given a positive energy to the film and set my mind at rest… somewhat.  

What was it like seeing yourself on screen for the first time?

I had seen myself before when I was dubbing for the film. It’s a nice feeling. I am someone who is very comfortable seeing myself on screen. You know how weird or funny some people feel seeing themselves on screen? I have nothing like that. Obviously, I can’t be objective looking at myself. I don’t think that’s possible for anyone. I am always thinking this could have been better… I am very critical of everything.

Also, I guess I didn’t feel so weird seeing myself on screen the first time because I felt like it wasn’t me. You know what I mean? The person who was on screen was Noor and I was sitting in the audience and watching her as Pernia. Because it’s a costume drama… a historical… that girl is unlike anything I am in life. I even changed my voice for this film… I made it lower and a little husky. I got to speak the most beautiful Urdu that has ever rolled out of my tongue (laughs).

You just said this film is unlike anything that’s out there. Was that the primary reason why you chose to debut with it?

My one and only reason to say ‘yes’ to the film was Muzaffar Ali. He asked me if I would do it and I didn’t bother even a moment to ask him what, where, when, how…. I knew that no matter what he does, it’s definitely going to be very, very special. I know how he is as an artist and director and person. That was reason enough for me. And when I read the script and found out what my character was about, it was just the cherry on top… so beautifully written and amazing.

It’s a tough role for a debutante. Did it get overwhelming at any point?

No, I really enjoyed it. All the training… the whole process… everything that I had to go through to prepare to play Noor was really enjoyable. That’s why it’s so important to love what you do because even if it’s tough and takes a lot of hard work, you don’t feel it. The dance training was tough, but I had the time of my life going through the grind because that’s what I enjoy. Even the martial arts or the Urdu… every aspect was a lot of fun. I never felt: ‘Oh god, this is too much!’ I was just so thrilled I was getting to do so much.

For you as a designer and a dancer, was acting always the next logical step?

It happened very organically. I was pursuing my dance career and Muzaffar Sir had seen me dance several times. He came to me with the film, I didn’t approach him. Because I have been a huge movie buff and a dancer all my life, acting as a career option was something that was there in my subconscious, but I never acted on it. I think god just heard my inner voice and gave me this film.

Sonam Kapoor is your closest friend. Has there been any advice from her?

She knows that no matter what, I always give my best to what I do. She’s been very positive with her feedback to the promo and the songs and she knows that I love anything that has to do with dance. All my friends have been very supportive and they can’t wait to watch Jaanisaar. They have promised me that they will go and watch it within the first weekend.

So will films be a priority now?

I really don’t know. Dance is my first love… Pernia's Pop-Up Shop will always be a passion. I guess I will straddle along everything, putting my best into everything I do. Everyone who knows me knows that I can multi-task. Every time I talk to my friends, it’s always like: ‘Guess what I am doing now?’ I will just do everything, I guess. That’s how I am (smiles).

Will Pernia make a mark as an actress? Tell t2@abp.in