She made a mark as Anil Kapoor’s kidnapped daughter in the TV series 24 and as a journalist in an ad for Galaxy chocolates with Arjun Rampal. This Friday, London girl Sapna Pabbi makes her Bolly debut in the erotic thriller Khamoshiyan as Meera, a femme fatale with a secret.

How did you make the journey from 24 to Khamoshiyan?

I owe all my success to 24… all my offers have come post my role in 24. This film actually came to me through my director Karan Darra who happened to see me in 24 when he was in hospital with dengue and would watch TV all day long! That’s when he decided that he wanted me in his film. 

It all sounds so simple…

It was very simple, trust me. I had just come back from home in London and was supposed to fly to Bhopal for the next 50 days to shoot my film Satra Ko Shaadi Hai (co-starring Barun Sobti) and the agency that represents me asked me to go for a meeting with Vishesh Films. When I met Karan, I was excited when I realised that Karan already knew I was his Meera, even before I had given a single audition! The Bhatts (who have produced Khamoshiyan, along with Fox Star Studios), till date, have had more hits than flops. It’s a great feeling to be supported and showcased by them. It’s a great zone to be in. 

Was there any apprehension about debuting in the role of a woman with many shades of grey?

The role is pretty fantastic, ya. Meera has such a dynamic personality that if you meet her in life, you will never forget her. The chance to play such a character is amazing. If you are asking about the bold scenes, there was really no apprehension because all the bold scenes contribute to the story and when you watch the film you will realise that the scenes are more emotional than they are bold. 

What challenged you the most while playing Meera?

I am nothing like Meera in real life. We started the shoot with a lot of the emotionally heavy scenes. The first few days was just me and then Gurmeet (Choudhary) came into the picture. I struggled a bit in the beginning to get it right and I kept failing. The problem was that I didn’t understand Meera as a character. I constantly kept thinking: ‘Why does she do this? Why does she behave like that?’ I had to construct her without identifying with her in any way. I just didn’t get her. Till Karan came up to me and shook me and scolded me a wee bit (smiles). I started crying and I felt like my guts had broken down completely. I just kept crying the whole day on set! Thankfully, it was an emotional scene, so the crying didn’t matter (laughs). By the end of the day, I had got Meera. In fact, it became so much a part of me, that I had a tough time shutting out Meera when I would go back home everyday. 

Did you have an equation with your co-stars Gurmeet Choudhary and Ali Fazal before Khamoshiyan? 

We have mutual friends, but never knew each other. But we connected well in the workshops that we attended just before the first schedule. These guys are the best co-stars I could have got for my first film. I am probably more comfortable with these two guys now than I am with anybody else in my life! (Laughs)

How have your friends and family reacted to the promos?

All my family is in London. My mom and dad are hearing the buzz about the film, but they won’t be here for the release. I hope for my next film I can get them down.  
 
And what about Team 24?

Anil Sir (Kapoor) will wait for the film to release and tell me what he thinks only when he meets me in person! (Laughs) He will tell me straight on my face, whatever he thinks! I am very keen to show the film to my 24 director Abhinay sir (Deo). He’s like my first Papa in Bollywood! (Laughs) Whatever I know of acting is only because of 24.