First Khasi Bollywood actress talks about her experience of sharing
platform with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan
By Daiaphira Kharsati
SHILLONG: The transition from singing to acting may not come easy to all but for Andrea Tariang, a singer/songwriter by profession, who bagged a Bollywood role in the Amitabh Bachchan starrer “Pink”, singing and acting go hand in hand.
Tariang is known by the music fraternity as the singer who along with Shepherd Najiar formed Lavender Groove.
Tariang, who is currently in Mumbai shooting for the movie, is the daughter of noted musician Rudy Wallang, member of the acclaimed blues band-Soulmate.
In a conversation over the phone with The Shillong Times the singer, who plays ‘her self’ in the movie, revealed her experience while shooting for the film and the opportunity of sharing platform with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan.
She, however, underlined that for her, “Music will always be the first love while acting was something new.”
She was also all praise for Bachchan, who, she said was calm and made the cast of the movie feel comfortable.
“He is so passionate about what he does and can get into the character as an actor,” she said about Bachchan.
Commenting on Director Shoojit Sircar, she said, “He is so amazing; the shooting schedule finishes way before time. He knows what he wants and he tells me what to do.”
For the actors to get acquainted with the skills of acting, she and other members underwent a three months’ workshop.
The Bollywood experience was very exciting and nerve wrecking for the Shillong-based singer.
She said, “I am shy when it comes to watching my own videos. I hope it will turn out to be good and people will respond positively.”
On asking her about her dream role, she laughed and said, “I haven’t thought about it.”
Speaking about the movie, she hoped it will turn out to be good and said, “It has a very interesting story and a powerful message.”
Reacting to a query on the post film experience, she said, “I am very nervous coming back home and how I’m going to react and it will be overwhelming.”
However, she revealed that she is yet to get the feel of signing autographs, “Signing autographs is something new to me. Selfie is fine though.”
On asking what she missed most during her stay outside, she said, “I missed my family and it took some time for me to adapt to Mumbai. I am missing everything about Shillong.”
When she is not shooting, she gets back to her first love- singing; fans of Lavender Groove will not be disappointed as she hinted at some upcoming gigs.
In her message to the youth, she urged them to explore and experience.
“There are lots of people here who are looking for North Eastern boys and girls and there are many offers, they should come out of their comfort zone and give their best shot.”