Aaliyah Qureshifondly identified by her stage title ‘Jhalli‘, is a multifaceted artist who seamlessly blends her expertise as an actress, singer, and musician. Rising to fame with her outstanding portrayal of a key member in director Atlee’s blockbuster ‘Young‘ Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aaliyah showcased her versatility and charismatic display screen presence as a part of his lady gang in 2023.
Currently, she is charming audiences within the musical romantic drama ‘Bandish Bandits‘ Season 2. Aaliyah not solely performs the pivotal character Ananya within the musical drama but in addition lends her soulful voice to 2 songs within the sequence. In an unique interview with Etimes, she shared her expertise working with Shah Rukh in her debut undertaking and how your complete crew, together with Deepika Padukone, Nayanthara, Priyamani, Atlee, and extra, helped her enhance her craft.
You carried out two songs and performed musical devices in ‘Bandish Bandits Season 2’. Being a musician your self, how straightforward was it to say sure to this undertaking, and what attracted you to the script?
Very straightforward! Instant sure. I was drawn to the script from the time I watched season 1 itself and was just grateful to get an audition. I was a guitar participant earlier than the present. Learning the piano was at all times intimidating to me, regardless of my efforts, however Bandish Bandits opened up a brand new world by requiring me to be taught it for my character. I now love enjoying piano and discover it so enjoyable and pure! Much greater than earlier than, so I’m grateful I received to be taught a brand new ability.
Your character, Ananya, is being showered with love from audiences. How does it really feel to realize again-to-again success with such efficiency-oriented roles?
I really feel very blessed. A giant heartfelt thanks to everybody who has given Ananya a lot love and associated to her odd however lovable character so deeply. And add Jawan onto that I just really feel just like the luckiest particular person to have the ability to witness these stunning large initiatives.
You made a strong entry into showbiz with Atlee’s Jawan. Could you share the way you ready for the function and what it was like working beneath Atlee’s route?
It was a very new and enjoyable expertise. We ready for it with a bunch of battle coaching and gun coaching earlier than each heist, and I tried to immerse myself into Atlee sir’s world and his imaginative and prescient by watching his earlier movies. He is a visionary and it was cool to see him in motion.
Your performing debut featured stalwarts like Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Nayanthara, and Vijay Sethupathi. What was it like assembly Shah Rukh Khan for the primary time? What are some key classes you took away from him—each as an individual and as an actor?
It was fantastic. He was just as form, humble and humorous as I imagined he’d be. Some key classes I realized from him are firstly, you are by no means too large to be form to individuals and make them really feel particular. Secondly I realized that no matter you consider really out of your coronary heart (with little doubt) you’ll get it. Kind of like his well-known dialogue from Om Shanti Om, “If you want something with pure heart, then the whole universe seems to be conspiring to meet you.” As an actor I realized the ability of just getting out and doing it, and not listening to critics about your failures or your successes however just going out and doing extra. He loves performing, and on the finish of the day he is just nonetheless blissful to have the ability to do that, even after three a long time.
Could you inform us about your expertise working with Nayanthara and Deepika Padukone on the set of ‘Jawan’?
They’re each highly effective and superb girls and it was a blessing to get to see Bollywood’s biggest heroine and the South’s biggest heroine in motion!
In ‘Jawan’, the dynamic girls’s gang added a singular and highly effective assertion to the motion movie. What was it like working alongside a bunch of sturdy feminine performers and seasoned actors like Priyamani?
It was improbable. It’s laborious to even consider them as “seasoned actors” (although they clearly are) as a result of I consider them as associates first. At the tip of the day we have been just girls who liked supporting and hyping up girls, so all of us received alongside rather well. The extra seasoned actors like Sanya (Malhotra), Priyamani and Gigi taught me not just about performing via their performances, but in addition about the best way to be a powerful and form and profitable girl on this trade. To this present day we’ve got a bond due to all of the curler coaster of experiences we have had collectively and all of the consolation and help we have provided one another.
As a newcomer, how do you strategy choosing new initiatives after the huge success of the Shah Rukh Khan starrer? Was there any strain or stress in selecting your subsequent movie?
No. I just do what I need principally.
Who was your biggest inspiration rising up? Did you at all times dream of changing into an actress/singer?
Yes I at all times dreamed of it. I have liked performing and singing since I was sufficiently old to speak. My biggest inspiration, tacky as it sounds, was SRK. With regards to singing it was Whitney Houston and Celine Dion.
Did you face any challenges or struggles whereas attempting to interrupt into the trade? What stored you motivated throughout these robust instances?
Yes, in fact. What stored me motivated was the help of my associates and family members, particularly my actor associates who have been additionally auditioning for issues. I suppose you additionally should develop a thick pores and skin for rejection, as a result of chances are you’ll get rejected from 100 auditions earlier than you get one. It used to actually hassle me however now I do not even get nervous going into auditions. I do suppose it is loads simpler when you get your first function although, as a result of that is like a foot within the door. But the start is tough, for positive.
How did your loved ones react whenever you expressed curiosity on this occupation? Did they totally help your journey?
Yes, they knew I had a knack for it in order that they supported it. At first they wished me to review an instructional occupation and hold that choice open, as a result of they thought I was too sensible to waste it on being an artist (haha!) But then they noticed that even after graduating (with highest honors) I was nonetheless Interested in music and performing in order that they supported me. In that approach Ananya’s character was good for me, as a result of I received to specific either side of my persona, the extremely inventive and the extremely rational.
Could you share particulars about your upcoming initiatives, musical ventures, or something thrilling that is within the pipeline?
I’m in a movie I cannot share any particulars about but. But musically I’m releasing a tune known as “Ishare” with the superb artist Somanshu subsequent month, so look out for Ishare by Somanshu and Jhalli, out quickly!
