Have never met a person like Nagesh Kukunoor, says Shriyam Bhagnani

Shriyam Bhagnani has played small roles in Baaghi 2 (2018) and Batti Gul Meter Chalu (2018). She is now set to play one of the main characters in an upcoming web-series directed by Nagesh Kukunoor.

Though a niece of veteran film producer Vashu Bhagnani and a cousin of actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani, Shriyam has refrained from getting launched by their banner. She learnt acting at the Barry John Acting Studio and then worked behind the camera on some projects, according to her publicist.

Shriyam Bhagnani is delighted to have worked with Kukunoor. “Working with Nagesh sir has been an entirely new experience," she said in a statement. "I have never met a person, let alone a professional, with the kind of clarity and focus Nagesh sir has.

"There is so much to learn and absorb on his sets — from an amazing crew, to the set design, to the script, everything reads out a passion for filmmaking. While I’m yearning to talk about my character, that may just spoil the fun for the viewers of the show.”

Bhagnani added that she had made good use of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown. “I’m continuously reading scripts and have been auditioning throughout the lockdown," she said. "The period gave me time to watch and observe a lot of good films and performances, which I wouldn’t have found time for otherwise. I found time for myself and my family and now I am more than prepared for when god finally says ‘action!’”

Bhagnani also expressed her opinion on the nepotism debate that has been raging in and around the film industry, particularly since the death, purportedly by suicide, of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

“The debate tends to simplify the problem,” the young actress said. “While one understands the different perspectives, it is unfair to generalize about the industry. I feel everybody has their own journeys with their own hurdles and if you are talented, you will always find the right platform. That’s the beauty of 'Bollywood'. Only talent rules here.”