Ahsaas Channa, the popular child actress that we encountered in many big screen movies such as Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Phoonk, My friend Ganesha, Vastu Shastra etc has now all grown up and dreams of being a top actress in Bollywood. Ahsaas has constantly been engaged with her career in acting through episodic appearances in daily soaps and advertisements but is majorly known for her role in one of the most appreciated movies in Bollywood.
1. When did you actually start acting in your life?
I was 4 years old when I started acting. I was a very active, dramatic to say, so my mom’s friend who was into the casting of ads noticed this and asked my mom to click pictures of me and give her. Then my mom did that and this is how I got my first ad and it all started back then.
2. Which is the best experience till date in your acting career?
Well, I think it should be when I was shooting for ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’ in New York, along with big stars like Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee, Preeti Zinta, Abhishek Bachchan. During the shoot, there was a football scene that I did and Shahrukh sir was impressed and everyone clapped for me on the set. Other than that I think every time somebody especially when my director appreciates my work is the best thing in my life.
3. What were the pros and cons as a child actor for you in the industry?
I don’t think there were any disadvantages as a child actor for me,
I was always pampered and did what I loved and enjoyed. So, there were only advantages for me. I think I had an advantage of starting at an early age with few connections in the industry which took away the major struggling part from my life.
4. Describe the ‘Telly industry and Bollywood’ respectively in your own terms?
Both are great!! Obviously, they both are different and unique in their own ways. I cannot say much about telly specifically because there are not any daily soaps that I’ve done, finite series and episodes are something I can speak about. I think tv is more stressful because it has to be finished in a limited time whereas movies are shot more composedly. Also, I feel people tend to forget the tv shows and their work and movies are always remembered no matter what.
5. Who has been your mentor and biggest support throughout your journey?
My mother, she’s the only person I look out to, whom I go for advice and guidance. I cannot take a step ahead without her encouragement. She has always been supportive in whatever I did and shall do in near future. It was her first step which brought me to the industry with the major opportunities I got and will get in future.
6. How has life changed after the recognition you started getting?
I think it never changed because I’ve always been doing this work. I have always been recognized, worked and known as an actor.I think the fame we get is exhilarating and addiction. I love this and will want this to continue forever.
7. What kind of work do you want to do now?
Now I want to get into Bollywood and become a heroine. I want to work with big directors and production houses like Karan Johar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Yash Raj Production, Phantom, Sajid Nadiadwala, Imtiaz Ali, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Basu, Anurag Kashyap. I am working hard and hoping my best to make it to my goal.
8. Who is the best co-actor from the people you have worked with and why?
Shahrukh sir and Rani Mukherjee mam!! They both are very nice human being and very down to earth. Even after being the top actors today both are grounded and humble to everybody. I got to learn so much from them and they were so caring and nice towards me on the sets of the shoot.
9. What will be your advice for the struggling youth outside the industry?
All I will say is believe in yourself and never quit. One should always work hard and be prepared for rejections and failures when you pass it all through you will definitely make it. Also, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. If you have the talent and urge to do acting you will always reach your goal.
