Q. You, along with your mother, also own a fashion accessories brand. Could you please talk to us about your latest collection?
A. We have recently launched a “girl power” collection. This collection is all about making a statement with what you wear (fashion with a voice), while at the same time empowering the wearer from within. I personally love this collection because it has a purpose and is not only about looking pretty. Meanwhile, we have also launched some cool summer accessories like our tassel jewellery and a collection of “boho lux” jewellery. Watch out for some awesome posts coming up soon on the Ayesha Accessories blog regarding these new collections.
Q. Where did you derive the inspiration for the designs and the over collection?
A. From the world all around me, from the internet, and from understanding patterns that occur in fashion. Trends are constantly re-emerging. My grandmother, who is super-stylish, keeps giving me particular vintage clothes from the ’60s or the ’70s that I’ve found can be totally relevant even in today’s fashion. It’s all about predicting trends and how they evolve, and also about being extremely observant both on social media and the internet, and also in the real world. Travelling to different parts of the world can also be very helpful (I live in New York now for most of the year).
Q. Your pictures on social media always manage to create a stir. What is your fashion mantra?
A. My fashion mantra is that while it is important to stay on top of trends, always make sure to be comfortable with what you wear no matter what, because that is what is bound to look the best on you.
Q. You were too young when you first got noticed for Black and also went on to win many accolades at that time. How was it handling success at a young age?
A. I was eleven when Black was released, and it definitely was quite shocking to receive a lot of attention from people I did not know (of course I was grateful for the praise, but it was just a big change). However, this mainly occurred in big cities and not in Auroville, which is where I grew up. I am thankful that due to Auroville I could maintain the same lifestyle and continue my education without any major distractions. However, I am also thankful that I got to experience working in Black and was able to discover my passion and work with some extremely talented people at such a young age.
Q. We all know about your adorable bond with Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Has your equation with the duo changed since then?
A. They were incredibly kind and supportive, and I learnt so much from them. After the film shoot was over, I returned to Auroville and did not live in Mumbai, so it was difficult to meet up regularly. However, of course we met after the release of the film and kept in touch now and then.
Q. A lot has been said about the inhuman ways in which a child artiste is treated in the industry. What are your thoughts on the subject since you were a child actor yourself? How was your experience?
A. Thankfully, I never experienced any mistreatment as a child actor. I was lucky to be working with great people and to have a loving mother on set taking care of me at all times.
Q. Any plans to make a “comeback” in the industry and any particular genre/role you are looking forward to? When can we expect that happening?
A. There are no concrete plans at the moment, but I am always open to working on interesting projects. I don’t have any particular genre or role that I prefer, although it would be cool to try out acting in a comedy film since that is something I have not done yet.
Q. Who all (actors/directors) are you looking forward to working with?
A. I would love to work with many people but I particularly want to work with Shekhar Kapur on a project sometime. Furthermore, it would be a dream to work with some of my favourite Hollywood directors like Quentin Tarantino or Steven Spielberg. Regarding Bollywood actors, it would be super cool to work with Ranbir Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, and many other talented actors. From Hollywood, some of my favourite actors that I would love to work with are Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp.
Q. A lot has changed in the acting world in India. Web series are steadily becoming an alternative to saas-bahu dramas. So, if given a chance would you like to be a part of something like that?
A. I completely agree and would totally be interested in something like that, both in Hollywood and Bollywood. I’m totally hooked to Netflix.