Mumbai girl in a French film

Life springs surprises. Ask Aarshi Banerjee, a 19-year-old Mumbai youngster, who had started modelling three years ago. A telephone call from her modelling agency has rewritten the script of her professional future. Or, so it seems.

Having played the titular role in Maya, a French film directed by Mia Hansen-Love, the debutant has returned to Mumbai after walking the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival where her film had its world premiere.

Evidently pleased after making her debut, the actress shares, “I had only acted in school plays before this film. Honestly, I had never thought I would be acting professionally. I am so happy that everything has fallen into place. It is just the beginning of my career, and seems like a natural progression.”

It all started after Banerjee got a call from her modelling agency. She was told that director Hansen-Love was scouting for a fresh face for her upcoming film. Auditioning followed, an experience she remembers vividly. “I was both nervous and excited as auditioning for a film was a new thing for me. The requirement was simple though. I did a recording at home in which I spoke about myself. I got a call from the casting director sometime after I sent the recording. She told me that the Mia wanted to meet me.”

The film’s plot revolves around the life of a French war correspondent, who fails to bring his life back on track after his release from captivity in Syria. That is, until he comes across a teenager (Banerjee), who becomes his guide as the story progresses. The actress reflects on her part, “Maya is a shy Indian teenager. At the same time, she is strong and independent. She is a lot like me. In fact, I think the director chose to use my clothes and props from my home to make the experience very real for me.”

Director Hansen-Love’s previous works have been honoured with major awards. Father of My Children won the Special Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. She also won the Silver Bear for Best Director for Things to Come at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival in 2016.

How was the experience of working with such an accomplished director? She replies, “Mia is one of the most talented filmmakers. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my film career.” The director had a specific instruction for Banerjee before shooting began. “She wanted me to be raw in the film and had asked me not to read the script more than once. Besides, I had been advised not to attend any acting class or workshop. Mia took a lot of initiative to guide me. It was like going to an acting school,” she remembers.

A typical teenager who enjoys romantic comedies like Notting Hill and Pretty Woman, the actress considers herself lucky to have a supportive mother, “My mother Ratula Banerjee, who is an actress-turned-textile designer, has always backed me when I have made my professional choices. She was there with me during the shoot.” she says.

Banerjee’s experience in Toronto has been a memorable one. “Being a part of a world premiere felt wonderful. I had a first-hand experience of the positive reaction of audiences. The love they showered on us will remain close to my heart,” she says as she waits for the film’s screening at the BFI London Film Festival next month.

Having started out as an actress, she must have mulled over the kind of films she wants to do. She responds, “I am open to all kinds of films that have good storylines and will enlighten me.” From the sound of what she says, it does seem that she’s got her priorities right.