Reena Aggarwal: An actor’s life isn’t easy

Talented actress Reena Aggarwal always enjoyed watching movies in childhood and was massively impacted by cinema, but only realised she loved being in front of a camera after landing her first television role.

This love for acting has since driven her to take on popular projects on film and television in diverse languages, including a winning turn as the antagonist in hit serial Bade Acche Lagte Hai 2.

Eastern Eye caught up with the rising star to find out more about her acting journey, future hopes, best advice she ever received and more.

Which of your roles is closest to your heart?

Ashima in my first television show Balika Vadhu. I didn’t come from an acting background and the role was very different from what you usually see in Indian soaps, but I totally earned the role on my merit. My performance was loved by audiences. It was one of the top shows with highest ratings and had many veteran actors in it. Also, the show was based on a very strong social issue of child marriage and every episode had a powerful message at the end. It was an honour to be a part of that show.

Which character has challenged you most?

Honestly speaking, I think all the characters I have played have been challenging to some extent. There’s not been even a single role that I could play while being in my own comfort zone. An actor’s life isn’t easy. Every role comes with something new to learn from it.

What has the experience of playing an antagonist in Bade Acche Lagte Hai 2 been like?

The show has been different from all the previous ones as this is my first time playing an antagonist. How television audiences look at a negative character has really surprised me. I received a lot of hatred for the negative role but at the same time got a lot of appreciation for my performance in the show.

Is the future plan to continue mixing up movies and TV projects?

Yes, as of now I will keep mixing up everything. I want to experience all mediums of acting. I don’t want to restrict myself from anything right now!

What do you enjoy watching as an audience?

I love watching comedy, action, romance, biopics, rags to riches, anything that is inspiring and entertaining at the same time.

What’s your dream role?

I have a dream to play a role of a woman that turns from naive to badass, with a lot of transitions in her ch­aracter and finally has the world on her fingertips.

Who is your acting hero?

Tom Cruise. That man is a dream! I mean how can someone be so perfect. He is my ultimate inspiration.

What are your passions away from work?

Travel. Travelling for work or fun, that is always on my mind.

What is the best advice you ever got?

The best advice I have received is that don’t go by all the good stuff you hear from people about you. One should also learn how to take criticism.

How do you feel about having a movie you are in being screened at the Cannes Film Festival?

I think it’s great that my movie got its screening at an international platform. Cannes is a huge platform where all kinds of creative people gather, and investors and distributors come from every part of globe. Alpha Beta Gamma is an independent film, and its screening along with other films is going to give a huge amount of encouragement to a lot of other independent filmmakers.

Instagram: @reenaaggarwal2