Woman of Ambition: Karishma Lala Sharma
1. Woman of Ambition: Karishma Lala Sharma
Quirky, chirpy and very happy, Karishma Lala Sharma, is the girl who’s made her mark in the industry, is truly one of a kind. With her signature pout, luscious locks and tall, lithe frame, she could give most models a run for their money. Karishma, however, is an actor-turned-social media influencer whose fun yet relatable posts make her one of the most influential voices in the Indian blogosphere. With one foot in Bollywood and the other in the television industry, she isn't afraid to ace everything that comes her way.
Hailing from Patna, Karishma came to the city of dreams, Mumbai with a twinkle in her eye to make it big and make her mother proud. Edited excerpts of our quick chat with Karishma, just before her shoot with FHM India, and here’s what she had to say...
2. Woman of Ambition: Karishma Lala Sharma
Growing up, who did you admire the most and what inspired you to become an actor?
I was very young when my parents decided to part ways. And growing up I looked up to my mother and how she taught me to dream big. She raised me in Patna, as a single mother and gathered herself together and told me to always follow my heart. She is my hero. I never thought that a middle class girl like me would become an actress. Growing up I used to stitch clothes on my grandmother's sewing machine for my barbie dolls and wanted to become a fashion designer. But actors such as Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh inspired me to keep on learning more about the field.
How was your initial journey on the silver screen? What were the challenges that you faced?
I started out by acting in a soap opera called, Pavitra Rishta after which I appeared in Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 and Silsila Pyaar Ka. But I often felt that my creativity as an actor on the silver screen never gave me enough flexibility to experiment. But over at the television industry you tend to train yourself for the onscreen role and do full justice to the desired character.
3. Woman of Ambition: Karishma Lala Sharma
The song Paisa from the film Super 30 was a chartbuster with over 12+ million views. And you received an ecstatic response for it from the audiences. How was your experience?
When I got to know that it was based on the life of Anand Kumar who is such a noble soul, and who too hails from my hometown, I was filled with a feeling of pride. He is the man who is responsible behind the education of many underprivileged children. And dancing with Hritik Roshan was a dream come true for me, he was so humble and made me feel at ease while shooting. I was gratified at being a part of such an enthralling film.
Your performance in Ragini MMS Returns and Hum: I'm Because of Us, left an indelible impact on the masses. Tell us, how do you prepare yourself for an onscreen role transition? What is your process?
Acting for me has diverse meanings, from communication, living in the moment to narrating a story. And as actors we often have the ability to escape reality and live an imaginary world. Whenever I am offered a role, I tend to form a back story for my character and begin viewing the world through its eyes. I delve deep into its psyche and bring out small details to make the performance more rewarding.
4. Woman of Ambition: Karishma Lala Sharma
Before your making a debut in Bollywood, you have been a part of music videos such as Tera Ghata, Neendein and Kash Aisa Hota. How has the exposure in each industry been?
I was extremely young when I shot for Tera Ghata, and since the beginning I had a gut feeling that this song would be a hit amongst the audiences. Gajendra Verma has done a great job in it and luckily, the universe had it written. Kash Aisa Hota by Darshan Rawal has depth in it and his voice is soulful; I also had my Yash Raj moment in this video, when I ran around snow covered mountains. Seems like you are versatile with each and every role that you take up, we have also seen you as an incredible social media influencer. How did this phase come to be?
Social media kind of just happened for me. The audience has been very supportive and kind all through.
I think it's a great way to express yourself, and be your true to your followers. In future, I do plan to do something beneficial for the society by being an influencer.
5. Woman of Ambition: Karishma Lala Sharma
What has been the most exciting moment since you became an influencer and what is your go to pro Instagram tip?
The most important thing is to be yourself, and realise who you are, and then just put it out there. Just be your weird, crazy and funny self and show it to the world. It's a great platform to showcase your talent and connect with the followers. The audience would appreciate you if they relate to you. I remember wearing a facemask and dancing with a friend of mine for an Instagram video, the response I received for it was overwhelming.
We have all had our share of good and some that were pretty iconic dates. Describe your most hilarious dating experience?
I remember going on a date with a guy who later took me to his sister's wedding reception. And I met his mother there and when she saw me, she told me that I was prettier than his girlfriend. That was extremely awkward for me. And I remember the awkward silence that followed after it.
6. Woman of Ambition: Karishma Lala Sharma
If a genie granted you 3 wishes right now, what would you wish for and why?
1) World peace and a better ecosystem
2) Travel to the moon
3) An opportunity to work alongside Shahrukh Khan
What's meant to be, will always find a way to meet you. What qualities would you look for in your perfect man?
I don't want a perfect man, rather a man who is comfortable being his true self and shows his flaws and scars to the world. A true and good man who is kind, loving and honest, is what I seek.
It is said “fitness is like a relationship, it won't work if you cheat.” We would like to know how do you manage your fitness regimen despite your busy schedule?
I follow different activities to stay fit such as, kickboxing, dancing and cardio. I can dance for hours on end and stay upbeat. I am also a foodie and prefer eating home cooked meals.
When Karishma unwinds, what does she indulge in?
Whenever I return back home after a long day, I always have my little puppy Charlie, waiting for me. And just by spending time with him, I can often feel a sense of calm. I also occasionally watch comedy shows or movies on Netflix whenever I am in the mood for it. I also go out with my girlfriends for a girls night out, which is always fun. And when I want to unwind for a couple of days straight, I go back to my hometown and spend quality time with my mother.
7. Woman of Ambition: Karishma Lala Sharma
Social media is a great way for fans to connect with their dream celebrities and vica versa. But how do you deal with Internet trolls?
We often forget that the most important things in life are love and respect. And just by hiding behind a digital platform people more often than not, take undue advantage of someone by mistreating them publicly. I used to get affected by them initially, but now when I delve deep into the thought of this, I've come to the conclusion that they don't know my journey and I should not let their comments harm my mental peace.
Tell us something about your future projects?
I am currently working on a web series called Fixerr, and a music video with Tony Kakkar called Kanta Bai. I am also pursuing a web series with Rannvijay Singh called Sumer Singh Diaries. And also a film for which I am not supposed to disclose the details about yet. But I am extremely thankful for all the love and appreciation that I have received in my professional journey.
How was your experience with FHM India?
Such a lovely experience, I loved all the looks and the team is so much fun. I have worked with the photographer, Amit Khanna before as well, and it's always a joy to work with such an engaging team.
