Lights, Camera, Action
Hailing from Kota, Rajasthan, and now based in Mumbai, Molshri has carved a unique path in the world of acting. While pursuing a degree in English Literature in Delhi, she unexpectedly discovered a passion for theater—a journey that began as an exploration but soon became a defining part of her life.
‘Beyond acting, I have a deep interest in personal growth. I am always exploring ways to improve myself, whether through learning new skills or taking on different challenges. Over time, I’ve experimented with playing the guitar, singing, dancing, and martial arts. Currently, I’m considering getting back into dance’
What does it mean to be an actor?
For me, acting is about being completely present in the moment. It’s about letting go of fear and fully trusting myself.
When I perform, I immerse myself in the character—I know my lines, but more importantly, I respond naturally to everything happening around me. That’s when it truly works. Acting, at its core, is about being in the moment, and reaching that state takes practice, trust, and experience.
‘For me, creativity is something that finds its way into your life if you’re truly passionate about it, and theater has been a significant part of that journey’
While acting may seem glamorous, it comes with its own set of challenges. What were some of the biggest hurdles you faced?
I think accessibility is one of the biggest hurdles. You have to actively put yourself out there, network, and meet people. Even then, learning about casting opportunities isn’t always straightforward. By the time you hear about auditions, they’re often for secondary or tertiary roles. So the challenge is not just finding opportunities but also positioning yourself so that people reach out to you with them—because these chances are often hidden and not well-organized.
Then, of course, there’s the uncertainty of this profession. Like any freelance or artistic career, acting comes with extreme highs and lows. Sometimes, everything happens at once—projects, releases, opportunities. Other times, there’s complete stillness. Learning how to stay centered during those quiet periods is a major challenge. Having a regular routine helps ground me.
‘The digital space has changed the game. You don’t necessarily need big production houses to put your work out there—you can build your own platform’
What advice would you give to someone just starting out on their acting journey?
In my opinion, gaining hands-on experience is key. If someone is serious about acting, I believe theater workshops are the best starting point. That’s what helped me understand acting on a deeper level. Writing workshops can also be useful because storytelling and character development are fundamental to acting.Of course, there’s a wealth of information available online, but for me, acting was something I had to experience firsthand before truly grasping it. I only realized what it meant after attending workshops and doing theater performances.
When I started auditioning, I had no real understanding of acting. Somehow, I managed to crack an audition, but I was incredibly nervous, and it just wasn’t working. In my first year of college, I faced some of my worst moments—I doubted myself constantly. That’s when I decided to take acting workshops. Even then, it remained an experiential journey.
Initially, I would still fumble on stage and struggle with nerves. But I clearly remember a defining moment at a competition in St. Stephen’s College. Before stepping on stage, I made a conscious decision—I wouldn’t stress about memorizing my lines or worrying about costume changes. Instead, I just let go and performed. That experience was transformative. I not only felt it within me, but the audience did too. In fact, they gave me a special mention for Best Actress. That moment made me realize—if I feel it, the audience feels it.
Ultimately, acting isn’t just about practice; it’s about learning to let go in the moment. Rehearsals prepare you, but true performance comes from surrendering to the experience. And of course, with time, failures, and repeated performances, you learn and grow.
Your series - how to make a film was something that caught our attention. What was the intention behind it and how did the audience receive it?
*How to Make a Film* really connected with other artists and filmmakers. I received messages from people offering to collaborate—some wanted to contribute music, some were actors looking to connect. It was amazing to see that sense of community forming. People also shared their own struggles in the comments—some talked about starting their filmmaking journey but giving up along the way. Those discussions made me realize that there’s definitely space for us to build our own creative network.
Can you tell us more about your upcoming feature film? When can we expect it?
That’s a tricky question! Independent film distribution is challenging. We’re currently exploring options—festival screenings, potential releases in India and abroad—but the ultimate goal is to have a public release. We hope to make that happen by the end of this year. However, the reality is that many great independent films never get released because of the lack of distribution opportunities. We’re figuring it out as we go.
It’s a coming-of-age story about two college students, each navigating their own struggles while trying to find their purpose.
No, I’m primarily acting in it. My collaborator—who also wrote and directed *Scenes from a Pandemic*—is the writer and director of this project as well.
Where do you find inspiration for the stories you tell?
Most of the time, I draw ideas from my own experiences—especially the struggles and challenges I’ve faced in life. I often reflect on personal moments and shape them into stories.At the same time, external prompts help as well. When I come across an idea from the outside world, I try to find my own unique perspective on it, connecting it to something I’ve been through. That personal connection fuels my creativity. Whenever I feel the need to improve, I turn to books—one that has helped me a lot is Story by Robert McKee. It breaks down storytelling fundamentals, like how a character evolves and what truly defines an event in a narrative.
So, for me, it’s a combination of two things—staying in touch with the craft through learning and reading, while also embracing life playfully. Both are equally important in shaping my creative process.
How do you navigate overwhelming moments in life?
I rely a lot on self-help books—they’ve been really helpful in difficult times. But more than that, I turn to my friends. Sharing what I’m going through, even though it’s tough, makes a big difference. Our first instinct during tough times is often to withdraw, to keep things to ourselves. But I’ve learned that reaching out, even when it feels hard, is really important.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success is acting—doing meaningful lead roles in films in a way that also makes commercial sense for everyone involved. I have big dreams, of course—like being nominated for an Oscar. But at the core, my goal is to keep acting, to work on roles that challenge me and connect with audiences.
It's not just about personal fulfillment; success also means that my work reaches people and makes an impact. And from a practical standpoint, it should also be sustainable—where the projects I take on make financial sense for everyone involved. So, it’s not just about acting for the sake of it, but doing work that matters both artistically and commercially!