Charles Palahniuk, the writer of the 1996 novel Fight Club which was made into the 1999 film of the same name, has said 'First your parents, they give you your life, but then they try to give you their life'. The story of Manukriti Pahwa, the daughter of theatre and film stars Manoj and Seema Pahwa, is almost modelled on this principle. Like her parents, 25-year-old Manukriti has been into theatre too.
She had a small role in Yash Raj's sleeper-hit of 2018 Sui Dhaaga and currently has a full-fledged role in mom Seema's directorial debut Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi releasing on November 22. The actress will be seen romancing Vikrant Massey in the film that boasts of a stellar cast - Naseeruddin Shah, Konkona Sen Sharma, Parambrata Chattopadhyay, Manoj Pahwa, Vinay Pathak and Supriya Pathak.
Manukriti shares with The Telegraph how she picks up projects and what's the discussion like at the dinner table at home.
Sui Dhaaga and now Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi. Why such unconventional choices?
To be very honest, I don't think I am yet in a position in my career to choose the kind of films I would like to do, as I am still very new. All I want to do right now is work hard on whatever comes my way. But yes I feel very lucky to have been a part of such films. Hope to do many more like these.
Have you ever thought of making grand debuts like Alia Bhatt and Ananya Panday?
Not really. All I want to do is definitely bigger- and character-driven roles that leave an impact on the audience. And (that) gives me a chance to work on my craft as an actor. If that happens, I will be satisfied.
Your parents are part of Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi. How was it like being directed by your mother and having your father around at work?
I absolutely love working with them. They are such passionate, hard working and fun people to be around. I have worked with them in theatre for many years and now working with them on a film has been a delight. I think I would grab any opportunity to work with them as there is so much more to learn.
In the film your romance Vikrant Massey. How was Vikrant as an actor? Has his tips helped you?
I was very nervous to work with him as he is such a wonderful actor and I have always loved watching him on screen. But after working with him I realised he is as great a person as he is an actor. I had a great time learning so much from him by just observing him on set.
Since your entire family is in the film, did you discuss the film at the dinner table?
Oh yes! We have always worked together in theatre and we are a powerhouse team when it comes to working together. And this is such a special film for us, as we have been a part of its journey when it was just a thought and seeing it complete its journey is beautiful. So yes, it has been a topic of discussion at the dinner table for more than a year now.
People say the film industry thrives on nepotism and several outsiders are waiting in the queue for just that 'one chance'. What do you have to say about that?
I think every actor has his own journey and destiny, certain things help you in that journey and some don't. As actors, we need to keep ourselves ready for that one chance no matter where you come from. At least that's what I have learnt.
What is the best thing about having actor parents?
You get to learn what to do when you are not working - how to keep yourself alive as an actor even then and to keep working on your craft even after working so much. It teaches you never to be satisfied and keep believing that there is so much more to learn.
What is your next film?
My next is Yeh Mard Bechara. It's a fun family film which deals with the stereotype image of a man in society, which needs to be changed to be able to deal with the issues women are facing in society. Hopefully it should release sometime in 2020.
