In conversation with RASHI MAL | Q10 | NeSocial

" If I am to be honest there are lots of moments I wish I could redo. But I have learnt there is no point in looking back and feeling regret."

I am an actor, singer-songwriter and dancer working in Indian and International Cinema. I started my career on stage working with the best in the industry. I have worked in 4 films including Brahmastra (Dharma Productions), Helicopter Eela (Ajay Devgan Film) and Sir (that won the GAN Foundation award at Cannes). I have done 6 web series that include Hindmata (Eros), Pyaar Actually (Yash Raj Films) and A.I.SHA (That airs on the biggest TV channel in France). I have also worked on 2 mini tv series including Paanch for Channel V and a boatload of ads. As a singer I have sung for films, ads and released my debut single MISAAL/PARADIGM last year. As a dancer, I have trained in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Latin, Hiphop and Bollywood. I was a company member at Ashley Lobo's dance collective, The Danceworx and have choreographed, performed and taught extensively.

Q.1. Your almamater and your initial days of college.

RASHI- I studied method acting with the Jeff Goldberg Studio. I have also trained at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and New York Film Academy. For Dance I trained at the Danceworx. I did study engineering technically but these are the institutions I consider my alma matters' spent more time here and so much of who I am was shaped by by artistic education. Outwardly I was always confident but I know I took my time to find myself and my voice.

Q.2. If not as an actor, where would we see Rashi Mal now?

RASHI- Right now since the film industry is on a pause due to the pandemic, I am working on my next song and a podcast that I will announce soon.

Q. 3. Well! would love to know the TedX experience. Where do we find that confidence

RASHI- I was a little apprehensive sharing my story to be honest. The subject I chose was very personal. But then I figured that even if one person could benefit from it, it would be worth it.That's what the TED platform is for. And it was definitely worth it. I had people come up to me after the talk and write to me sharing similar stories and how they were glad to hear about mine. About the confidence, I think when you know what you are talking about, that comes on it's own. You focus on the purpose, the why and the how just follows.

Q.4. A moment, you wish you could rewind to make it better.

RASHI- If I am to be honest there are lots of moments I wish I could redo. But I have learnt there is no point in looking back and feeling regret. You take the lesson and move forward and do better next time instead of dwelling on the past

Q.5. The experience of sharing the stage with Ranbir & Alia.

RASHI- It's been phenomenal and I am very grateful to be sharing screen space with the best in the country. There is a lot to learn from both of them. We still have shoot left but hopefully the film will be out soon.

Q.6. As an youth, which are the trends that you could relate that is a cause of worry for the youngsters.

RASHI- Even though I partake in it myself due to my line of work, social media can really put a lot of pressure on young minds. It has become a popularity contest which I don't think is healthy. Every other day there is an article in the news about people doing ridiculous things for likes. Someone is throwing dogs off balconies with helium balloons tied to them, someone is jumping on railway tracks. It's a bit worrisome.

Q. 7. Current take on the COVID pandemic. Few important aspects which we may have forgotten but covid made us realize its importance.

RASHI- I think last year taught us to pause and reflect on things. This year the second wave hit us all harder than we expected though. I don't think any of us saw it coming. We all lost people close to us. But I think it's a lesson in how to persevere in the face of hardships. I am making the best use of the time I can - learning, creating. I think it's a reminder of the uncertainty of life. So we should make the most of our time and keep our loved ones close.

Q. 8. A secret that is keeping you positive throughout the pandemic.

RASHI- I think what has helped me is creating a routine for myself. I wake up , I workout, meditate, listen to podcasts to gather myself. And then I use my time by learning new skills and giving myself little projects to do. I am learning everything I have always wanted to and I am working on things like my music which I didn't have time for before.

Q. 9. One social cause that you worry for and would like to contribute your ideas and thoughts to it.

RASHI- I feel very strongly about empowering women- to be their best versions, to become financially independent and to finally get to a place where equality is assumed, not demanded.

Q. 10. A place in North East you have heard and is definitely on the travel card. Any insights would be lovely.

RASHI- I have been to the north east actually- to Sikkim and Assam. I was very little and I don't remember everything but I do remember loving it. I have some vivid memories of beautiful weather, of tea plantations, a monastery and strangely enough of a leech that got stuck on my mum's foot while we were out trekking .We had a hard time getting it off.

Message for team NeSocial & Northeast people-

"Thank you for all the love and support you guys send my way."