The Millennials Walked So That Gen Z Could Run

In an exclusive interview, Vedika Pinto talks about success, working with Anurag Kashyap, dream roles and surviving in Bollywood.

Excerpts

Did you always dream of becoming an actor? How did your journey begin?

Yes, I have always wanted to become an actor. It was my childhood dream, but I was a very shy child and never had the confidence to say it aloud. Acting is such an aspirational profession that I wasn't even sure if I could succeed in it. I went to the UK to study Politics and Literature. After graduating, I realised that if I didn't give acting a chance then, I probably never would. So, I came back to Mumbai and started auditioning in 2017.

Your music video ‘Liggi’ became a huge sensation. Did that change your life?

Absolutely. ‘Liggi’ went viral and, even today, many people still call me "the Liggi girl." That became my first identity in the industry. After that came the pandemic. Then I made my film debut with ‘Operation Romeo’, followed by a role in ‘Gumraah’. Later, I worked in Anurag Kashyap's ‘Nishanchi’ and now ‘Musafir Cafe’ has brought me audience recognition.

 You entered the industry without a godfather. How difficult has the journey been?

It has been anything but easy. I started in 2017 and almost nine years later, ‘Musafir Cafe’ is the first project that has given me widespread recognition. Before that, ‘Nishanchi’ earned me respect within the industry because being part of an Anurag Kashyap film carries a certain credibility. People assume that actors in his films are serious performers, and I learned a great deal while working with him.

Success has definitely taken time, but every project has been an important step forward.

After finally receiving recognition, how do you look at success today?

For me, every project has been a stepping stone—‘Operation Romeo’, ‘Gumraah’, ‘Nishanchi’ and now ‘Musafir Cafe’. I always want to feel like I am earning every opportunity. I am not someone who can relax after one success. Even while I am receiving love from audiences, I am already thinking, "What's next?" That anxiety comes from ambition. Every achievement makes me believe I am one step closer to where I want to be.

What kind of roles excite you today? Does the length of the role matter?

Not at all. The story is always the most important thing for me. Growing up, I loved stories so much that my mother jokes I wouldn't even eat unless someone narrated one to me. That's why I became an actor. Whether a role is big or small doesn't matter. As Stanislavski famously said, "There are no small roles, only small actors." Even my role as Rinku in ‘Nishanchi’ had limited screen time, but it left an impact. That's what matters.

Are you consciously trying to build a versatile career?

I don't want to limit myself to one genre or one kind of character. A few years from now, I want to look back and see a filmography filled with completely different kinds of roles. I want every project to surprise me as an actor.

You have worked with filmmakers like Neeraj Pandey, Anurag Kashyap- What did each of them teach you?

Neeraj sir wasn't my director—he was my first producer—but he taught me one of the most valuable lessons: to let go.You can't truly perform if you are constantly trying too hard. You have to surrender to the character and trust the process.

Working with Anurag Kashyap was a masterclass—not just in filmmaking and acting, but in life itself. He taught me to accept myself. I remember constantly worrying about him on set when he wasn't feeling well. One day he looked at me and said, "Jitna pyaar tu mujhse Karti hai na, apne aap se bhi kiya kar." ("Love yourself as much as you love me.")That one sentence changed something inside me. It made me realize how little kindness I showed myself.

On the other hand, this taught me something completely different. I always believed I had to keep Vedika separate from every character I played. But he encouraged me to bring parts of my own personality into the character of Sudha.

He noticed that I am naturally playful and warm and asked me to use those qualities in my performance. That changed the way I approach acting.

 How would you rate yourself as an actor today?

I am my biggest critic. I can always find flaws in my performances. Acting is a craft that never stops evolving, so I feel I have still got a long way to go. If I had to rate myself, I'd honestly say I am only at about 10 percent of where I want to be.

How important has your family's support been?

I wouldn't be here without my parents. They believed in me from the beginning, and that support has meant everything because acting is such an unpredictable profession. For a long time, I wasn't financially independent, so they carried that responsibility without ever making me feel guilty about it. I'll always be grateful for that.

What would you like to say to outsiders who come to Mumbai chasing their dreams?

I have immense respect for them. I had the privilege of living with my parents, having a home and food on the table every day. Many actors don't have that luxury. People like Mahima, who have built their lives while supporting their families, inspire me immensely. I genuinely admire anyone who comes to this city and makes it on their own.

Would you consider yourself an insider or an outsider?

I am not an insider. My parents worked in the media but not in films. My father, Johnny Pinto, made advertising films, while my mother, Monia Pinto, worked on non-fiction television shows, including history, food and fashion programmes. I grew up around the industry, but that doesn't automatically make things easier. Ultimately, your talent and your work speak for you.

Do you believe destiny plays a role in an actor's career?

Yes, I do. I thought growing up around media would give me some advantage, but eventually I realized that this industry has its own journey for everyone.

Talent matters, hard work matters—but timing and destiny also have a role to play. Do you aspire to lead a film one day?

Of course. Who wouldn't? I love watching films where a woman carries the entire story, and one day I hope to do the same. For now, though, the most exciting part of my career is that I am finally reading scripts and choosing projects. That's a position I wasn't in before, and I am grateful for it.

What genres are exciting you these days?

Interestingly, I have been reading quite a few horror scripts recently. Psychological horror, especially, really excites me because it's something completely different. I want every project to challenge and surprise me.

As a millennial, how do you look at the difference between Millennials and Gen Z

There's a phrase I really like: "The Millennials walked so that Gen Z could run." I think that sums it up beautifully.

Finally, what message would you like to give aspiring actors?

Keep going. There will be moments when it feels difficult, discouraging and even unfair. But if acting is truly your dream, don't stop. Just keep going.