ELLI AVRRAM, WHO was recently seen in the music video Haaye Oye opposite actor Shantanu Maheshwari, is playing the role of Anita in Sujoy Ghosh’s debut web series, Typewriter. Based in Mumbai, the Swedish actor, who had initially caught everyone’s attention during her stint in Big Boss, has come a long way and is currently busy promoting her soon-to-be-released web series The Verdict - State v/s Nanavati. Here the star talks about juggling two different roles at a time, being afraid of ghosts, and working in the Tamil and Kannada version of Queen. Excerpts:
Tell us about your character in Typewriter.
It’s a cameo and Anita is very different from what I have played so far. She is not a very kind character. In civil terms, I can say she is malicious. We shot the scenes in two days. It was a bit challenging for me because I was already playing and living and breathing a character like Sylvia in Verdict (The Verdict State v/s Nanavati). And then I had to come out of her skin and get into Anita’s character. This is my first web series though I started shooting for Verdict much before Typewriter.
It’s under Sujoy Ghosh’s direction. How much does it mean to you?
I got so much excited when I got the role. I was already shooting for Verdict but I didn’t want to let this opportunity go, though it’s a small role. I am so grateful to Sujoy; it’s a big thing for me. Also, all my friends and family outside India can now see me on the screen. And that makes me more happy and excited.
Are you afraid of ghosts? Y
Yes, big time. In fact, I even told Sujoy that I could relate to the child actor who played Sameera Anand. Just like her, I used to talk to ghosts. Maybe, it was to quell my own fear of darkness, but yes I would strike a conversation in the dark, asking the ghosts not to hurt me! I could see myself in her.
If given a chance will you work in a horror film?
I think I would be too scared to do that. Though it would be fun to try a new role, I am sure I will be mighty scared. In fact, I freak out if I sense something odd or eerie.
Tell us about your role in The Verdict — State vs Nanavati.
This project is close to my heart. The character of Sylvia has so many layers and I am living all of that through her and it’s a great feeling. She is a married woman and a mother of three children and going through so much emotional pressure in that courtroom drama. Also, what makes it special is that it’s a real-life story. Which is your favourite web series? I highly recommend The Good Place. It’s a brilliant show. It’s a comedy show and the way they talk about issues concerning us and the way it is written is mind-blowing. Also, I so wish I could play the character of Tahani Al-Jamil played by Jameela Jamil in the same series.
Tell us about your other upcoming projects.
I am doing a couple of films in the South. I am also excited to be a part of Queen’s remake in Tamil and Kannada. I will be portraying the role played by Lisa Ray in the Hindi version.