Arushi Sharma, a rising star in the Indian film industry, is navigating new terrains with her involvement in the international film project, My Melbourne. The film, which is an anthology directed by an impressive lineup consisting of Onir, Rima Das, Arif Ali, and Kabir Khan, seeks to explore deep-seated themes of sexuality, race, gender, and disability. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Melbourne, Australia, the film promises to blend cultural narratives through its multicultural cast and crew, offering an expansive view of contemporary societal issues.
Sharma, an integral part of this ambitious project, described her experience working on the film as both thrilling and educational. Her segment, Jules, directed by Arif Ali, tells the poignant story of an Indian woman who moves to Australia with her husband only to find solace and a sense of belonging in the unexpected friendship of a homeless woman named Jules. For Arushi, working with an international crew was an uncharted territory that pushed her boundaries and offered her a rich learning experience in professional independence. Reflecting on her experience, she states, “This was an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone. On the first day, I was taken aback. Unlike Bollywood, there was no special treatment for actors; you have to be self-sufficient here.”
Adding resonance and depth to the film was the contribution of Imtiaz Ali, who took on the role of creative director for Jules. His involvement in the project was particularly significant for Sharma. Their previous collaborations in Bollywood — Tamasha (2015) and Love Aaj Kal (2020) — had already established a profound professional relationship, one that Sharma cherishes deeply. “Being under Imtiaz’s guidance again felt as though I had come full circle,” she revealed. “He has an unparalleled ability to convey the subtle nuances of a scene, which adds a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the narratives.”
The themes explored in Jules strike a universal chord.
. During the film’s Asian première at the recently held MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, the narrative’s authenticity resonated powerfully with the diverse audience. Sharma recollects a poignant moment when an African woman in the audience was moved to tears, confessing, “This is my story. I have felt like this: working behind the scenes while nobody pays attention to what I do.” Such reactions underscore the film’s capacity to hit home with audiences of varied backgrounds, making My Melbourne a potentially groundbreaking piece of cinema.
Looking back at her career trajectory, Arushi Sharma acknowledges the influence Imtiaz Ali has had on her growth as an actress. His support and advice were particularly invaluable when Love Aaj Kal did not achieve the anticipated success. “When Love Aaj Kal didn’t fare well, it was a tough period for me. I assumed opportunities would come knocking post-release, but instead, I waited in the wings for seven long months,” she admitted. However, Ali’s words of encouragement — “People say, you are the best thing in the film. Take that feedback and move forward” — gave her the strength to persist through the dry spell.
Venturing into an international production like My Melbourne symbolizes growth for Sharma, allowing her to showcase her versatility and fortitude as an actress willing to transcend conventional barriers. More than just expanding her professional horizons, this project has imbued her with a sense of self-reliance and a deeper understanding of global cinematic cultures.
As Sharma continues to craft her path in the film industry, she remains open to the myriad of opportunities that come her way, each new role a testament to her resilience and adaptability. My Melbourne isn’t just another entry on her filmography; it represents a personal and professional milestone for the actress, who is clearly on a journey to redefine her career on her own terms.
For Arushi Sharma, the future holds promise and potential, underscored by a determination to learn and evolve, continuously carrying forward the lessons gleaned from her experiences with stalwarts like Imtiaz Ali, and productions like My Melbourne.
