Simran Gulati, an emerging talent in the Australian entertainment scene, brings her cultural depth and acting prowess to the silver screen in Hindi Vindi, an Australian Indian co-production that bridges the gap between two distinct worlds.
As a key cast member of this film, Gulati delves into the character of Divya, a family lawyer navigating grief while maintaining professional composure. Here, she reflects on her journey in this unique role, her preparation process, and the cultural exchange embodied by the film. Here are some excerpts from the interview with Simran below.
Q: Congratulations on your debut in Hindi Vindi! What drew you to this role, and how did you prepare for your character?
A: Thank you so much! I was instantly drawn to Divya because of her complexity—her strength and vulnerability. She's a successful family lawyer who is balancing her professional life while dealing with personal grief after losing her best friend. What fascinated me was how her personal and professional lives intersect. To prepare, I researched family law procedures, especially in cases like the one Guy Sebastian's character faces. I focused on understanding Divya’s emotional landscape and built a detailed backstory for her, exploring her grief, her friendship with Sebastian’s wife, and her relationship with his teenage son. This helped me create a nuanced portrayal that was both authentic and emotionally impactful.
Q: Hindi Vindi offers a unique fusion of Australian and Hindi cinema. How was your experience working on a film that blends these two cultures?
A: It was incredibly enriching. Working on a project that merges Australian and Hindi cinema felt very special, especially as someone who identifies with both cultures. The collaborative spirit on set was inspiring, as we all brought our unique cultural perspectives. This fusion of storytelling styles created something new and fresh, which I believe has immense potential. Additionally, as part of a cultural exchange, the film provides visibility to the Indian Australian community, and it was amazing to showcase our vibrant culture through the lens of Hindi cinema. The setting in Australia added another exciting layer, and I’m proud to be part of this innovative production.
Q: What was the most challenging part of playing Divya, and how did you overcome it?
A: The biggest challenge was portraying the internal conflict Divya faces. As a lawyer, she’s trained to remain objective, but emotionally, she’s deeply affected by her best friend's death. Balancing grief with professionalism was tough finding those subtle emotional nuances without overacting was crucial. I spent time working closely with the director, understanding Divya’s motivations, and using emotional backstory to guide her reactions in each scene. The challenge was also in embodying her role as a support system for others while processing her own emotions. It took a lot of introspection and rehearsal, but it was incredibly rewarding to bring such a multi-dimensional character to life.
Q: How does it feel to be part of a project that represents the Indian Australian community, and what message do you hope it conveys?
A: Being part of Hindi Vindi is deeply meaningful to me. As someone who migrated to Australia at a young age, this film resonates on both a personal and professional level. The film is a reflection of the vibrant, diverse Indian Australian community, and it’s wonderful to see such a significant role being portrayed by someone from that community. The film’s message is one of connection and shared human experiences—loss, love, and the quest for belonging. It’s about bridging cultural divides, and I hope it sparks conversations about identity, community, and understanding. I also hope it encourages more cross-cultural narratives and diverse voices in film.
Q: You worked with incredible co-stars like Neena Gupta, Mihir Ahuja, and Guy Sebastian. How did their presence influence your performance?
A: Working alongside Neena ji, Mihir, and Guy was an incredible experience. Neena ji brought so much energy, both on and off-screen. Her professionalism and depth as an actor were inspiring. Mihir’s youthful enthusiasm and talent added a lot of energy to our scenes, and Guy’s collaborative and down-to-earth nature made it easy to work with him. Their performances raised the bar for all of us. There was a real sense of camaraderie on set, which made it a supportive and collaborative environment. Their influence pushed me to be more vulnerable and authentic in my performance, and it was a truly enriching experience.
Q: Can you share any memorable moments or lessons from Hindi Vindi that will shape your acting journey?
A: One lesson I’ll carry with me is the importance of listening and connecting with your co-actors. There was a scene with Mihir where I was struggling emotionally, but when I stopped trying to “act” and just listened to him, the emotion came naturally. It reminded me of the power of vulnerability in acting. Another memorable moment was our downtime in Sydney, where we bonded as a cast and crew. These moments strengthened our on-screen chemistry and helped me approach acting with a more open, collaborative mindset. These lessons—of preparation, collaboration, and openness—will shape my approach to acting in the future.
Simran Gulati’s portrayal of Divya in Hindi Vindi is a testament to her dedication to storytelling and her ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes. By blending her cultural background with her acting skills, Gulati has contributed significantly to a project that bridges Australian and Hindi cinema. As she continues to shape her career, her journey in Hindi Vindi serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors and highlights the importance of cross-cultural narratives in the global film industry. With her passion for representation and commitment to the craft, Simran Gulati is an actress to watch in the years to come.
Tonee Sethi
