EXCLUSIVE: I really don’t mind calling up people for work, PROVIDED…, reveals Waluscha De Sousa

After having started off her showbiz career after being discovered by the famous Indian fashion designer (late) Wendell Rodricks, the stunning Waluscha De Sousa landed up walking for many leading designers in the country. This was followed by her taking part in the Miss India competition. As destiny would have it, she landed up making her Bollywood debut with the man, the Khan, the King Khan... Shah Rukh Khan himself in the film ‘Fan’. Of late, her work in the much-talked about series ‘Crackdown’ is making a lot of noise.

OTTplay caught up with the extremely down to earth and soft-spoken actress Waluscha De Sousa for an exclusive and in-depth conversation. Over to you, Waluscha…

To begin with, is it true that your original name is Waltraudt, which you later changed to Waluscha?
Actually, you're absolutely right. This is the first time anybody's ever asked me this question. This name came from my German parents. My mother thought I should take my grandmother's name. But I've never been called that name at all. Because you can imagine how difficult it must have been In Goa for my school teachers or my friends to call me such a name. It's very difficult for people to pronounce. I was, from conception, and from birth, I was called Waluscha. But yes, originally if I were to say it, the very official name is Waltraudt. But I've always been called for Waluscha. And just the fact that it was such a difficult name to pronounce, I was given my nickname Waluscha.

One honest confession. Your transformation was absolutely shocking. From being a real-life supermodel to playing Zainab in ‘Tanaav’, which is a desi adaptation of ‘Fauda’. How was it?
I picked up ‘Tanaav’ very carefully because it was something that I wanted the audience to see a different side to me. With ‘Crackdown’ also, you will see I'm playing some negative character again. Some people did not expect to see me in that space at all. And moving forward, I have got work with Ruchi Narain and I'm working also with Rajat Kapoor. Again, these are things consciously picked, different from what I've already done. So, I am taking work, which is very different from everything else, something that's not stereotyped. So, everything is very different from each other. And, as an actor, it's very gratifying for sure.

Our sources told us that it was actually you who pursued the makers of ‘Tanaav’ to cast you. Does that mean you don't mind calling up people for work?
I think opportunities very rarely knock on the door. And, I feel as an artist, and as an actor, I'm hungry for work, right now. Iam hungry to do some great work. Provided the work is good and I believe in the work, I really don’t mind calling up people for work. I have too many responsibilities in my life and I don't shy away from saying, “I'm a professional. I want to work. Can you give me work”?

Will it be right to say that your career seems to be on steroids after Escaype Live and
Crackdown?
That's a beautiful way of putting it. I would love to believe that it is on steroids. But is this the way steroids feel, then, I would like some more. (laughs)

Your role in ‘Crackdown’ season two has been appreciated and so very well-received…
Basically, taking away again, from season one, it's the same, it's the same woman who discovers that she's an ISI agent. In season two, my character has completely come into her own, she's in full bloom and also on the run, because everyone is looking out for her. It was enjoyable doing this role, because it's an action-oriented role, a different genre for me that I wanted to explore. Again, a lot of emotions, you've got so many layers and so many emotions within her. For an artist, this is an amazing kind of role to do, because you get to explore joy, happiness, you know, the timid, and vulnerability as well

How was it to work with Apurva Lakhia in Crackdown Two?
I keep on saying that he is so methodically studied and so precise. By the time we get on to set, we just know that it is execution and no more questions asked because everything is thought through everything. There is a reason for everything by the time we get on to set, and then it's just execution. Apurva is a thorough team player.

Any challenges that you faced while shooting for the show?
Fortunately, the second season was not as difficult as the first one. In the first season, because of so much action, I had actually sprained my ankle and had a ligament tear. It was really bad. I thought I was going to lose the role altogether. But, Apoorva was really sweet and took so much care of me. He got me the best physiotherapist. He also said, ‘Waluscha, don't worry. If you can't do what you're doing, I'll get you a body double’.

Any training for action that you underwent?
Yes, I did. In action, every punch needs to be thrown up correctly, every kick needs to be thrown correctly. You cannot afford to make any mistakes.

Waluscha, you are somebody who knows Shahrukh Khan really well, considering you did two commercials and one full length feature film with him. What's the one quality, in your opinion, that you feel makes him so endearing globally?
He's so charming and truly charismatic. One does fall short of words to describe him and his aura.

How did your three children (Chanel, Brooklyn and Sienna) react after seeing the 2.0 version of their mother?
I think it’s only them who have created the 2.0 version of me.

Looking back, is it true that you had your biggest fangirl moment when you saw Sanjay Leela Bhansali at a store?
That is so true, okay, I've never had this kind of fangirl moment ever in my life. It was like I almost froze when I saw him at a book store in Mumbai, years back. And when I actually met him, I wasn't able to get myself to say that ‘I actually saw you at the store’!

A little birdie told us that you read a lot of Dr. Brian Reese, who is majorly into PLR (Past Life Regression). Are you kind of intrigued by your past life?
I'm intrigued by my past life. I think that’s a subject that definitely intrigues me.

Any specific reason why you want to dwell into your past life?
I want to know about what is the connection with the decision/s which I am making in my present life. Why are things turning out the way they are? Am I giving too much energy and who I am to just a particular area of my life? Why is love such an important predominant thing instead of a career? It has changed now. (smiles)

Have you got your answers?
I am still looking. I'm a die-hard romantic. But it is. I'm a die-hard romantic, but I think it's changing. I think, as we grow older, we grow wiser. And then, we realize that one needs to be true to who you are. And things will fall into place. Maybe now is not the right time.

And what's next on your plate right now?
I am working on a series with Ruchi Narain and a film with Rajat Kapoor as well. It's an exciting time.