Renée Sen: When you meet Shah Rukh Khan, he'll make you feel like you're the only one in the room

Renée Sen imbibes all the qualities that make a good actor - she’s passionate about her profession, she’s ready to take risks, and finds joy in going on set everyday and giving her best. The 21-year-old recently made her debut in Kabeer Khurana’s Suttabaazi. This short film, based on a rebellious teenager who wants to make it big as a social media influencer, was featured on Bandra Film Festival’s YouTube channel. Since the release, good reviews have been pouring in for Renée who portrays the character of Diya.

Diya is a habitual smoker who dreads her family finding out about her habit in the middle of a lockdown. She yearns to gain recognition on social media and relieves her stress by puffing on multiple cigarettes throughout the day. Her parents seem to have given up on her and she finds that they fail to understand her dreams in life. However, a beautiful bond of empowerment and support develops between Diya and her mother when the latter wishes to begin her own tuition classes. They repair burned bridges with a cigarette, an honest conversation and the promise of a better relationship.

Renée’s portrayal of Diya is as real as it gets. She perfectly taps into what a teenager, who is frustrated with her confinement in the house, must be feeling and brings it to life effortlessly. Contrary to her character, Renée’s days in a pandemic do not revolve around cigarettes or social media. She’s someone who does not revel in social media and completely detests cigarettes - so much so, that the scenes which required her to smoke continuously left her waiting to get fresh air.

When asked about what her day in a pandemic looks like, the actress revealed: “I try to sleep early (but it doesn't happen!). My day usually involves working out with my mom especially if we're not playing badminton in the building. And then I have my Kathak class. I try to find scripts online to practise acting. I also have a music class, so I do riyaaz on my own everyday because I know once everything opens up then work will become full fledged for everyone. So, I'm taking this time to prepare.”

Renée is also inclined towards reading books to ease the pandemic blues. “I try reading sometimes. I read The Alchemist and Tuesdays with Mauree. It depends on my mood.” The actress, who has had the chance to get advice from her mother Sushmita Sen before making her big break, also looks up to Priyanka Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan.

“Currently I'm reading unfinished by Priyanka Chopra ma’am and she inspires me. More than actors for their acting, I admire the qualities they have. Like Shah Rukh Khan, when you meet him he'll make you feel like you're the only one in the room. Priyanka ma'am's work ethic inspires me too. To get to where successful people are, there are certain qualities you must have. I read up about it a lot. I google random things about work ethic too! But yes, discipline is very important,” explained Renée.

Elaborating on her journey into the world of OTT, the actress shared: “I have just started watching OTT honestly. I was a movie person, but ever since the lockdown I’ve discovered OTT. Very late, but it’s okay. There is always a beginning.”

“I loved The Queen’s Gambit because you don’t even need to know chess to enjoy it. For young-adults, I would say Riverdale was good. I also saw one episode of Schitt’s Creek. And Aarya, of course. I’m still discovering the world of OTT myself. You should give me suggestions instead! And I’m hearing really good things about The Family Man so I’m excited to watch that as well. I try to stay away from the screen as much as I can and watch one episode at a time. Believe it or not, Aarya was the first OTT show I ever watched,” revealed Renée when asked about what OTT shows she has liked in the past.

Fans of the young actress are excited to see more of her on the big screen. Renée’s debut film Suttabaazi can be streamed on Bandra Film Festival’s YouTube channel.