Australia’s Bollywood star

Every year many university students feel they need to decide between studying a creative passion or something considered ‘safer’ for finding a job after graduation. 

Pallavi Sharda, University of Melbourne Arts and Law alumna, now living life as a Bollywood actress, believes taking the safer option does not necessarily mean the end of the pursuit of creativity. 

“Having a degree takes the pressure off when you go out there and pursue your dream. You can give it everything you’ve got because you know that if you do happen to fail, you have something to fall back on,” she says.

“I believe in education and the traditional foundations it can give you to help you pursue your passions.”

Ms Sharda arrived at the University when she was only 16 after completing high school at Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School. She decided to fast track her University study plan because she wanted to start a career as soon as possible, but now wishes she had spent more time enjoying campus life. 

“It was the old Arts/Law double-degree before the Melbourne Model was introduced and by the end of it I was a little burnt out. I was passionate about my arts degree and wanted as much time and headspace to concentrate on that, but Law was very intense and I was studying French as well,” she says.

“I now wish I had taken my time and taken advantage of the opportunities to be more social. There were lots of activities on campus to try. I think students at university should enjoy the environment and try to make the most of the moment.”

Ms Sharda completed the final subject of her degree via a research program based in Mumbai. Instead of returning to Melbourne, she stayed to pursue a career in Bollywood productions. 

Although it would not seem studies in Arts, Law and French would transfer to a career in Bollywood, it has helped with her overall goals.

“At a general level, the problem solving, critical thinking and interpersonal skills which I acquired are invaluable in dealing with changing circumstances in an industry which was completely new to me,” she says.

Studies on intercultural and global communications in her Arts degree have helped her to understand the Indian media industry within a global context and contribute to Indian publications as a writer. 

“My focus on international and human interest law while studying law gave me the skills to work in the development sector in India as a supplement to my work in the film industry. It has enabled me to work as a cultural communications consultant for organisations in India and I hope to continue to approach my career in an inter-disciplinary fashion.

“Overall my academic background and the robust culture of debate at the University of Melbourne equipped me to be part of broader policy discussions around cultural integration and the promotion of the arts and multiculturalism in Australia,” she says.

Ms Sharda has already featured in eight films and has signed contracts to appear in leading roles in another three, including an Australian drama. 

“I cherish being able to move between India and Australia for work. Even though time on set in Mumbai can sometimes mean 20-hour days, I am trying to enjoy every minute of it.”

Pallavi Sharda will speak about her education in Australia at the Asia Education Foundation National Conference to be held June 16-17. 

www.asiaeducation.edu.au/2014conference