I don’t think I can touch any of my mother’s films! - Paloma Dhillon

Paloma Dhillon is the new kid on the block debuting opposite Rajveer Deol in Rajshri Production’s new film Dono which will be releasing in theatres on 5th October. Paloma speaks to Adgully exclusively and shares about her childhood, mom Poonam Dhillon and more:

You have a beautiful name. What does it mean?

Paloma is a Spanish word which means white dove symbolising peace and freedom. My beautiful and amazing parents have kept this name.

Since both your parents are from the industry, how was your childhood?

I would say it was quite normal. As a kid I was never inclined towards acting. I was a naughty tomboy who used to jump from one place to another. I was good at sports and played football and handball at national level.

So when did the transition from sports to acting happen?

When I was doing BMM in college I did a skit and felt a sense of achievement which I used to get while playing a sport. That was the time I thought of taking up acting.

Do you feel you were born with a talent in acting?

I guess that the audience is going to judge. I remember while growing up I used to dance and enjoy Hindi songs. When I announced to my parents that I would like to take up acting, they warned me initially about various aspects I should be careful about. But once I was convinced about acting being my way forward, they have supported just like they did for all my hobbies in the past - whether it was for my sports or painting.

How did Dono happen?

It was a long process. The director Avnish had this script for the longest time and he was quite sure whom he wanted to cast for the film. He took his time and after 7 months of my audition I got the final call for Dono.

How is the pressure of being the daughter of Poonam Dhillon?

It’s not pressure, it’s the responsibility because you are coming from a lineage and you would like to give your best. Eventually you want to establish your identity through your work and can hope that the amount of love my mother has received from the audience you also get that.

Your life has changed since the time the trailer has released - how do you see that change in your life?

I have kind of accepted this change because I know your private life is not going to be respected like it used to be. These are things you know that this profession has and you have that understanding. I just want to be in the industry and keep working.

This film is about modern love and relationships. What’s your take on marriage?

There is nothing right or wrong. Some people want to spend their life forever and some do not want to. The decision is personal.

How will you define your equations with Rajveer your hero and director Avnish?

For all three of us, this is our debut film and we have formed a beautiful friendship from it. Rajveer has this funny goofy side which was like a breath of air fresh. Avnish is a director with whom the experience has been great after the first shot. He actually sent me a text thanking me. Debuting with a production like Rajshri - my parents and I could not have expected more.

If you get an opportunity of working on any of your mom’s film which one would it be?

I don’t think I can do this ever. I am still in awe of my mother’s grace, beauty and personality. I don’t think I can touch any of those films. I don’t want to put myself unnecessarily in that zone. She has done so many iconic films.

What’s that one piece of advice from your mom which you are going to carry?

She started when she was 15 and had a great career. She just told me do what you like and give your best and be happy. In general I speak to my parents everyday.