Lisa Mishra, known for her soulful tracks and now making her mark in the acting world, is currently basking in the success of her latest Netflix series, The Royals, starring alongside Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar. In a recent interview, Lisa shared her thoughts on the show, particularly highlighting the portrayal of female solidarity in cinema.
Mishra plays Nikki Kaushik, a headstrong and independent young woman running a company with her best friend, Sophia, played by Bhumi Pednekar. What drew Lisa to the role was the opportunity to portray a strong female friendship, which she feels is rare to find written with such depth. Niki has a fun-loving side, but she is also extremely serious and motivated at work. Lisa feels her character, Nikki, could be good friends with Harleen from Call Me Bae, noting the similarities between Nikki and Sophia.
“I am loving the way women solidarity is shown in cinema,” Lisa expressed, emphasizing the importance of portraying genuine and supportive female relationships on screen. She finds it empowering to be part of a project that showcases women supporting women, breaking away from stereotypical portrayals often seen in mainstream media. The series explores the dynamics between women in positions of power and how they navigate challenges while supporting each other's ambitions.
Lisa also spoke fondly of her bond with Bhumi Pednekar, revealing that they became incredibly close while shooting the series. They spent a significant amount of time together on set in Jaipur and Mumbai, which allowed them to connect on a deeper level. Bhumi's most enduring advice to Lisa was to have confidence in herself and constantly reminded her that she deserved to be there. Bhumi helped Lisa prep her lines and scenes, ensuring she felt confident and supported. Lisa admires Bhumi's generosity and grace in sharing her knowledge and space with her co-actors.
Reflecting on her journey from music to acting, Lisa acknowledges that her musical background subtly influences her performances. Her years of expressing vulnerability through music helped her channel emotions as an actor. She feels fortunate to be working with industry icons like Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Tanwar, Ishaan Khatter, and Bhumi Pednekar so early in her acting career. Lisa calls the experience "humbling" and feels an immense responsibility to do a good job.
The Royals is a fictional look into the modern-day lives of an Indian royal family grappling with the complexities of tradition and power in a contemporary setting. The series centers around Sophia, a young CEO, and Aviraaj, a prince, who come from completely different worlds. They are constantly at odds but irresistibly drawn to each other.
The series has a blend of old-world charm of palaces and Indian royalty with modern reality. It is a story about love, longing, and the complicated choices we make when our hearts and destinies collide.
