Get out of your comfort zone, says Sunetra Sarker, a participant from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in an exclusive interview with Asian Voice. Sunetra, who has a degree in information systems for Business in Europe from Brunel University London, changed career paths to become a successful actress and from there decided to try her hand at dancing skills. Recently after being voted out by judges, Sunetra is spending lot of time with her son and on her acting skills.
Dancing is not something she planned but it just happened, Sunetra told us adding that if it was not for her family she wouldn’t have been able to try something new.
In this exclusive interview, Sunetra told us about herself, her family, her experience at Strictly Come Dancing and some advice for new entrants in the industry.
Tell us about yourself briefly?
I am a working actress and a mum. I was born in Liverpool and my parents still live there. They are both from Calcutta and my father is a doctor. I now live in Bristol with my 9 year old son Noah Kishore and work in Cardiff on BBC’s casualty (since 2008). I am an extremely busy person and always on the go!
How did you develop interest in dancing?
I had no interest in dance prior to strictly that's why it's such a surprise that I lasted so long. My mum and sister are very into their dance and I tried Indian dancing as a kid but acting was my passion and I never really thought of anything else.
How was your experience in Strictly Come Dancing?
Such a surprise for me as I never expected to enjoy it at all but my family and friends all persuaded me to try it and do something out of my comfort zone and they were right. I enjoyed the learning of new skills and the fact I lost weight too!!
Tell us how it impacted your life?
A lot of multi tasking was involved to continue casualty filming and keeping on top of being a school mum. I missed out on all weekend activities and family birthdays and my seeing my nieces and nephews but it has a really positive impact in bringing all my family and friends together supporting and coming to see me dance.
What did you learn from it?
I learnt that you should all be courageous and take the leap into the unknown sometimes. I might surprise you. I am very proud that I got to ballroom dance like I did and fought my stage fright each week with my own inner strength.
What would you like to advice to young men/women who see a future in Television?
Get involved as soon as you can with community theatre and local radio and understand the process of television world before diving in. Follow your dreams but have a backup plan so you have security in your life too.
