I love wearing the saree on Indian festivals: Delbar Arya

Delbar Arya, the actress who has German origins, and has done Punjabi films like PR and is next doing Damdaa besides Punjabi music videos, has marinated in the Indian culture thoroughly. Currently enjoying the Indian festivities, Delbar says, “Indian festivals give me many reasons to go deep into myself spiritually and by the end of the celebrations I always come out a tad wiser.” Excerpts from a conversation with us.

It is festival time in India currently. How much do you participate or understand about Indian festival?
Festivals in general are not just events to mindlessly celebrate but give us time and space to reflect on different aspects of life.
Indian festivals in specific give me many reasons to go deep into myself spiritually and by the end, namely, by the time of the celebrations I always come out a tad wiser than before.


Which is your favorite Indian festival and why?
Diwali is all about joyous celebrations coupled with spirituality and lots of arts. In our tradition, my whole family comes together jamming with their specific type of arts, be it singing, dancing, decorations, poetry, playing instruments… everyone contributes artistically dedicated to the divine.

Do you like to dress up in traditional Indian wear for these fests?
I love traditional Indian wear. I enjoy wearing airy and comfortable clothing such as Palazzo & Kurta and of course, the classic Saree.


How has the response been to your Punjabi ventures?
It’s come in such positive waves, lifting me up and motivating me to keep charging forward. I’m blessed and thankful to the Punjabi film industry to receive so many surprises.


Did you find acceptance with Punjabi audiences?
Yes, very much! To begin with, the Punjabi film industry enriched me with another most beautiful Indian language. I learned Punjabi from scratch, learned to read and write in Gurmukhi scripture so I am aware of the correct pronunciation and develop a feeling for every word and sentence. And of course, with language comes a whole new world to discover. Through real integrity, such as learning the language, means Punjabi, you only get the chance to touch your audience’s hearts.
Thus I am grateful to the people of Punjab and the Punjabi film industry who have always been so warm and welcoming to me.

What's the next project you've signed in Punjabi?
In my upcoming film Damdaa I have played the role of a village girl, pind di kudi, which was an absolutely new experience and loved everything about it. There are a few more projects lined up which you will get to know soon.


You're now doing a Bollywood film. How did you get that, tell us about it.
It’s called Mehnat.

How are you prepping for the role?
I do not rest until I feel the character in my bones and every cell, be it that character‘s language, slang, behaviour, thinking, quirks, body language… you name it. It’s a long and ongoing process which I live every day.


Have you been actively auditioning for roles in Bollywood?
Yes, and not only for Bollywood but for films and projects in general in the Indian film industry.
Whoever we might be or become, the development as an artist never stops.


What about South industry. Do you have any offers there?
Chup chup ke, chup chup ke, chori se chori…


Are you keen or is language a barrier?
Of course, language does not create any barrier for me. I would love to do films in as many Indian languages as possible and experience Indian regional cinema, too. If I was able to learn and act in Punjabi then I can act in any Indian language.