Arista Mehta has been in front of the camera since childhood, but her recent performance as Noori Syed in Baramulla has pushed her into a new creative space. In this exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, she reflected on her early beginnings, the challenges of shooting in Kashmir, and the kind of roles she hopes to take on next.
Arista Mehta reveals her journey, the making of Baramulla, and the exciting genres she’s ready to dive into
Discovering Her Passion for Acting
Arista began working at a young age, but it wasn’t until she turned 14 that acting truly felt like a calling. She recalled that even though she often missed school for shoots, she never felt any sense of missing out. That was the moment she understood she wanted to continue acting throughout her life.
Diving Into the Role of Noori Syed in Baramulla
Playing Noori Syed was a turning point for Arista. She was drawn to the character’s emotional depth—shaped by trauma, her father’s job, and the complex realities of growing up in Kashmir. Once she read the full script, she felt completely committed to the part.
To prepare, she worked closely with a dialect coach to ensure her speech reflected someone raised in Kashmir. Since Noori carries significant PTSD, Arista also focused on the character’s physicality—how she spoke, stood, and moved—to portray her low confidence and inner turmoil with authenticity.
Working With Manav Kaul
Her on-screen chemistry with Manav Kaul, who plays her father, felt effortless. Arista described him as funny, supportive, and incredibly easy to work with. Whenever she struggled with a line, he was the first to guide her, making the experience both comfortable and enjoyable.
Challenges and Memories from Shooting in Kashmir
Despite being from Shimla, Arista admitted that the Kashmir winter was tougher than she expected—especially after living in Mumbai for five years. The team shot from early December to mid-January in regular homes without heating, and temperatures kept dropping. Heavy snowfall even blocked roads towards the end of the shoot.
Still, the experience left a mark. She has always loved snow, and despite the harsh weather, she cherished the atmosphere and beauty surrounding the shoot.
Growing Up Through Acting
Since she essentially grew up on sets—from age 12 to 18—Arista has seen a notable shift in how she approaches her craft. What started as something fun gradually became something she studied and practiced more deeply. Today, she takes her roles far more seriously and feels she has grown as an actor with every project.
Lessons From Baramulla
One of the biggest takeaways from Baramulla was work ethic. Arista remembered how dedicated the crew was—many fell sick, some were even hospitalized, yet everyone still showed up the next morning. It made her realize that filmmaking is a collective effort, and many people depend on her showing up prepared. That sense of responsibility stayed with her long after the shoot ended.
What’s Next for Arista?
Looking ahead, she hopes to step into genres she hasn’t explored yet. Comedy and action are high on her list, and she is excited by the idea of working in spaces that challenge her in new ways.
Also Read: Netflix’s ‘Baramulla’ trailer will give you goosebumps: A supernatural thriller set in Kashmir
More Pages: Baramulla Box Office Collection , Baramulla Movie Review
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