TIPSLIFEHACKS

Poorna Jagannathan, the acclaimed actress known for her versatility and captivating performances, recently took on a challenging role as Lucky, the formidable mob queen in the new series 'Deli Boys'. But where did she find the inspiration for such a complex and powerful character? Surprisingly, the answer lies in a reality TV show – 'The Real Housewives of Orange County'.

In an exclusive interview, Jagannathan revealed that traditional acting methods and research weren’t providing the spark she needed. “I couldn’t find it,” she confessed. “I watched 'The Sopranos,' I watched documentaries about everything from notorious female drug dealers to former Indian Prime Ministers... nothing felt quite right.”

Then, a lightbulb moment. She stumbled upon 'The Real Housewives of Orange County' and found herself unexpectedly captivated by the dynamics, the power struggles, and the carefully constructed facades. “There’s a fascinating study of power, and how women wield it, in these shows,” Jagannathan explained. “It’s about managing appearances, controlling narratives, and maintaining a certain image while navigating incredibly complex situations. It’s a different kind of performance, but it’s a performance nonetheless.”

She elaborates, “These women are constantly strategizing, manipulating, and jockeying for position. They’re masters of reading a room, understanding unspoken cues, and playing the long game. That level of calculated behaviour, that understanding of social dynamics, I realised that was what I needed to tap into for Lucky.”

This unexpected source of inspiration allowed Jagannathan to approach her portrayal of Lucky with a fresh perspective. She focused on the character's ability to command respect, her shrewdness in business dealings, and her unwavering determination to maintain control – all qualities she observed in the women of 'The Real Housewives'.

Jagannathan's journey highlights the unpredictable nature of artistic inspiration. It demonstrates how actors can draw on unexpected sources to create nuanced and compelling characters. By looking beyond traditional research methods and embracing the insights offered by a seemingly unrelated genre, Jagannathan has delivered a truly memorable performance as the ruthless and captivating mob queen, Lucky. 'Deli Boys' is proving to be a must-watch series, and Jagannathan’s performance is undoubtedly a major reason why.

So, the next time you're looking for inspiration, don't discount the power of reality television. You might just find the key to unlocking a brilliant performance, just like Poorna Jagannathan did.