Having studied acting at Lee Strasberg and being part of the global industry on the technical side under the wings of thespians like Clint Eastwood, has grounded Emily Shah’s understanding and love of the silver screen uniquely…
American actress Emily Shah is all set for her Bollywood debut, opposite Abhay Deol, in the film Jungle Cry, scheduled to release in India and subcontinent this June on Lionsgate Play, while the film will get a theatrical release overseas (the UK, US and UAE) on 20th May, 2022. The attractive and graceful actress plays the role of a Rugby physiotherapist in the film, based on true events, that tells the story of 12 underprivileged tribal orphans from Odisha, who play sports barefoot, and yet, go on to win the prestigious Rugby World Cup in England! Emily’s first international film was Fortune Defies Death, directed by Jennifer Hulum. Interestingly, Emily has assisted Clint Eastwood on Jersey Boys and later went on to assist in other blockbusters such as Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Monster Trucks, and Fast & Furious 7.
Chicago-born, New Jersey-raised Emily’s early exposure to movies has had an interesting effect—she has developed a love for both production as well as acting. And that explains her interesting choice for acting and being the Executive Producer in Jungle Cry. What’s remarkable is when Emily read the script as an Executive Producer, she noticed a lack of strong female roles, so she had the role of ‘Roshni Thakkar’ written in which she ultimately decided to take on.
Elaborating on the film, Emily, who speaks Hindi and Gujarati fluently, says, “Jungle Cry is a heartfelt story that displays the determination and heart of underprivileged tribal children, who rise to the occasion under extreme circumstances. I play the sports physiotherapist Roshni and I chose the name as she brings light to the film. I had Roshni written in as an effervescent character who uplifts the story and supports the children’s journey and growth with compassion.” Emily prepared for the role by not only researching Rugby extensively but also shadowing rugby physiotherapist Purvi Desai to better understand what the job entails. Emily further imparts, “I was mindful of the first film I chose as a Bollywood actress as it’s one thing to act and another to act in such an impactful story. That’s what drove me to be a part of Jungle Cry. It’s a story that needed to be told and I wanted to be a part of it in every way possible.”
Directed by Sagar Ballary, and featuring Abhay Deol, Atul Kumar, Stewart Wright, and Julian Lewis Jones, Jungle Cry also has interesting cameos by renowned Rugby names such as referee Nigel Owens, Wales and British Lions fly half Phil Bennett, and Colin Charvis, former captain of Wales. While she loves the entire team, Emily has glowing praise for Abhay Deol. “Abhay is incredible to work with – I know acting is all about reacting and, hence, the most realistic acting is when you’re present with your scene partner/s and react to what they’re saying and doing. Every single take that Abhay and I performed was different because of our varying emotions, actions, and reactions. We hardly rehearsed so each take was authentic and unique. He also gave me elements to work with, which is a first for me. Shooting for Jungle Cry made me realise why he is such a respected talent.”
Having assisted Clint Eastwood, Emily considers that as one of her most incredible life experiences: “Mr. Eastwood taught me something unforgettable. He never says ‘action’ on-set because while working on his western films whenever he yelled the word, the horses would go crazy. So, he says, ‘If that happens to a horse, imagine what happens to the human mind.’” Therefore, during an emotional scene on the sets of Jungle Cry, Emily “…asked Sagar if we could try the Eastwood way and he immediately agreed; I believe it helped draw my best performance in the scene.”
Emily wears her heart on her sleeve and has represented the UN for the World Polio Eradication Initiative in India and, among other charities, is also an Autism Awareness Ambassador for UNICEF. Add to that the fact that despite having spent 13 years studying at Lee Strasberg she insists she’s not a method actor and you know she is a cut apart from the rest. So, when she says “I think everyone charts their own path and I have no regrets about making my Bollywood debut with a non-commercial film as it shows my acting abilities; I can always cross over to masala films, and I hope to dance in them soon,” all you want to say is “we will be waiting!”
