Pallavi Sharda has returned to the screen this month, starring in Aussie comedy film, SPIT. The Indian Australian actor, known for her stellar on-screen performances in The Twelve, Beecham House and Netflix’s Wedding Season to name a few, says it’s “exciting” to play a very “unapologetic” character alongside an incredibly talented, star-studded cast.
Spit is set 23 years after the release of the classic Australian film Gettin’ Square, where Johnny Spiteri (aka Spit) became an iconic fan favourite. David Wenham returns to the screen in Spit to reprise his role as Johnny.
Sharda takes on the role of Spit’s lawyer, Aria Sahni. Today we hear from Sharda about what it was like stepping onto the set of what she describes is a “larrikin Aussie” comedy film.
A huge congratulations on the role. How did the opportunity come about?
I was approached by the makers in 2023 and had a call with Jonathan Teplitsky shortly after an initial chat with David. I loved the idea of being a part of something that Johnny Spit was coming back for – to be included in the lexicon of a ‘larrikin Aussie’ comedy film was exciting as it’s not the sort of genre you see in film very often anymore.
Your character Aria is a lawyer and you studied law yourself. Did this help inform your performance as Aria?
Well, I have never practised as a lawyer and Aria is a pretty terrible one – so it kind of added up, Ha! While it helped to be familiar with the ‘characters’ lawyers often have to play in real life, my approach to this character was more about where she comes from and the grit she has internalised – I think Aria would be Aria-esque no matter what profession she might have had. A very self-assured, completely over-the-top human who makes no apologies. I know that the sort of people she would have interacted with might be ‘grizzly’… Chris Nyst the writer encouraged me to lean into that aspect of her character.
What do you love most about Aria, and do you share any similarities?
Aria is unapologetic. Possibly more so than even me. It was liberating to play her, to be given licence to be extra without any sense of anyone caring, or looking. In fact in her case, the more people looking the better. I – ironically – am a lot shier as a person.
We love your accent in the movie, and it’s refreshing to see a South Asian woman depicted in this light in an Aussie film. Was this something you reflected on and thought was a particularly important aspect of Aria’s depiction on the screen?
Aria is clearly from a part of Australia which has multiple cultural influences, probably not dissimilar to how I grew up. Despite even the most robust precepts of egalitarianism, people often assimilate in overt or subtle ways for acceptance. It was an important aspect of her that her accent is normalised and didn’t become something to denigrate or deride.
There’s a stellar cast including David Wenham with bounds of experience. What was it like working with him and did he share any particular words of wisdom or advice as an actor?
I loved working with David. His greatest advice comes through his example. He is so committed to the craft and never waivers. David doesn’t seem like the sort of person to ever give advice, but he knew the film so well, that he was always there by your side to get the best out of you. It’s kind of awe-inspiring to perform near him or just witness him. I’m lucky to have done it twice now (when I was 26 I worked on a great period comedy called Les Norton where I shared all my scenes with David – that’s where I first got a glimpse of his absolute craft genius and his human geniality).
How would you describe the atmosphere on set and which co-stars were you closest to?
It was one of the most rewarding set experiences. So filled with love and positive intention. I got to know so many of the actors, even those I didn’t share much screen space with because we were all so happy to be there and to work as a collective. Arlo and Sami definitely became good mates and David and Helen as usual were delightful to work with. Even Indira Naidoo makes an appearance and that was so cool for me as someone who grew up watching her and feeling inspired by her.
Of course, many people in both Australia and globally know your incredible work in Wedding Season. With Picture This and One Day, we’re seeing a boom in brown female-led rom-coms. We’re also seeing shows like The Sex Lives Of College Girls sadly not renewed for another season. How would you currently describe the state of TV and film when it comes to telling diverse stories starring – and for – South Asian women?
I think it’s such a great time for actualisation of South Asians on screen. There will always be shows that go and those that don’t. The world is an incredibly precarious space right now and this industry is feeling it. I’m so proud of any South Asians telling their stories and feel so blessed to be part of such a great global creative community. I’d like to make a special shout-out to my LA fam who always welcome me with open arms and are so excited to co create our future stories together. So much great work is coming out of there right now.
As the Founder of Bodhini Studios, diverse storytelling is incredibly important to you. With more Indian film festivals (eg the National Indian Film Festival of Australia) and Indian Australian films (eg Hindi Vindi) launching this year, how would you describe the state of Australia’s film industry in terms of embracing and championing South Asian stories?
Australia is working hard. And it’s so important to acknowledge the quick strides that have been made after decades of what was generally speaking a one-dimensional representation model. Australia in general is aware of how important and intertwined South Asian culture has been and is becoming locally. We have a large diaspora, it’s incredibly diverse and now is the time to really support and uplift each other as a collective because there is space and the cultural will to help us shape our narratives to reflect the social realities.
Lastly, what would you like audiences to take away from the film, Spit?
I hope they can laugh, cry and feel hopeful to be part of this great experiment that is Australia!
After releasing on March 6, Spit is still showing in select Australian cinemas.
Top image source: Supplied
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