Local Actress is back from Bollywood – but not for long
Aspiring actress Larissa Morar of Middelburg – who was earlier this year awarded a scholarship to pursue a dream career in Film and Entertainment in the Bollywood Industry, is back home after spending an ‘intense three months’ in Mumbai, India.
The promising superstar, who mingled with the rich and famous, hinted that she has a massive surprise announcement for Bollywood entertainment addicts, movie lovers and fans.
But she’s not quite ready to reveal it all as yet!
“All I can say for now is that I’m back home for a short while only, and will be returning to Mumbai in a few weeks.”
At 22 years old Larissa Morar is beautiful, young and confident. She is a Communications Graduate at the University of Johannesburg and was among the top three students in the country that was selected by IIFFSA – the Indian International Film Festival of South Africa – to attend the famous Whistling Woods International Film School.
She said that upon selection by IIFFSA she decided to study a course on Motion Picture Production Planning. It was a choice, said Larissa at the time, that will provide her with deeper insight, knowledge, skills and a stronger understanding of what goes on behind the scenes.
But what lay ahead was beyond expectations. It was a much more fulfilling experience that demanded total dedication and commitment, said Larissa.
“I loved it. Everything. The work, the lectures, the assignments. I guess you could say that when a dream becomes reality, then pursuing excellence becomes a part of you. Yes it was stressful at times and we had to work really hard, but at the same time, this is all I ever wanted to do,” says Larissa.
Well, with the likes of well-known Shaunak Kapur – a famous Bollywood director – as her classmate, Producer Devendra Gandhi of Red Chillies Entertainment as her lecturer and regular encounters with celebrities such as Sohail Kumar and other Bollywood heartthrobs, Larissa truly has no room to complain.
“Every single day feels like a fantasy. It’s unreal. But I’m careful not to get ahead of myself. This is barely the beginning. My studies are ongoing and there’s numerous courses to complete – all of which requires tons of hard work and long hours.”
And Larissa is already reaping the rewards of her hard work. Soon after completing the course she was given the opportunity to work behind the scenes at one of India’s most popular Fashion Show Extravaganza’s, The Tassel Fashion and Lifestyle Awards 2014. Larissa was responsible for all Public Relations including writing the script.
“That experience reaffirmed my commitment to the industry and all things related. It’s where I belong and each day I’m more motivated to reach for the stars and dream. I’m also very grateful for all the support from my family, friends, and everyone who believed in me. I don’t think I would have made it without them. Thank you all!”
The Background
The IIFFSA is an annual Indian International Film Festival of South Africa aimed at promoting exchange of contemporary and cultural ideas, friendship and social development through the medium of cinema. The prime objective of IIFFSA is to bond Indian and African cultures through the glamorous world of cinema.
A former learner at Steelcrest High, Larissa applied for the scholarship by simply writing a motivational letter. In it she states that over the years has come to understand the language and can pick up the expression of emotion and dance moves.
During her studies in Johannesburg Larissa worked with various brands doing promotional work on television, and was a regular extra on the sets of local soapies such as Isidingo and 7de Laan.
The letter also included the following extracts:
“It has grown on me, become my passion, not only just a dream but a way of life for me. A lifestyle where I go sleep thinking about being and actress and would wake up singing, dancing and practicing to be just like some of the actresses I have seen on screen.
Nothing could stop me from expressing this yearning and deep desire to act. Acting is who and what I am, what I have always been destined to do.
I wish to inspire, inform, educate and motivate these people to not be led by their circumstances but by their vision and dreams for a better future. I want to create a sense an enthusiasm for education and the power and freedom it gives to individuals.”