Daniela Lavender
Daniela Lavender's new movie Taj will see her team up with her real life husband Ben Kingsley, who will take on the role of Shah Jahan.
We managed to grab five minutes with the actress to quickly talk about the project and what lies ahead for her.
- Tell me about the move Taj?
The film Taj depicts the tumultuous circumstances that led to the building of the world's greatest monument to love; the Taj Mahal.
The film tells the story of its conception and how it became a product of the extraordinary love shared between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
- What drew you to the project?
The Taj Mahal is one of India’s greatest treasures and is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The story itself is one so amazing it is only right that the whole world shares how this fantastic monument came to be.
What is it like working with your husband?
I am looking forward to working with my husband, his love and knowledge of acting is second to none.
- What research did you do to prepare for your role?
My husband and I visited the Taj Mahal
- How did you get into acting
I aspired to be an actress at the age of eight, it was all and everything I wanted to be. . From a young age I would imitate the actresses I watched on television until I perfected each character.
But at the age of 20 did the dream beging to become a reality. In pursuit of my career I would travel from my home, Bahia to Rio De Janiero in the hope that the drama schools there would help further my development.
I then moved to London, began drama training and featured in small parts in Eastenders, Casualty and Manchild.
I then went on to star in ‘Emotional Backgammon’ for which I won Best Actress at the Denver Film Festival. Following this I toured as part of the British Shakespeare Company’s production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ playing the lead role of Tittania.
- What is it like working in film and theatre
I enjoy the essence of acting, be it film or theatre, I do have a great love for Shakespeare’s heroines but at the same time love the idea of my family sitting around a television or at the cinema watching me. I am living the dream I had as a little girl, facing new challenges, new roles, it truly is amazing.
- What lies ahead for you?
I believe very much in cause and effect so I hope that what lies ahead will be a direct reflection of what I have put in which is always 100%.
I will continue to make the most of the talents I have been given. By God’s grace I will inspire people by portraying beautiful stories and be recognised for it.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw