In Conversation With Freida Pinto

Hollywood actress Freida Pinto is remembered most as Latika in the multiple BAFTA, Oscar, Golden Globe winning film Slumdog Millionaire, over a decade since the film stormed the scene. She was born to Mangalorean Parents, in Mumbai, and participated in amateur theatre while studying English literature, with Psychology and Economics at University. She went into modelling, and was seen in many high profile campaigns, and went onto becoming a TV host. Her foray into cinema came from a rigorous auditioning process for Danny Boyle, which she attributes to her honing her craft. She went on to act in films like Miral, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Trishna, Immortals and Love Sonia which has a world premiere at LIFF in 2018. Freida has worked with high profile actors and directors, like Mindy Kaling, Michael Winterbottom, Riz Ahmed, Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Naomi Watts, Terrence Malick, Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman and Andy Serkis. Pinto is an activist for women’s issues, and many humanitarian causes, and is voicing Queen Shanti in Disney’s first animated series set in India, Mira, Royal Detective. She is currently working with Gabrielle Union, for the Dressed in Dreams film adaptation of the book. Catch Freida in conversation with Anna Smith, host of the Girls on Film podcast, and chair of the UK Film Critics’ Circle.