Interview : Suman Rana: A Doctor Turned Actress Living Her True Passion

Suman Rana, an actress from the upcoming film Let’s Meet, has an unconventional journey. Before stepping into the world of entertainment, she built a successful career as a gynaecologist and even earned a PhD. However, acting was always her true passion. In an exclusive conversation with our Senior Editor, Keerti Kadam, Suman opens up about her transition from medicine to movies, her views on online love, and why she believes in living life to the fullest.

Many people say you resemble a famous actress. What are your thoughts on that?
(Smiles) Thank you! I guess this resemblance might be part of my destiny. Things are unfolding faster than I expected! (Laughs)

You’re a doctor as well as an actress. Do you still practice medicine?
Yes, I still have my clinic in Mumbai. However, I don’t manage it regularly. I believe that to truly excel in something, you have to give it your 100%. Right now, my full focus is on acting. If you ask me to choose between the two, I would pick acting because it brings me happiness. And I believe that following your happiness is your true destiny.

When did you realize that acting makes you happy?
Initially, I didn’t know that acting would make me happy. Sometimes, life takes unexpected turns, and you don’t understand why. But I believe everything is part of a bigger plan written by the universe. I became a doctor because I grew up in Kashmir, where I witnessed a lot of suffering due to militancy. Seeing people in pain made me want to save lives. But as we grow, our perspectives change. I have changed, and I continue to evolve every day. Life is about exploring different passions. Right now, I’m an actor, but in the future, I may also become a businesswoman or a motivational speaker. Life is a journey, and I want to experience it all.

Did you take formal training for acting, or did you learn on set?
We all have a bit of acting within us, but some techniques need to be learned. I didn’t do a long-term acting course because I believe that spending 3–4 years studying doesn’t necessarily make you an actor—time just passes. Instead, I attended workshops with different teachers to learn the basics—how to get into character, how to come out of it, and other essential skills.

Tell us about your character in Let’s Meet.
I play Riya, a corporate professional with a routine similar to my past life as a doctor—an 8 AM to 5 PM job with little social interaction. She isn’t active on social media, which is rare in today’s world. Her friends encourage her to join online platforms, and once she does, she meets Nikhil, played by Tanuj Virwani. He’s an extrovert who loves dating, but over time, he starts developing feelings for Riya. The rest of the story unfolds in the film.

When you heard the story, did you immediately say, “Let’s Meet”?
(Laughs) When I first heard the concept, I found it very creative. In today’s world, online interactions and relationships are common, but this story explores what happens after love begins. Interestingly, my casting was also done online. I didn’t meet the director or producer in person—my audition was conducted through a video call. It felt like my real-life experience mirrored my character’s journey.

What are your views on online love?
Times are changing. Our parents didn’t have mobile phones or social media; they had to meet in person. But today, people prefer quick interactions from the comfort of their homes. Everything—jobs, salaries, payments—is online, so why not love? The film reflects this new reality. I believe online relationships will become more common, and who knows? Maybe even breakups and divorces will happen online too! (Laughs)

Social media has both positive and negative aspects, including trolling. Have you ever faced it?
No, I haven’t experienced trolling so far. But I believe that everyone has different perspectives. What seems right to one person may seem wrong to another. I don’t let others’ opinions affect me. If something benefits me, I’ll go ahead with it. If it’s just negativity, I won’t entertain it. The best way to deal with trolling is to stay calm and not react.

You mentioned that you will continue acting. Are you open to TV, films, and OTT, or do you have a preference?
I’m open to films and OTT, but I don’t want to do television. TV schedules are intense—you start at 8 AM and return home at midnight. I want to work on a project, dedicate 40 days to it, and then take a break before the next one. For me, acting isn’t just about making money. If it were, I would have stayed in my medical profession. I want to take on roles that I can fully live and experience.

Being a doctor, you must know where to set limits…
Absolutely! Too much of anything is harmful—even drinking too much water! The same applies to acting. If you get too immersed in a character beyond what’s necessary, it can affect your mental state. Knowing when to stop is essential.

Has your medical background helped you in acting?
Definitely. Everything we learn in life eventually helps us in some way. If I hadn’t been through my medical journey, I wouldn’t have the perspective and patience I have now. Even on set, if someone feels unwell, I can help them. It’s a great feeling to know that my skills from one profession can still be useful in another.

From saving lives in a hospital to bringing stories to life on screen, Suman Rana’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether in medicine or acting, her philosophy remains the same—live fully, embrace change, and follow your passion.

By Keerti Kadam