★ The inside word … with Pallavi Sharda

Born in Perth and brought up in Melbourne, Pallavi Sharda is a lawyer by training, classical Indian dancer and international film actress. She spends her time working in either her home town of Melbourne or her adopted home of Mumbai, where she has become one of Bollywood’s leading ladies. Earlier this year, she was Queen of Moomba.

Where did you grow up in Melbourne, tell us a little about the area?I grew up in the north western suburbs of Melbourne and went to school in Essendon. I loved the area as it was full of Melburnians of different backgrounds and opened my mind up to many different cultures.

Your career takes you all over the world, what is your favourite thing to do when you come home to Melbourne?A pilgrimage around Melbourne’s beautiful and eclectic mix of cafés is my number one priority when I come home. There’s nothing better than a great flat white! I also love walking through Melbourne’s lane ways, seeing new street art and shopping in Fitzroy.

What is it about Melbourne that helped inspire you to become a performer?I was lucky to grow up among Melbourne’s vibrant Indian community who held cultural functions which allowed me to fall in love with Indian dance and music. Being exposed to performing arts venues and performances through Indian dance drew me into the magic of being on stage and performance.

Where do you take your international friends when they come to Melbourne?Food, shopping and sport are all an intrinsic part of my Melbourne tour.  My favourite restaurants have an Asian flavour such as Chin Chin, Lucy Liu and any great spots for authentic Vietnamese Pho are a must. I find just walking through the city to the Botanical Gardens and then along the Yarra River – it’s just magical. I generally tell people to visit in January so we can enjoy the summer – and watch some serious cricket!Where is your favourite regional getaway in Victoria and why do you like it?Growing up my family would go camping in the Otways region. I have fond memories of driving along the Great Ocean Road, rainforest walks and swimming in waterfalls.

Describe Melbourne in three words.Cultured, coffee-nated, kaleidoscopic!