IMDb, the world's most popular and authoritative source for information on movies, TV shows, and celebrities, presented an IMDb “Breakout Star” STARmeter Award to Khauf star Monika Panwar. She ranked in the top 10 of Popular Indian Celebrities list twice, including reaching the No. 2 spot two weeks ago. Her earlier credits include Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega, Choona, and Gaanth: Chapter One: Jamnaa Paar. Panwar recently appeared in the IMDb exclusive segment ‘Burning Questions’ where she spoke about her journey as an actor, receiving a call from Aamir Khan, and her experience filming Khauf.

Recalling her first day at National School of Drama, Panwar said, “When I entered the school, it was like entering a different planet. When you enter a new space, it’s all about the energy. As soon as one enters the gate of the National School of Drama, it gives out ‘free will energy’, like a rebel without a cause. You’re here to construct, deconstruct, create, and destroy, that’s the energy of the place.”

On receiving a call from Aamir Khan after her performance in Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega, Panwar said, “When Aamir sir texted me, I initially thought it was a scam. I replied rudely, thinking it wasn't him. He messaged again and by the intensity of his message, I then felt certain that it was him. I was absolutely free that day but when he asked when I was free to speak, I told him the next day at 2PM. That was my biggest mistake, because then I was fixating the entire night on what the conversation would be like. You should never do that. If an actor says let’s connect, you should immediately connect. But the next day we had a chat, and it was wonderful.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by IMDb India (@imdb_in)

Speaking about a difficult day on the sets of Khauf, Panwar revealed, “The climax, which is the 8th episode of the series, was very intense. There were a lot of stunts, especially with a harness. Even the sludge scene, emotionally it wasn’t that difficult but physically, it was bad. I was waiting to get done filming the scene.”

Sharing how she gets back to normal after filming an intense scene, Panwar revealed, “After shooting something intense, I prefer not meeting anyone from the crew. Even while returning to the hotel, I don’t look upwards to avoid saying hi to anyone. I go numb and silent, so I can prepare for the next day. I can’t chat and return the next day. I need to charge myself by going silent.”

Speaking of three dream directors that she’d like to work with, she said, “Aamir sir, I’d like to work with him, collaborate with him, even if not as a director. I’d like to be associated with a film or a show that he is a part of. Then I’d say Lijo Jose Pellissery, he’s one of my favourite directors from India, and Payal Kapadia.”

Mentioning an actor she’d like to work with, she said, “Fahadh Faasil.”