Interviewing Actress Seven Grant

How was your childhood?

My childhood was filled with confusion, pain, rejection, and a nimiety of fear. When I was in grade school and had a crush on someone of the same sex, societal norms labeled us as deviant for being attracted to the same sex and for feeling disconnected from our birth bodies. The teasing and judgment I endured left me trembling with juddering anxiety. Feeling different caused me tremendous trauma. Growing up without guidance, support from society, or family acceptance was unbearable. Being gay was considered taboo, and it wasn’t until the early 2000s that I even learned the term transgender or transwoman.



From what age did you decide to be an actress, and how did you know you had the skills to go on TV?

Looking back, I was studying Physical Therapy at Davao Doctors College when, in 2000, I was called to the Dean’s Office for dressing like a woman. Despite maintaining good grades, something didn’t feel right—my existence seemed awry. That feeling of not being able to express my true self and feeling alienated caused me to take several steps back and ultimately withdraw from college.

I then started blogging about life, sex, and relationships, and I came across Samantha Brett in Australia. Her work inspired me, and soon after, my fascination with human behavior led me to experiment with playing different roles, especially in front of the mirror. I began enjoying monologues, practicing believable, intense emotions, and immersing myself in the craft.

It was around this time I discovered Sherlyn Chopra from Bollywood. She became a major influence on me—from her bold confidence to her belly piercing and captivating on-camera presence. I started modeling in 2011, decided to pursue acting in 2016, and realized that living a real-life dose of realism had shaped me. Over the years, I had been unknowingly crafting and honing my skills, almost like living in a reality TV show.



Did your parents support you in the decision to become an actress?

People often cringe, raise their eyebrows, and think you’re a loser for pursuing something without a NY film resume, LA connections, showbiz friends, or industry contacts. But deep inside, I know this is something I will do, shaping myself for years to come. Not everyone has a Margot Robbie’s mother or Serena Williams’ father to support and train them, believing in their child every step of the way. For them, enhancements and surgeries are a big deal—like squandering money on nonsense. I suppose the family support system for my career is nonexistent. But that’s okay for me. The strongest wings fly solo, and they only weaken me if they’re clipped, rather than being there for support. I prefer to stand on my own.

Learning the ropes and figuring out where to land, building your brand, and stitching together success requires unwavering effort.



What was your first appearance on screen?

I was supposed to be in three films, but I walked away from them due to misunderstandings between the film financiers and directors. In 2016, I signed a non-exclusive contract with Global Film Studio, a company based in Canada. My debut film, directed by Bruno Pischiutta, will be part of The Trilogy, a mega project that aims to bring an epic vision to the screen. I’ll be portraying Aphrodite, with the film set to be shot in Thessaloniki, Greece. The Trilogy is an ambitious undertaking that spans three films, each tackling powerful themes of sexuality, human connection, and the divine. These films are not violent, but they are certainly iconoclastic. The strong sexual content accentuates their dramatic ending, which will make these mainstream films very popular. This project is expected to redefine storytelling in cinema, combining rich narratives with striking visuals and performances.



What was your first appearance on screen?

Finally, in The Trilogy, directed by Maestro Bruno Pischiutta.

The Trilogy is a monumental project consisting of three major sequential feature films, with a combined running time of 400 minutes, told through 113 scenes. It also includes three related documentaries, totaling 144 minutes. I am producing the project, as well as writing the screenplays—spanning 433 pages—and will also direct the feature films. The project is co-produced by Daria Trifu, who will also direct the three documentaries.

What was the role you liked the most?

Believe me, this is a role I truly want to portray. When the director shared the synopsis with me, it felt liberating. I auditioned for this role in the summer of 2021. To prepare, I underwent a rigorous workout routine, including yoga, meditation, a liquid diet every two weeks, and a keto diet. I have traveled the world for two decades, and aside from seeing places, mastering a man’s world and perfecting it was my dissertation. I have a deep emotional fortitude and have observed different lives that people have led. I’m a connoisseur of life, dalliance, libertine impulses, seduction, and the human spiral.

What do you think led you to fame?

That hasn’t happened yet. Fame nowadays is easy to attain—you either show scandalous material, tell a unique story, or get scattered through algorithms. I prefer the old days when celebrities and news had credible sources, not just blogs and plagiarized material online. I’ve never liked being the cynosure; it seems daunting and like a ginormous tote bag to carry. Artist versus celebrity— I enjoy more the process of building the ladder, which reminds me of what matters most to me: being grateful and thankful for how far I’ve come, all by myself, and for the things people don’t know about. Grit and gravitas, inner peace, and soul purpose come before welcoming fame. Fame is dangerous if you’re not protected by a paladin shield.

What types of characters would you like to portray?

I would love to interpret characters like Margot Robbie in Babylon, Alia Bhatt in Gangubai Kathiawadi, Gina Rodriguez in Carmen Sandiego, Alice Braga in Queen of the South, Priyanka Chopra in Quantico, Ana de Armas in Blonde, Gal Gadot in Wonder Woman, and Halle Berry as Catwoman.

These characters are strong, iconic, and layered, and I aspire to bring that same depth to my roles. I want to play characters with complex emotions and vulnerability. Give her multiple forms of strength. Give her female allies. Give her more than just her looks. Show her being real, flawed, and relatable. Those are the kinds of stories I want to tell.

What actresses and actors do you feel 

comfortable working with?

I’ve met quite a few, mostly in India, Europe, and the US. I’m not particular about either; it usually depends on the first script reading and get-together party to get acquainted. I have no problem dealing with people’s whims and tantrums—it’s just part of being human and staying in their comfort zone. I don’t take it personally, as long as it doesn’t cross the line of disrespecting an actor’s boundaries—that’s a different story. Work is work, and the goal is to get it done.

In what other genres of art would you like to participate? (Theater, music, among others)

Definitely Broadway. I’d be alright starting with a small studio and a handful of spectators. Stage fright is real, and it’s something I struggled with back in grade school. I still remember auditioning for group singing—quickly being placed as a soprano, only to be pulled back suddenly. Whilst I know music may not be my forte, dancing might be something I could pursue.

Do you have any anecdotes that have marked you in your life and as a person?

One particular anecdote that left a mark on me happened in 2007 at Beijing International Airport. I met a man for coffee, and in the midst of our brief but intriguing encounter, we ended up exchanging kisses. It felt like an impulsive and cinematic moment. However, later on, I unexpectedly came across his profile on an adult friend finder site.



What has been your greatest achievement?

Inner peace. Letting go of the need to please people, walking away from the endless squabble to be superior or always right, and learning to shut off the noise and control the narrative of my life. I’ve divorced myself from seeking external validation to feel secure or accepted by others.

This achievement didn’t come overnight—it was a journey of self-discovery, mindfulness, and setting boundaries. It’s about realizing that true strength lies in embracing who you are, without the need for constant approval or external praise. Inner peace has given me the freedom to live authentically, focus on what truly matters, and appreciate the beauty of simplicity.



What projects will you make next, and which ones do you have in mind?

I plan to return to Mumbai and reconnect with Arjun Singh Rautela. Navigating the industry as a firangi(foreigner) can be complex, so getting a handler is a priority. I began learning Hindi back in 2016, and while I’ll need a refresher, I feel confident. I enjoy English scripts, but incorporating a few Hindi lines is manageable and adds authenticity.

I’ve always been captivated by Bollywood Item Songs. However, I don’t just want to be a backup dancer—I aspire to take on the role of a heroine, someone who stands out and leaves a lasting impression.



Would you like to make a movie in Spain?

Absolutely, yes. I’ve watched many Spanish and international films, and I’m captivated by their unique storytelling, exceptional quality, and the authenticity of their actors. The versatility and intensity Spanish actors bring to the screen truly fascinate me.

Binge-watching these films has become part of my routine, as I study their acting methods and techniques. Spain’s vibrant film industry and its rich cultural backdrop would be a dream setting for a project I’d love to be part of.



Do you like Spanish cinema?

Absolutely—it feels like a eureka moment for me. Coming from Spanish ancestors on my mother’s side, I may not speak Spanish, but I’ve inherited their striking and domineering beauty. I dream of visiting Spain, blending in, and finding my place there. It takes time to meet the right friends and people, and that’s something I’m genuinely excited about in the years to come.

I skipped Spain during my last trip to Europe because I wanted to save it for a longer stay and fully experience it. I’m particularly excited to visit La Palma.

I’m a big fan of José Coronado, Álex González, Úrsula Corberó, and Najwa Nimri. Their talent and charisma are truly inspiring!