Pooja Sharma: I Was Not Nervous But Excited Before My First Scene as Draupadi

Mahabharat starring Sourabh Raj Jain, Shaheer Sheikh, and Pooja Sharma amongst others is being re-aired on Star Plus amid lockdown, and fans of the mythological drama are thoroughly enjoying it.

We at India Forums got into a candid conversation with Pooja Sharma who played Draupadi in the show. The actress spoke to us about her character in the drama, what compelled her to take the role, her break- down moment and a lot more.

Excerpts from the interview:-

1)How are you feeling since your show, Mahabharat is being re-aired on the Television amid lockdown?

I am absolutely ecstatic and very excited. It feels as if my show has been re-launched after years. I am blessed that people will be watching the show again.

2)Taking you down the memory lane, tell us how did you prepare yourself to play Draupadi?

Honestly, I did not get much time to prepare for the character of Draupadi. I joined the show after a month and I had to keep my eyes and ears open all the time while I was on the sets. I grasped everything in and that is how I prepared for Draupadi’s character.

3)What compelled you to take the character of Draupadi?

Well, who would say no to such an important character! It was such a prominent character and I was being offered such a role at the beginning of my career. It felt as if the best of the world had come to me and how could I say no to that. I said Yes, and it worked out amazingly for me.

4)Were you nervous before the first scene you shot as Draupadi?

Honestly, what I felt was excitement and not nervousness before my first shot. I still remember my first scene, where I step out fully dressed in a saree on an extremely cold day, I could see people on the opposite side sipping tea or coffee, sitting in sweaters and shawls (chuckles). There is no nervousness, it is just excitement. I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment while shooting and I still remember them as my most fantastic memories.

5)Have you experienced any break-down moment where you felt, ‘I cannot do this anymore’?

I remember I was sitting in my room, with my head lowered down in my arms, thinking, ‘I can not do this anymore’ and my roommate entered and I told the same to my roommate. But then I just thought, I cannot let this go, I have to do this. I picked up myself and motivated myself.

6)Apart from Mahabharat, which other show of yours would you like to see on TV?

Mahabharat is already being re-aired on Star Plus and my other show, Mahakali, Anth Hi Aarambh Hai is also being re-aired on Colors. There is nothing more I could ask for.

7)Are you in touch with any of your co-stars from Mahabharat?

Yes, I am.

Lastly, we asked the actress what is the one thing she would do, once since lockdown is over. Pooja said she would order a lot of food and eat to her heart’s content.(laughs)