Transcripts of LIVE INDIATIMES CHAT with TV actress, Shagufta Ali at 12 noon (IST) on Thursday, December 1, 2005 in Mumbai
Clod > Hi, please tell us something about yourself. We know very little about you. We have only seen you on TV and would like to know more about you.
Shagufta Ali > Well, I have done a lot of films before starting work on TV. I've done a couple of Telegu and Tamil films. Among the Hindi movies I have worked in Geeta Ki Saugandh, Gardish, Khooni Murda, Ek Number Ka Chor, Hero Number 1, Sirf Tum etc. And I have been in this industry for 20 years. My work experience has been good. I am from Mumbai and I belong to a conservative Muslim family. I have studied in St. Joseph's High School in Mumbai and then went to Mithibai College for further education.
Rima > Why do you keep such a low profile? Don't you like giving interviews?
Shagufta Ali > No, I would love to give interviews and I have done so before. But, these days people want to read more of masala and spicy news. May be the media doesn't get it from me, so they don't write about me. I would love the media to write about my work rather than anything else. I don't deliberately keep a low profile, it's just the way I am. If people approach me for an interview, they are most welcome. Other wise, it's still fine with me.
Shai > What's the reason for your friendship with Neena Gupta. You are seen in all her serials. Why does she take you in all her serials?
Shagufta Ali > I think she is the best person to tell you that. But it may be because she has always loved my work and liked me as a person. She says that I am a very sincere and hardworking actor. May be, that's why. I would love to work with her again and again because she is a fabulous person and a great director and actor.
Clod > Being from a conservative Muslim family did you face opposition from your family, friends and community when you decided to become an actress. What did they say initially, and how were you able to convince them?
Shagufta Ali > No, I did not have to take permission from the entire family. My mom and dad were the most important people in my life. It was just about their permission that I needed. Initially, my dad had a little problem (with my work) but my mom and I both convinced him and then he was okay with it. The only reason (for his opposition) was he wanted me to study and get married.
Mimi > Who else do you have in your family? When is your birthday?
Shagufta Ali > My birthday is on the 7th of April. Right now, in my family, it is just my mom (who lives with me) and everybody is happily settled with God.
Jimy > Besides Neena Gupta, who are you close to on the sets of TV serials that you do? What sort of nature do you have in real life?
Shagufta Ali > I am close to Resham Tipnis (Aarti in Woh Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki ), Shachi (Kokila in Woh Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki ). I am also quite close to Shoma Anand who is working with me in Shanno Ki Shaadi. Besides, there are plenty of friends around me. Basically, I am a very fun loving person. Also, straight forward and blunt at times. People find me rude at times because of my bluntness but that's the way I am. I have the guts to call a spade, a spade.
Esha > What sort of roles do you like to do? You do comedy very well. Would you like to just stick to it?
Shagufta Ali > I would love to do all kinds of roles that I have been already doing. I love comedy too but I do not want to stick to anything in particular. And, thanks for the compliment.
Actress > What are your current and forthcoming projects?
Shagufta Ali > Currently, I am doing Woh Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki , Shanno Ki Shaadi , Millee and Meri Saheli . I am (supposed to be) doing some other shows too but they are in the pipeline.
Manju > Shagufta, TV actors are shooting day and night and hardly get time to relax. Do you find this trend disturbing and have you seen your colleagues or even yourself suffering from stress? How do you cope?
Shagufta Ali > Of course, we definitely get stressed and also get very exhausted at times. But whenever I get the time I sleep, meditate and pray.
Leela > What do you do in your spare time?
Shagufta Ali > I spend most of the time with my mother and friends, watch a movie or go shopping. But sleep is very important.
Lili > Are you very religious Shagufta?
Shagufta Ali > Yes, I am and very proud to be one.
Kali > You are so popular on TV. Why haven't we seen you in too many films and in major roles?
Shagufta Ali > Because now I don't get time to do films, as TV consumes a lot of my time. But if I were offered a good role and a good film, I would definitely do it. I have done a very small and cute role in a film called Nexus (Sharad Kapoor, Shakti Kapoor, two new girls, Mukesh Rishi etc.) directed and produced by Munna Dhari, which we shot in London recently.
Varsha > Shaguftha ji, I really watch your serial Meri Saheli, it's really nice. How do feel working with your co-stars in the Millee serial?
Shagufta Ali > Absolutely fantastic! We are good friends - Kimi Verma and I. Mille is also a fabulous experience. We have lots of fun. Thank you.
Varsha > How did you get in to the acting career? Who influenced you to become an actress? Is it your dream come true?
Shagufta Ali > I was not influenced by anybody nor was it a dream come true, but I came in to the industry because my dad was not well. He had two major (heart) surgeries to be done and the doctors advised him not to work anymore. So then I being the only child had to become the bread earner of the family. It was just destiny that got me here.
Sign Off Message > All I would like to say is that pray for me, keep watching (me) and continue liking my work so that I can time and again say thanks to all of you. And I wish everybody all the best in whatever they are doing. I would like to tell every body to keep smiling; it makes people wonder what you are up to. Love, Shagufta.
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