'Santaan mirrors life amd its conflicts'

Q Was Kulvadhu a sort of setback for you? Were you disappointed that the show was terminated after three months?

It was my bad luck that the show ended soon because after doing a lot of episodic work, Kulvadhu was my first major break on TV. I still cherish all the moments of doing the show. I didn't get enough time to get under the skin of the character but I loved playing Neeyati. Though I got noticed I didn't really get into the hearts of the audience. I wouldn't deny that I felt very bad. In fact, I was petrified of the fact that my struggle to play the main lead would continue. But fortunately, I didn't have to make the rounds of production houses again. There were lots of offers and producers were willing to give me another platform.

Q Then why did it take you six months to return to serials?

There were some real good offers. The roles were also amazing. But I turned them down because I didn't want to do another show that had the look and feel of Kulvadhu. I didn't mind waiting and till I opted for Santaan I had said no to quite a few offers. In fact, I was quite adamant about not doing a typical daily soap.

Q What was the main attraction for signing Santaan?

The story and my character. It is a show that's set in today's middle class family and deals with the conflict between parents and children that arises because of the generation gap. Not that the children don't love and respect their parents but there is bound to be a generation gap. No one is wrong and yet there is no meeting ground for the way the two generations think. It is realistic and the audience will identify with the story and characters because Santaan mirrors life and its conflicts too. Such situations that happen in real life.

Q How different is Suhana of Santaan from Neeyati?

As different as the cheese and chalk. Suhana is today's girl, well-educated and glamorous. Being the youngest child, she is pampered and has got the best of things in life. Like most youngest siblings in real life, she is demanding and carefree. She doesn't know how hard people work to earn a decent living. She takes everything for granted and her dream is to get married and settle down in life.

Q So who does she get married to?

I don't know when and who Suhana will get married to or who will be her love interest but there is a lot of drama in store.

Q You are also joining Chhoona Hai Aasman as Shikha next week. What's the role like?

Chhoona Hai Aasman is the first show that I had signed. But it got delayed and Santaan came on air first. Choona Hai is a difficult show for me because I am doing a lead character that is not really like me. I am doing a lot of homework in order to prepare for the role of Shikha. I am a bit apprehensive of the dialogues as well.

Q What is it that scares you about the character and dialogues?

Suhana is more like me, smart, educated and worldly-wise. It doesn't require extra effort or inputs to play the role. But Shikha is different. She is well-read but is too innocent and fragile. For her love is everything in life and she's not bothered about the world. The essence of Shikha is her innocence and vulnerability. Even her look is so different that audience will take time to recognise me in the role.

Q Is Shikha a mystery woman from someone's past?

Well, there is no mystery to her but yes she belongs to someone's past. She comes from a good family which had cordial relations with Abhimanyu's (Iqbal Khan) family. Abhimanyu was committed to Shikha and she was expected to come back in his life at some point of time. Of course she is not piling on to him but Shikha is so innocent and fragile that Abhimanyu can't dump her.

Q Which character do you like more?

I like both. There is huge difference between the two and I am fortunate that after Kulvadhu I have got two amazingly different characters to play. But yes, playing Shikha requires lot of effort.

Q How did you spend your time during the six-month break?

I travelled a lot. I had a nice short holiday in London where I met some of my old friends. I holidayed in Goa, Bangalore and my hometown Pune. No matter where I am, I miss Pune. It was great meeting my friends and spending time with them.

Q How do your friends react to your glamour, name and fame? Does fame take away the old warmth and camaraderie between best of friends?

I won't deny that name and fame makes a lot of difference. You may not change much but people start reacting differently towards you. My parents areproud of me and some of my friends look at me in awe. I think glamour and fame brings you closer to some people and creates disconnect with others.

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