Interview with Niyati aka Ambika

Let's start with your new show 'Suno...rr Dill Kuchh Kehtaa Hai'
I play the character of Ambika. She was born as a premature baby on the day of Ashtami. Her aunt, whom she addresses as 'Veerji' believes that despite being born prematurely in the eighth month, she's normal because of the Goddess's blessings. Ambika has some divine power in her.

That sounds interesting!
She's blessed with the power of being able to read men's minds. Otherwise Ambika is your regular girl-next-door. She's a fashion designer. It's just that her supernatural powers make
her different.

Will this unique trait be used in a negative manner?
Not at all! Ambika is a very positive character. She uses this power to get her family out of a problem. But nobody knows of this power except her 'veerji'.

You relate to Ambika in real life?
Except for her power, I think I'm very much like her. I'm very close to my family and friends. But I'm not as religious as she.

Do you wish at times that you could read men's minds?
I don't think men are as complicated as women are (laughs). So it's easy to guess what they're thinking. With men who are prone to keeping quiet it's difficult to know what's in their minds. But fortunately I've never gone wrong in judging them.

What attracted you to the show?
The fact that it was a main lead. This is my first show where I'm playing the main lead. The storyline was different, the role challenging. It has a lot of drama and emotion in it.

Would you turn down lighthearted comedy roles?
I'm open to every kind of role but what's important is the character. There has to be substance in it.

''Suno...rr Dill Kuchh Kehtaa Hai' is not your regular saas-bahu drama that is ruling the popularity charts on television today!
People have reacted very well to promos and hoardings. They ask me what will I do with my special power (laughs). I think my ability to read men's minds is the USP of the show.

Did you always want to become an actress?
I always wanted to be part of the Ms. India contest. I had wanted this ever since I was a kid. I took part in a local beauty pageant in Pune and got a few modelling assignments after that. This made me confident that I could take part in bigger contests. Soon I shifted to Mumbai from Pune. I did a few print ads and was keen on a modelling career.

How did television happen?
Taking up a television serial was a practical decision. I had to survive in Mumbai. Television offers you a fixed income. So I took it up but I found myself enjoying it.

Were your parents supportive of your decision to move to Mumbai and pursue a modelling career?
They were very supportive. Of course, they had their initial fears like every parent as we are not connected to this industry at all. But I was firm about my decision to pursue modelling and managed to convince them.

Weren't you scared of stories one hears about the industry men?
I've realised that everything depends on how you conduct yourself. If you have clean dealings with people they treat you likewise.

How about films?
Not right now as I'm doing a daily soap. But I'd love to do it sometime in the future. I'm only interested in doing films with good banners. Otherwise I think it's a waste of time. It's better to stick to television where the exposure is much bigger today.

How would you want to see yourself five years from now?
Very famous and with the reputation of a good actress. I also see myself being married to a
person who understands the demands of my profession and lets me continue with acting.
I'd love to be an actress all my life (smiles).