Who inspired you to become an actor in your fifties?
Nobody, all this happened all of a sudden. The opportunity just opted for me and I accepted it happily and enthusiastically. I found my calling at this stage and I am extremely happy about it.
How was your experience working for your first film “Sui Dhaga”? Please tell us what you liked the most about your role in it.
The whole experience was good and brought a lot of self-discovery to me. I never thought I could act; it was a surprise for me too. As for my role, I like her innocence and supportive nature for the new generation.
We would like to know about your successful professional journey in the entertainment industry.
It has been great! I was nominated for Filmfare and Critics Choice awards in the supporting actress category for Sui Dhaga. Fortunately, I have been associated with very good films after Sui Dhaga like Kadakh, Ram Prasad Ki Tehravi, Haseen Dilruba,14 Phere, Modern Love, Bubbly Bouncer. The year 2022 was very special for me as my first web show “Saas Bahu Achar Pvt. Ltd.” directed by Apurva Kalki, was released on Zee5. It was very well received by the viewers and got me and all my co-actors immense praise.
You have played multiple characters in different films and serials. What is the secret behind your perfection in acting? Has it always been your passion or it is a new achievement?
I have no idea how it is all coming together. The only preparation I do is to read the script multiple times and learn my lines and the rest all happens on the set. I do what my director tells me if he/she is happy, then I am happy too. Watching movies and plays has always been one of my passions but what is happening in my life as an actor is a miracle. I am grateful and I am thoroughly enjoying my work.
Which is your favourite film/ serial and why?
I watch movies and web shows every day so cannot pick one. I have so many favourites to pick from. Let me share that I have recently watched “White Lotus” and “Farzi” I enjoyed both of them.
How do you accept and deal with criticism in the field of acting?
Gracefully! I may be new to acting but I am not new to criticism, it is part of life. As a homemaker, if I make a dish and serve it to others, I am prepared for judgement. In the field of acting, if I am not open to judgement then I better stop working. It is a different story that so far, I have not been criticised for any of my work. But I am prepared for it and I say ‘Bring it on!’
Which of your role was the most challenging and how did you prepare for it?
Since I am not a trained actor, everything is new and challenging for me. Every set has given me a new experience and guidance. Every role has made me step up to new challenges.
How has the entertainment industry evolved since you began your career?
I do not know about the industry but I have evolved as a person and as an artist too. What a journey it has been! And I believe it is just the beginning.
What advice would you like to give to aspiring actors?
Keep adding things to your personality, and keep evolving as a person. One must know how to keep oneself busy when one is not working. This really helps in every possible way
What do you enjoy the most when you are not acting?
I am an avid reader, and now I am into audiobooks too. Apart from reading and listening to stories, I love watching movies and web shows, listening to music, ghazals, and reading Urdu poetry
What are your upcoming projects and what can your fans expect from them?
Yet another web show will be released in July, directed by Puneet Krishna and Amrit Gupta. I am playing the role of a nagging mother-in-law who humiliates the son-inlaw played by Manav Kaul all the time. I am also working on a film; details are not yet to be shared.
What are your expectations and compliments for your life partner, celebrity ghazal singer Chandan Das?
We got married in 1981 and it has been 42 years now. I was 17 and he was 25 then. Thus, he has practically brought me up. Whatever I am today is purely, because of his love and support. I cannot thank him enough for being my guiding support. In addition, I have been managing his work too for the last thirty years. He just loves my work and that is a huge support system for me. It is amusing that I have been helping him choose ghazals, listen to his compositions, and manage things for him and now he sits with me and gives me cues when I have to learn my lines and give self-tests.
Which award is very special to you for your contribution to films and serials?
I have been nominated for Filmfare and Critics Choice awards but did not win. Getting nominated was a pleasant experience for me. I have received the ITA award for best-supporting actor for SAAS BAHU ACHAAR PVT. LTD. and this is very precious to me. Awards encourage an artist to do more commendable work.
Which is your favourite quote that inspires you the most in life?
I practice Nichiran Buddhism, and a quote from Nichiran Daishonin always stays with me
Suffer what is there to suffer; enjoy what is there to enjoy, regard both suffering and joy as facts of life.”
