SHEETAL MAULIK, who plays Kalyani in Pyar Ki Luka Chhupi, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about how she ended up playing a negative character, her first break and challenges in shooting under the new normal

You play a negative character in Pyar Ki Luka Chhupi for the first time. How is it going?

I am thoroughly enjoying it and the same can be seen on screen. It depends on how far you are willing to take the role and how you play it out. You know your limitations and playing such a character is tougher since you are not playing just one role. Earlier, I have been part of comedy shows and done lead roles that have been positive. Doing a show where you are playing a negative role, it gives you an opportunity to explore yourself and do something that you would not do in real life. You are portraying something that is opposite to what you are, be negative and yet be funny.

Were there apprehensions in taking up the role?

I have always wanted to explore my acting abilities. When I got an opportunity to be part of this show, I had no reason to turn it down. There were two things playing. First, I have been waiting to work with the makers of Pyar Ki Luka Chhupi. Second, since I had already done lead roles and comedy, I wanted to take up this project. The only challenge was to train myself for the accent. Kalyani is a totally Kanpuriya woman.

You also had to perfect a new language. What was the preparation?

When I gave the auditions, I knew that I didn’t have the accent correct. The only reason why I got the role was because they felt that I could act. But after that the team really helped me. The script comes in the language that I am supposed to speak. The only thing that I had to perfect the accent correctly for the dialogues. For this, I heard a number of jokes from the region. An assistant, Prem, who is from the area, would tell me how to speak certain words. This helped.

How did you get interested in acting?

I am a trained Bharatanatyam dancer. I have been dancing since I was three. I still practice it and Kuchipudi. There was a contest but I couldn’t participate. The organisers asked me to open the contest. I performed. Sachin Pilgaonkar, who was there, told me to take up acting. I told him, I couldn’t act. He said not to worry and took me for a role in an episodic show of his. Once the make-up is on, it has been on. I have done Hindi and Marathi theatre. I have worked with the likes of Bhavana Balsavar and Shubha Khote. My journey has been that of a learner. I have not taken any acting lessons. I am able to emote and understand the character because I have done theatre.

How did you get your first break with Akkad Bakkad Bambey Bo?

Actually, I did Hello Dolly before this. I had played a kleptomaniac for production house Sagar Films Pvt Ltd. When they came up with Akkad Bakkad Bambey Bo, they knew I could act and that is how I came on board for this project as a lead. It was a different role. I played a student.

You have now been in the industry for over a decade. How has the journey been thus far?

It has been good. One has to go with the flow. Yes, there have been changes. But if we don’t move forward, we won’t be able to move past the negatives. The good is that we are paid better. Then, there were actors, today we have stars. It is important to understand that change is a reality. To accept it is necessary. When I was young, I played roles according to my age. Now I am doing roles that fit my age.

What is the toughest thing about being an actor?

 Everything that comes your way is tough. Even with Kalyani’s role, I still get butterflies when I am on camera. There is always the fear that I may not be able to remain the skin of the character. The good is that it makes me more determined to do my work better.

How tough is it to shoot under the new normal?

When we first started, I was afraid. I have a four-year-old daughter. My father lives with me. The fear was very high. I was not sure whether I should get back to work or not. But the makers have been thorough with precautions and I am doing the same.

What next?

I am concentrating on this show. I work 25 days a month. The rest of the days I want to spend with my family and catch up spending time with my daughter.