PUJA BANERJEE who plays Maa Vaishno Devi in Star Bharat’s Jag Jaanani... speaks with MUSBA HASHMI about the preparations that she had to do, rapport with co-actors and hobbies
What is your role in Jag Jaanani Maa Vaishnodevi — Kahani Matarani Ki
I play grown up Maa Vaishno Devi in the show. The story unfolds as Vaishnavi realises her powers that of a goddess. She goes on a journey to become the universal Mother, where she makes sure that all the sins are diminished in the world. She strives to end paap (the evil in the world) and not the paapi (the sinner).
What brings you to the show?
I am glad that I am playing Maa Vaishno Devi in the show. Well there’s a saying: You don’t choose a character, character chooses you. Something similar happened with me as well. I have always been a bhakt of Maa Vaishno Devi. And getting an opportunity to play a character as such is a meet of destiny. When I was approached for the character I didn’t give it a second thought. I immediately said yes. This is not just a character. This is something people worship.
What preparations did you have to do?
The show has already completed more than 100 episodes. The character has already been built in the mind of our audience. Maisha Dixit who played younger Vaishno Devi in the show has done an amazing job to hook the audience with her striking acting skills. Now, to play an older version of Maa Vaishno Devi in the show, I take it as a big challenge. I have always made sure that I give my best when it comes to playing such roles. The viewers don’t just see you as a character but as a divine person whom they have a godly connect with. To get into the nook of the character I researched a lot by reading books. I spent some time with Maisha too trying to get those minute details which I can use in my character.
What kind of rapot do your share with your co-actors?
People in the show have already been working with each other since the beginning. I have entered recently in the show. But all of my co-actors have made it easy for me. We have gelled well and are having a fun time working together.
What is your take on the trend of mythological shows?
I believe that there is a lot to learn from Indian mythology in terms of wit, strength and life lessons that will help you grow as a person. More than that, these mythologies form our roots. These shows not just entertain the viewers but also educate them about our values and culture. Like for this show, we have made the story relevant to today’s youth as it’s very important for them to understand our core values.Today, not many people like to read about the mythology, so these shows are a medium to showcase our roots in an entertaining way. This is what I like the most about this trend.
What kind of fitness regime do you follow?
First things first. My take on fitness is everyone should understand their body type and then identify and follow a particular pattern of fitness. One should be healthy only then the person can be fit. And it goes for everyone as generally people are careless about their fitness and they feel only actors need to be fit, but it’s wrong. All of us should be equally careful about our health and always be fit so that during hard times like these we don’t have to be scared much. Exercise boosts our immunity and a balanced healthy diet plan will keep us in good health always. I follow a balanced diet more than working out as I get very less time to go to gym, but I prefer doing yoga daily.
What do you do when not acting?
I love travelling and dancing. This is something that I do to refresh my mind. A person needs to take a break out of his/ her busy schedule. These are the things that I do to rejuvenate and reenergise myself.
What are your upcoming projects?
As of now, my focus is only on Jag Jaanani Maa Vaishnodevi — Kahani Matarani Ki. No plans for future, completely committed to my show.
