LEENA JUMANI, who plays Tanushree in Kumkum Bhagya, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about how she came aboard and how she got into acting
How did you come on board for Kumkum Bhagya?
The makers were auditioning for Tanu's character for Kumkum Bhagya and they called me for it. I went and luckily, I got selected. I had worked with Balaji Telefilms before as well. In fact, my first show was with Balaji in a show called Bandini. My journey in the TV industry started with them, so they knew my work, my talent and my ethics. Also, they had a certain vision for the character of Tanu and I fit into it very well.
What is the best part about playing Tanushree?
I love the fact that Tanu has many shades, especially being the antagonist on the show. Through her I get to essay many shades.
How much do you relate to Tanu?
To be honest, I don’t relate to Tanu in real life at all. She is completely different from me as a person and that's the best part of it. Kumkum Bhagya allows me to play a completely different personality on screen. This I leave at shoot and return back home as the real Leena.
You have been in the show for seven years. Did you ever want to quit it?
As of now, I don’t want to leave it. I am really enjoying the track as well as how important my character is. But I’ll say no one has seen the future. If any actor is leaving or the creative writer or Ekta (Kapoor) ma'am decides to finish any character, there is nothing wrong in that as it would be about the larger scheme of things and for the show's betterment. There is nothing personal.
Sab apna kaam aur achha kaam karna chahte hai. My character was away for a bit too, but she was brought back. Now that my character is back and pivotal to the track, I am enjoying and want to continue being on the show till the time I can!
How has this show changed your career graph?
To be honest, I have gained a lot of fame as Tanu. I’m grateful for that. The show has actually given me a lot and I am really thankful to my fans and followers who’ve been supporting me since day one.
You were in the stock market. How did acting happen?
Yes, I always wanted to keep working and do something, so I started a boutique with my mother in Ahmedabad, after which I started working with my sister in a stock market firm. That's when my sister suggested that I try acting. I started with a photoshoot and Gujarati movies, after which one fine day I applied for a Balaji Telefilms show and surprisingly, I got selected.
Did your family try to dissuade you to do otherwise?
No, never, they have always supported me. In fact, no matter what situation I’m going through, they've always been there for me, and I am grateful to have such a wonderful family. They're truly my pillar of strength.
You have done films, TV shows and web, which is the platform you love?
I love all of them. More than platforms, I love playing different roles. I love my work and I don't consider acting as a job. It is more of a passion for me, so I try my best to keep working.
How has the journey been so far?
It’s been great. I have no complaints till date and I’m grateful. I have to thank God and thank everyone who saw my potential as an actor. It's because of you all that I am here today.
What's next?
I am, at present, working on a few other projects as well, which I cannot reveal about, however when the right time is there, I'll surely share everything.
