SIMPLE KAUL, who plays a fiery independent role in Ziddi Dil Maane Na on SAB TV, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about the show, her character and how she ended up in the restaurant business
What is Ziddi Dil Maane Na about?
The show is youth-based. It is young, fun-filled; it is a very believable show. It is not like the other regular series on the small screen. It is realistic and therefore relatable. The series is shot like a show directors do on OTT.
Are you seeing a change on TV with regards to content — it is becoming more realistic?
I don’t think that the entire content is getting realistic; it is there where it was. But it can’t be denied that there are people who are experimenting and exploring. This is adding another flavour to the shows on TV.
What’s your role here?
My character is fiery; she is an independent woman. She is up-market; she knows what she wants. She is also very upfront and honest. My character is a strong woman.
Is that what the attraction was for doing the show?
There was something about the role that instantly connected with me. This is very necessary; it doesn’t always happen. I relate with the character; she is a lot like I am in real life barring a few things. I have never played a character that is so straight forward and intelligent. There is vulnerability as well that one will see as the show progresses. It is rare to come across such a role.
How did you come on board for the project?
I was in Delhi when I got the offer for the show; it was in the middle of the pandemic. I was too excited to turn it down as well. I had to say yes to it. Then the series auditions happened. I was a bit apprehensive about wanting to step out of the house but I also wanted to go out and work. It was much later that I came to know that they were keen that I come on board.
How did your TV journey begin?
I have always wanted to act since I was in school. This was my only focus. Once I got into it, I did many shows but then I wanted to diversify and started a restaurant business with another TV actor. I enjoyed this so much that I kept concentrating on it. During the pandemic we have been relatively free, so a lot of time was spent in doing household chores and cooking. But then I wanted to get back to acting. It was just that I got up with this business.
How did you get into the restaurant business?
All the three restaurants are in Mumbai. I wanted a parallel career and decided to open up three. My partners and I love making the space look pretty and serving good food. We wanted to create a space where people feel happy and give out good vibes. Also, this business was easy since I could concentrate on acting and restaurants. One of the restaurants is called IBHK (Brew House Kitchen); we serve multi-cuisine. A lot of people with a creative bent of mind come here. The other two have French/Italian vibe.
What is your favourite role thus far?
I think that the role in Ziddi Dil… is my favourite. I just love it and am grateful that it landed in my lap. I always wanted to do a show that had sport. This show has a very cool vibe.
Is there a role that you regretted doing?
I really don’t want to talk about it. It has happened in the past. Once I took it up, I tried to manoeuvre and get out of it. It was a rare moment for me. But other times, you work around the commitment that you have made. Even if there was a role that I felt was not something that I liked, I enjoy acting and that makes a lot of difference. When you enjoy yourself, it reflects in your work. It is better you align yourself with the role you have taken up.
Any other upcoming projects?
I am concentrating on this only.