ASHI SINGH, who has recently replaced AVNEET KAUR to play Yasmine in Sony Sab’s Aladdin Naam Toh Suna Hoga, speaks with MUSBA HASHMI about the challenges that she faced and reveals that she would love to be a part of Jhalak Dikhhlaa Jaa
What made you say yes to play Yasmine??
The character of course. Initially, I was apprehensive about taking up the role because it is a replacement, but when I got know about the storyline and the character brief, I liked it very much. It was something that I wanted to do. It is something that one doesn’t get to do in daily life. I am fortunate to have got a chance to play this role.
Was it hard to get into the skin of the character? More so because you have replaced Avneet, and the character was already well-established?
Yes. It was extremely difficult to get into the skin of the character because if the audience has seen an actor play a character for two years, it becomes hard for them to accept another actor play the same role. Also, I didn’t have the scope to play it purely my way, because Avneet portrayed it in her way and comparisons will be drawn. Initially, it took a lot of thoughts to play it differently from the previous actor and still maintain the essence. That was a double pressure. Also, it was out of my comfort zone, it required action that I haven’t done earlier. There was so much to do.
Some memories from the sets.
It’s been only a while since I am a part of this show, but having said that I have some great memories already. From eating lunch together with the cast to sharing our life experiences with each other, we already have created that rapport. Sometime, even I wonder hamare paas itni baatein aati kaha se hain. I share a very good bond with Ginu (played by Raashul Tandon), Sheefan (played by Amit Raghuvanshi), Koyal (played by Shivani Badoni) and Aladdin (played by Siddharth Nigam). We never shy away from pulling each other’s leg. There is a very dark location at the sets where we shoot all the haunted scenes, so in our free time all five of us sit there and share ghost stories. It is fun.
Your character Naina from Yeh Unn Dino Ki Baat Hai earned much love from the audience. How has life changed after the show?
A lot. When I started shooting the show, it was hard for me to accept that I have got the show and that I am living my dream of acting. During the show only, my life changed for the better. My personality was improved and I got to learn a lot. I went out of my bubble and experienced the world out there. There were instances when I was troubled with certain things but now they serve as a learning experience and help me tackle situations with much ease. It is hard for me to mention all the ways in which my life has changed after it, there’s so much.
Is there a role that you would say no to?
Not really. I want to play a lot of varied roles in my life. I don’t want to keep playing the same kind of roles for five-six years. I am always on a look out for different characters. I don’t think there will be a role which I will ever turn down.
A reality show that you would like to be a part of?
Yes. I would really want to be a part of Jhalak Dikhhlaa Jaa. I like the show since my childhood and would love to be a part of it.