‘Any role can be life-changing’

MUSBA HASHMI chats up REEM SHEIKH about her journey and experiences as an actress in serials like Devi and now Tujhse Hai Raabta

• What attracted you to play Kalyani?

What attracted me the most was that there are a lot of different shades to Kalyani. She goes through a lot of different situations and the way she handles them inspired me. The way she changes because of the circumstance is the reason I fell in love with the character.

• Is there anything you don’t like about your character?

The thing I dislike the most is she is very aggressive and impulsive. She takes decisions without thinking too much. In real life, I am just opposite.  I take my decisions after weighing the pros and cons.

• Which role was the most challenging for you?

I would say playing Kalyani is the most challenging one. I have to understand the depth of the character to bring that to reality when I perform on screen. Since, there are a lot of different shades of Kalyani, it becomes a bit difficult to portray them the right way but I will always give my best to each role that I have played. Kalyani will be no different.

• From Devi to Tujhse Hai Raabta, how has your journey been?

It has been a wonderful and a memorable one. I have learnt a lot and there is more to learn in life. It’s all because of the blessings of my parents and the audience, who have constantly given me their love. I hope they keep on loving me. All the co-actors I have worked with, have been very supportive and very nice to me. I remember each one of them. From Deepali Pansare, who played my mother’s role in Neer Bhare Tere Naina Devi to Purva Gokhale, who is at present playing my mother in Tujhse Hai Raabta, to Sehban Azim (playing her husband) and Shagun Pandey, they all have been a part of my journey.

• A role that you would say no to.

I would not say no to any until I have understood it completely.  I feel any role can prove to be life-changing for you.

• What about doing a reality show?

Yes. I would love to be a part of Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa. Though I am a terrible dancer, but I like dancing. (laughs)

• What is the new rule of channel pricing all about. How will it benefit the audience?

The new pricing regime by TRAI gives the consumers the power to choose the channels they wish to watch. It is a flexible and family-friendly option. You get to opt for channels and bouquets that you love and pay only for those and not waste money on others. It has been created to ensure a uniform pricing model.

It will bring in uniformity, transparency and pricing parity across all service providers for the benefit of our consumers.