CHHAVI PANDEY, who plays Janki in Dangal TV’s Prem Bandhan speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about how she came on board the show, best part of playing this character and working with Ekta Kapoor
How did you come on board for Prem Bandhan?
As it works for the others, I had to audition for the role. For me, to get this project was tough. It was not easy for me to get into Balaji Productions even though I have done so many shows before. One doesn’t know where your audition will go. Will it get into the correct hands? But I am lucky that my creative reached the right place since during the lockdown, one had to give the audition from home and send it. I got short-listed and was called for a mock shoot. I came on board. It has been a dream come true.
How is it to work with Ekta Kapoor?
When I was finally offered this role, I was very excited to be part of the production house. I was looking forward to working with the team and Ekta (Kapoor) ma’am. At the same time, I was nervous. I had heard so much about this production house. There was pressure on me to give it my best. But once I joined, I found that the atmosphere is so relaxed. The team is so good. I just want people to know that there is nothing to be scared of if one wants to work with them. I am blessed to be part of the team.
What is the best part of playing Janki Singh?
The show is set in Darbhanga, Bihar. I too am from Patna. I can find a connection with the role. There are way too many similarities between Janki and Chhavi. Take for example, the way parents raise their kids in small towns – teaching relationships values, how to compromise and sacrifice for others. To be able to identify with Janki was not difficult and I could relate with her. I love playing her.
How did you get into acting?
I actually wanted to be a singer and came to Mumbai to pursue a career in this field. But as we know, fate had something else in store for me. It all started with a reality show that I was part of — India’s Got Talent Season 1 with my sister. At that time, Sonali Bendre told me that since I had a nice face, why didn’t I try acting. This stuck with me. I thought to myself that if I managed to make a mark in acting, I could make a career as a singer later. But I kept getting back-to-back shows as a lead. Slowly, I took to acting and now love playing different characters.
Is there a role that you loved playing?
It was that of Tara in Ek Boond Ishq on Life OK. Here, I played a tom boy and I loved it. Then there was one more character, that of Prarthna Kashyap in Ladies Special that aired on Sony Entertainment Television. I loved doing this as well.
How did you get your first break?
My first break was for Ek Boond Ishq. It was co-produced by Saba Mumtaz. It was well-received and mylead character was appreciated.
What are your future plans?
I would like to be part of web shows. The OTT platforms are the future. As an actor one wants to grow. While I do get to play diverse roles, but if you get stuck here, it becomes tough to break the mould. I would love to do films as well. I am hoping that I get the right roles to play here. One doesn’t know; maybe Balaji may give me an opportunity if they like my work. But let’s see what the future holds.