Abigail Jain, the 23-year-old actress who plays Dr Aaliya in Zindagi Wins on Bindass, talks to Kiran Sharma about the show and how the industry has taught her a lot
How difficult it is to maintain optimism while portraying a doctorIJ
Optimism depends from person to person. It doesn’t depend on what you do, once you are optimist you’ll find positivity in every situation. Having said that, it’s sometimes difficult to be happy in a hospital all the time. One will find a lot of seriousness around you but if you’ve that way of seeing things eventually you’ll be optimist.
Does this serial depict any real life storiesIJ
None as yet, but the kind of cases we show are quite similar to real life incidents. But not any particular real life story is being depicted.
Does your role contribute in giving insights of a real life doctorIJ
We can’t become a doctor in a day, but to keep the serial more inclined to reality, we’ve a doctor on the set, who teaches us methods and techniques of what should be done in what manner. We even learn few medical terminologies through his teachings.
How challenging is it to adapt a doctor’s character at such a young age.
Every role is challenging as it different from your own, but the role of a doctor is more challenging as it’s not very glamorous. It isn’t the styling but how a doctor would behave in a hospital that takes precedence over everything else on the sets. But if you enjoy your work and have passion for it, everything falls into place.
Versatility has always been seen in your roles. Is it by choice or luckIJ
I would say it is both. By God’s grace I got roles that require versatility, and by choice also I prefer experimenting and playing different characters. It keeps one’s interest in the work.
How much do you believe in the character of a doctor who is emotionalIJ
If I was a doctor, I would have been exactly like Dr Aliya. I can totally relate with her. I’m a very emotional person in real life; I’m not practical by nature. I can feel my character — Dr Aaliya’s — and how she behaves and reacts to situations.
Producers are casting new faces, unlike a decade back when experienced protagonists were preferred. What’s your take on itIJ
I think it is brilliant that young people, like myself, are wanting to work for shows on the small screen. This way, one gets to see some great talent come to fore. It’s always good to have fresh faces. I appreciate the fact that the viewers are accepting new faces and giving their talent an opportunity to come in the limelight.
You have been around for seven years in this industry. How has the journey beenIJ
It’s been great, like an amazing roller coaster ride. I’ve done many different shows, met new people and learnt a lot. So far, the journey has been great. I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of doing what I’m doing right now. I’m happy in my chosen profession and hope it remains the same in the future as well.
How do you manage to balance between your work and educationIJ
Right now I’m not studying, but I’m planning to complete my studies, after this show. I don’t want to do both the things at a time. I like to focus on one thing at a time.
What social issues do you support, and how do you fulfill your social responsibilitiesIJ
Safety for women is the issue which concerns me the most. It’s very sad that we don’t have deadline at workplace for women. Nowadays many incidents are coming up like the unfortunate Nirbhaya case, in Delhi, which makes it all the more difficult for the women to be out on the streets especially at night. As an actor, we’ve many people who look up to us. We should keep in mind that we don’t send a wrong message to the society.
People have been using BCCC medium for broadcast complain. How seriously are these complain taken upIJ
Of course, complains are taken seriously, because the show is for the audience. If they have any issues, we must respect their opinion, and keep what they want in mind.