Pooja Gor, who plays Dr Roshni in Ek Nayi Ummeed - Roshni, talks to Varnika Gupta about her role in the serial, her experience working with veteran actor Amol Palekar and why she didn’t do a daily soap for almost four years
You play Dr Roshni, the main protagonist. Do you feel the pressure of having the show’s responsibility on your shouldersIJ
Pressure and responsibility come up with every project that I take. There is some responsibility that one must bear to do justice to the character one is playing. In Ek Nayi Ummeed — Roshni to play a doctor is not easy since the character can’t be make belief. One has to be as true to life as possible when one does shows like this one.
What kind of challenges did you faceIJ
People only see one side of a doctor’s life. They see them as people who need to cure or save lives. What they don’t understand is that they are people too. They don’t see the hardwork that goes into becoming a doctor. In order to understand all this we took workshops where we went to a Mumbai hospital and spoke to several doctors to get an insight into their lives.
We learnt how to hold an injection, how to use different medical equipment, etc. So a lot of work has gone into the show to make it as authentic as possible.
Did you take any inspiration for your characterIJ
My major inspiration is my first cousin who is a doctor. When I was offered to play Dr Roshni, my cousin gave me several tips on how a doctor in real life behaves. She also familiarised me with several terminologies and names of medicines. I take advise from her every time I hit a roadblock.
Veteran actor Amol Palekar will be playing your grandfather Dr Amar Kishore and Divya Seth plays your mother. How does it feel to share a screen space with themIJ
It’s amazing; many people don't get a chance like this. I am extremely fortunate to share the screen with such a great actor. He has so many stories to tell. I look up to him for acting tips and he is always forthcoming. We also lots of fun when we are not shooting.
As for Divya Seth, she is so down to earth and bubbly. It is fun to be around her. It is so nice to be working with people who have so much acting experience.
What about bonding with other co-actorsIJ
We all get along very well. Actors like Raghuveer, Divya and Amar bring in so much energy on the sets since they are much younger than Divya Seth and Amol Palekar.
Does this show aim to give out the social messageIJ
Yes, the show wants to send a message that a doctor’s duty is not just to make money; they have a responsibility towards their patients.
How is this show different from others that revolved around the life of doctorsIJ
This show not your average family drama. This serial tries to show the ups and downs in a doctor’s life. It is a very well-research show.
Did you ever want to become a doctor in real lifeIJ
No, I don’t think I have the calibre to study so much and to become a doctor. One needs to constantly update with the latest research. Also the fact that one needs to study for a minimum of seven years, the idea to be a doctor never entered my head.
What was the reason for not taking up daily soap for four yearsIJ
Daily soaps tire you out. I was physically and emotionally drained while doing Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya so I decided to take a break for at least a-year-and-a-half. I took another year looking for a good role; I didn’t want to do any character or a show just because I wanted to work.
Are you happy with the way your professional life has panned outIJ
Very much as it’s going exactly the way I wanted to go. I am doing shows and characters that people will remember even though the show will go off air. I am very content at this stage of my career.
What’s in your wishlistIJ
There are so many things that I want to do. But I take one step at time. I don’t want to rush into things. Some people don’t end up anywhere in their quest to reach the top soon. I will take my time. For now, I want to do good roles and entertain the audience.