The maiden Indian show on Zindagi channel has an unconventional protagonist — a single, independent 39 year-old woman Padmini played by Karuna Pandey. She talks to PRAKRITI ROY about this offbeat character in an offbeat show
Why a show that is finite and not a conventional soapIJ
I’ve done the regular stuff for nine years so I wanted to experiment with something new. Padmini is positive and full of energy. I have done negative roles, so I thought it’s time for a positive role now.
Did you have to prepare extensivelyIJ
Nothing happens easily. I can relate to Padmini. Zindagi channel is realism-centric. Actors have a tendency to overact, so controlling that and making it look natural is the most difficult thing. To play a normal, real character in a way that it touches the viewers is a tough task.
Zindagi shows have a niche audience. Isn’t that limitingIJ
It isn’t like it is not giving us popularity. If you do good work, TRPs follow.
Any genre of acting you enjoy mostIJ
All I want to is act, be it in films, TV, theatre or a street play. I get soulful enjoyment from doing anything associated with acting, including singing and dancing for live theatre. Of course, it is more interesting performing for a live audience because they have unmatched energy.
Is there anyone you look up toIJ
There are so many actors who impact me in various roles, like Smita Patil in Arth and Mandi. As a dancer, I followed Vyjayanthimala. Every part of her body from her toes to her hair used to dance. Even Waheeda Rehman.
If you were not an actor, what would you have beenIJ
I was born dancing! I never thought about anything else. However, if not an actor, I would have probably been a choreographer.
How is your dancing goingIJ
I want to pursue it but am unable to. I have lost practice. If I want to achieve great heights, I really need to put in my 100 per cent in one thing.
Any film projectsIJ
Yes. Bollywood Diaries. It has three stories — Bhilai Diaries (an emotional story which has me and Ashish Vidyarthi); Kolkata Diaries starring Raima Sen and, finally, Delhi Diaries. The three stories are not related but similar — about Bollywood dreams. It’s scheduled for release early next year. It was a great experience working with Vidyarthi from whom I learnt a great deal.