Vrushika Mehta talks to MUSBA HASHMI about her experiences working as a lead in Yeh Teri Galiyaan on ZEE TV
What is your role about.
I play Puchki, a daughter of a sex worker from the redlight area Sonagachi in Kolkata. Raised by her mother, she is a strong, independent girl who aspires to be a dancer. She tries to find a way to live her dreams but faces challenges due to her background but she is a fighter. Her mother struggles to keep her away from that world and give her a safe environment to grow up in.
From playing Sharon in Dil Dostii Dance (D3) to Puchki in Yeh Teri Galiyaan, how has the journey beenij
It has been a great learning experience. When I was in college, I was in a protective shell and didn’t know about the pressures and competitions that one faces. But when I signed my first show — Aasman Se Aage, I was exposed to the real world. I realised that the only way to overcome all fears and come out of the comfort zone is by facing the challenge headstrong. From wearing short skirts in D3 to an Indian outfit for Yeh Teri Galiyaan, it was very challenging and full of ups and downs. Initially, when I was unable to give an okay shot. I used to worry a lot and think ye kyun nahi ho raha hai but the day I stopped worrying, everything started working in my favour.
How did you get into actingij
I was into dancing since I was in Class II. I gave my auditions for Dil Dosti Dance and I got selected for it. Before that I had done a show- Aasmaan Se Aage in 2012. From then there was no looking back.
What challenges have you facedij
I was not a confident girl when I was in school. If it was dancing I could do it in front of thousands but when it comes to holding a mic, acting or giving a speech I was nervous since I had never done this before. When I was introduced to a show, 11 people were surrounding me and there was media in there so I was very nervous inside but I could not show that on my face. Another challenge that I faced was I was a person who could not control my laugh. ‘Agar saamne wala kuch keh raha hai toh main hasti hi rahungi aur scene vaisay hi kharab ho jayega’. Controlling my laughter and bringing in that seriousness was tough.
How difficult was it for you to get into the skin of the charactersij
I am a very different person from the characters that I have played. I was a behen ji in school. Transforming into a diva for Dil Dosti Dance was very difficult. I never shared any similarities with my characters so being able to relate to them was also not easy.
Would you like to be a part of a reality showij
I would love to be a part of Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa because it is a platform where I can showcase my dancing talent and do something within my comfort zone.
Is there any character you would like to play from previous films or showsij
I would like to play Sharon from D3. That was the character which came close to my heart because I had to go out of my comfort zone and be a little bold to get into that character and bring that realness into it.
How do you see TV evolvingij
I feel a lot has changed in the industry, from the quality of the work to concept of shows, Television has witnessed a huge change. Sometimes you pick up a show from the middle and see the changes — concept-based shows which give out a message for the society at large.
Who is your inspirationij
There are many people who inspires me in different ways but my current inspiration is Vicky Kaushal because of his performances in Sanju and Raazi. I was blown away by his brilliant performance and acting skills in these films.
What are your upcoming projectsij
There is a webseries in which I am featured and it streaming on Viu app. Other than that I am only focusing on this show.