Priyal Gor, who is all set to play a good naagin on a SAB TV show, talks to SHAlINI SAKSENA about how this naagin is different from all others on TV
Tell us about your character in the showIJ
I play a modern-day shape shifting naagin who has come to change the perception of icchadhari naags and naagins. For this, I leave Naagistan and come to Earth as I want people to understand that all icchadhari naags and naagins are not bad; that we are nice people. I endear myself by my actions.
What about the lookIJ
Iccha is a pyaari naagin, very unlike the typical naagins. So my look on the show is simple and sweet. I wear a unique attire — a light colouredlehenga with matching accessories. I hope the audience like my look.
Why did you say yes to the showIJ
I was doing films down South. But my base has always been TV. I started with it so I wanted to get back to it. It is nice that I got selected. It gives me a chance to do something different, something challenging.
Isn’t thenaagin track done to death on TVIJ
There is no show like this one. There is only good here since this naagin wants to change people’s perception. In fact, it is a sweet serial, not the usual drama. I have a cute relationship with a boy and we have lots of fun together. I am hoping children will like it too.
Were there any apprehensionsIJ
More than apprehension about how the show will turn out, it was the fact that the entire thing has been shot on croma. It was unnerving to shoot with an entire croma team on the sets all the time. But it was exciting as well because I want to see how the end product turns out.
Your mother wanted you to be an actor. What did you want to beIJ
I was only in Class X when my mother started taking me for auditions. Usually at that age, girls don’t have much of an idea about what they want to do. It was the same for me. I had not made up my mind so didn’t mind the auditions. Now, I am so much into it that I don’t think that I can do anything but act. But maybe 10-20 years down the line I may want to do something different and for that take up a course in the near future. For now, I am happy doing what I am doing.
How tough was it to enter the industry at the young age of 15IJ
It was very tough. I was 15 when I got my first break with Ishaan: Sapno Ko Awaaz De. It was also the time when I got replaced overnight and I was shattered. I never realised that an actor could be replaced at such short notice. I also didn’t know the industry and the importance of team members and their ranking in a production house. So it was difficult for me to digest the fact that I was no longer a part of the serial. Over the years, I have learnt many lessons.
What has been the toughest oneIJ
To be honest, there is no one lesson that the industry has taught me. There have been many. I am an introvert and find it difficult to mingle. There have been instances where I have let go of many opportunities because of lack of guidance. My parents have been my guides but they are also not from the industry. I just wish there was someone who could tell me a little more about this industry since I am still learning. It would have probably helped me reach my professional high faster.
Do you have a favourite TV showIJ
Since we do TV all the time, I don’t want to watch shows.
You debuted with a Punjabi film, then did some in Telugu. Why not BollywoodIJ
I don’t want to do Bollywood just for the heck of it. I would want to do a Bollywood film with a good production house to propel my filmi career. I am young and don’t want to waste my time doing something that is run-of-the mill. I have done TV for seven years and have been recognised for my presence on the small screen; it has a much wider reach. I am at the top right now and my time is precious and TV has given me the fame. So I am happy with the way my career has shaped thus far.