TALKING POINT with karishma randewa

I play a negative character called Urja on the show. Urja is main lead Sayantani Ghoshs half-sister and she too is an icchadhari nagin.

The actor reveals why she enjoys a variety of roles

Youve been introduced in Aroona Iranis Naagin now. What is your track here?
I play a negative character called Urja on the show. Urja is main lead Sayantani Ghoshs half-sister and she too is an icchadhari nagin. Shes basically come to make trouble by staking her claim on half of Sayantanis fathers kingdom.

Do you believe in this concept of icchadhari nagin?
Oh definitely not! Its a fun concept,but I dont believe in it.

This is the third show youre doing with Aroona Irani after Rabba Ishq Na Hove and Doli Saja Ke. Would you say youre a favourite with her?
I wont go so far as to say that. But yes,she does like me a lot. In fact,its funny,because when I approached her for this negative role,she said no. She said that my smile is too sweet and that nobody would believe in my negative tract. But she saw me play a negative role in India Calling and she saw that I did a good job in it and that convinced her.

Soon youll also be playing a comic role in Rohit and Manasi Joshi Roys Rang. Do you deliberately choose such different roles?
Yes,because it gets boring after a point to do the same thing. And I enjoy negative roles since they are such a challenge; besides,if you play a positive lead,all you can do is sit and cry.
Although,it is true that youre loved more if you play positive roles. So I guess all roles have their pros and cons

How do you balance anchoring,acting and modelling? Which has been your favourite ?
I prefer anchoring because its so much fun to be spontaneous. Also,Ive just started rehearsing for a play called Chandni,Chand aur Chakori,in which I play Chakori. I decided to give theatre a shot since everyone says its the acid test of an actor.

Did the fact that you started off with Balaji Telefilms help get you noticed?
It is definitely a good platform to start working on since it has a wide viewership,and yes,you get noticed. I had only a small role in Kahaanii Ghar Ghar Kii,but I didnt have to take my portfolio anywhere since everyone was calling me and offering me roles.

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Will you work with Balaji again,given the chance?
Of course,I have absolutely no problems with them.

Pooja Pillai

Pooja Pillai is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, working with the National Editorial and Opinion section. Her work frequently explores the intersection of society, culture and technology. Editorial Focus & Expertise Pooja’s writing spans several key domains, often blending analytical commentary with cultural critique. Art & Culture: She writes extensively on cinema, books, and the evolving landscape of arts and entertainment. Technology & Society: Her work examines the human impact of the gig economy, the rise of AI in creative fields, and the cultural shifts driven by digital platforms. Food & Lifestyle: She often uses food as a lens to explore history and politics, covering everything from the origins of pantry essentials to the impact of nutrition policy. Politics: She closely tracks political developments in South and West India and provides commentary on international political transitions, including the shifting landscape of American politics. Multimedia & Podcasting Pooja is a prominent voice in the Indian Express’s digital ecosystem. She is the host of 'DeshKaal with Yogendra Yadav', weekly video podcast where she facilitates deep-dive conversations on Indian democracy, social movements, and current political affairs. Notable Recent Works Cinema & Identity: “SRK@60: Why Shah Rukh Khan is Bollywood's last, and only, superstar” – an analysis of stardom and the changing face of Indian identity Global Politics: Commentary on the Trump administration’s misguided “war on woke culture” via typography and analysis of the visual semiotics of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s attire during successive visits to the White House. Art & AI: “An unequal music: AI is lowering barriers at the cost of music itself” – a critique of how technology is redefining artistic value. Professional Presence Pooja is active on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where she shares her latest columns and editorial insights. Her full archive and latest updates can be found on her Indian Express Author Profile. ... Read More

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TALKING POINT with karishma randewa

I play a negative character called Urja on the show. Urja is main lead Sayantani Ghoshs half-sister and she too is an icchadhari nagin.

I play a negative character called Urja on the show. Urja is main lead Sayantani Ghoshs half-sister and she too is an icchadhari nagin.