The dream role

Tell us about your role on the show.
Shamoli is an ambitious girl who has witnessed so many hardships that they have made her bitter. She is a small town girl who comes to Mumbai to fulfill her dreams but gets taken for a ride. Circumstances worsen and she is forced to live in chawls or on the footpath and survive on other people’s leftovers. That has an enormous effect on her and money becomes the centre of her being. She does everything possible to become rich so that she can avenge herself. At the same time,she doesn’t forget her family and can fight any evil that threatens their happiness.

Is the show another rags-to-riches story?
It’s not just another rags-to-riches story,but that is the basic concept. The role isn’t as simple as it might seem. To prepare for it,I had to live in the chawl for a few days. I even roamed the traffic signals during hot afternoons. And so that I can get an idea,my producers also had me watch movies like Traffic Signal and Slumdog Millionaire.

Given that shows like Balika Vadhu are doing very well,do you think Balaji is still at the top or would you also like to work with other producers?
I think the fact that everyone knows about Balaji Productions is an achievement in itself. It is a reputed name in the industry and my parents were happy when I told them I will be working there. As far as working with the others is concerned,I have not been approached by anyone else so I can’t say anything.

So is Ekta Kapoor the tough taskmaster that she is made out to be?
I’ve met Ekta twice or thrice and her tone is a little tough but I feel that is justified since she has to manage it all. But otherwise she is a very nice and sweet person.