How much of a turning point was hit serial Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan?
It has changed my life entirely in a good way. I changed as a person and grew as an actor. I didn’t know what it was like being famous and didn’t even think people would love me or appreciate my work so much. Kaise Yeh Yaariyan has given me tremendous love and success. It has made me reach where I never imagined myself to be.
What has been your fondest memory of playing Nandini on the show?
There are so many. I would be there the earliest on the days I had my call time! (Laughs) The make-up dadas and hair didis would be like: ‘Now we have to come to work early because Nandini is always there before time in the mornings’.
I loved the whole energy in the morning, especially greeting everyone. The fondest memory close to my heart would be playing Nandini Murthy. I loved every bit of it. She had so much scope, so I got to play all the shades.
There seems to be a genuine friendship between the cast. How much did that help?
When you work for 12-13 hours a day, it’s like a mini-family on set, so it does help a lot. You become comfortable with the other actors and the connection is easier. Then it becomes super fun to do scenes.
Did you ever imagine the show would get such a fan following?
Honestly speaking, I never imagined it because we thought our show wasn’t promoted well. I was so scared that no one would watch, which is a natural and common feeling. But everyone’s hard work paid off when it picked up and went on top of the list. It also made me a youth icon. I still can’t thank everyone enough for the love and support.
How did you feel about being voted as the highest-placed newcomer in the 50 Sexiest Asian Women in the World list for 2015?
I couldn’t stop screaming. I was overwhelmed with excitement and couldn’t hold it in. Words can’t describe how it felt. After working hard day and night, giving it my all and then getting ranked this high felt fabulous. I would like everyone to feel what I felt; it was unreal.
You must be pleased so many girls voted for you?
I would like to say a big thank you to all who voted for me. I’m totally over the moon as they have always showered me with abundant love and support. These girls truly make my day!
What, according to you, makes a woman sexy?
Women with genuine loving kindness. She must be full of charity and persistent in understanding and uplifting others without guile or pride. These are qualities that are key.
However you can’t deny that sometimes all it takes to decide a sexy woman is something simple like her entrance. The way she holds herself as she walks, defined by her confidence or the grace portrayed by the movement in her dance or etiquette.
Looking ahead, what kind of roles would you love to play?
I would want to experiment with the kind of roles that I get to play in the future. I want to do something that is very different and challenging. I could even do a negative character or maybe something like Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor played in Barfi. Maybe even a part as a psychopath.
