"My job is to give my best performance. I don't care about TRPs'!" - Kritika Kamra

Kritika Kamra, who never wants to repeat a character she has played will be seen in her first costume drama show where she will be essaying the role of Chandrakanta - a Princess.

Excited to be the lead female protagonist of a show produced by Nikhil Sinha, the visionary who gave us a hit like Devon Ke Dev. Mahadev, Kritika opens up about being a part of Prem Ya Paheli? - Chandrakanta!

How did Chandrakanta happen to you?

Honestly, it was so unplanned and coincidental that I can call it a fairy tale. Every girl wants to be and play a Princess so when they approached me for the role of Chandrakanta, it felt like a dream come true moment. 

This role will not only have me enact a Princess which means looking pretty and wearing the best of costumes but it will also satisfy my creative thirst as she will be more than just a pretty looking face. She will fight the world with Prince Virendra and conquer the talismanic world.

What made you accept this role?

I have never been a part of a costume drama before. I had watched the first Chandrakanta as a child, but nostalgia isn't the reason I am taking it up. I found the script interesting. The central character is not only a beautiful woman, but she's also a fighter and has a sense of purpose. 

The audience will also see me on the battleground in the later episodes. Also, the roles I have done earlier are all contemporary so as an actor, I was more than happy to do something different, that will be a new ground for me.

Will the story be the same as depicted in the novel as well as the old Chandrakanta, which was aired in 1994?

There will be a slight change in this show; in fact, the earlier version of Chandrakanta was more close to the novel. However, the theme and characters will be the same but we have given a modern twist to the story. 

Unlike the novel or the earlier Chandrakanta, the protagonist is not a bechari (weak or helpless). She is strong-willed and a fighter. This is not a story of a regressive heroine, in which every time a hero has to come to save his heroine. In this version, you will see a powerful heroine. I believe many people can't see a protagonist weak in today's time. It should be in sync with current times and hence audiences will enjoy watching Prem ya Paheli - Chandrakanta.

The last version of Chandrakanta was an iconic show and widely accepted by the audience. Can this show repeat the same magic?

Of course, it was an iconic show. I bet you, all those 90's kids, including me, remember the names, songs and everything about the show. But that time was different, there were very few shows on television at that time. Now there is a flood of shows. It doesn't mean that this show can't create the same magic but this show has much more potential and is intriguing; it will be acceptable today. I want this show to be hit and if a show gets hit, the character is a hit automatically.

Did you get a chance to see old clips of Chandrakanta?

Honestly, I haven't seen anything. All I remember is whatever I saw in childhood. The reason being, I want to give a fresh feel to the show. If I start watching the old shows, consciously or sub-consciously, I will start doing the same thing. I want to create my own mind space for audiences with Chandrakanta without taking away the credit from the original show.

What has been the most difficult part about playing Chandrakanta so far?

It is getting the Hindi and Urdu words correct. I don't find any problems while shooting the scenes, but sometimes while reading the script I get nervous as there are these big words in Hindi and Urdu. I face a little difficulty while reading it at length so I spend extra time in rehearsing the same. I have also downloaded a Hindi translator application on my phone. It helps me with the meaning of words and easy pronunciation.

There is news of another Chandrakanta on a rival channel. What is your take on it?

Even I got to know about it while shooting this show. Apart from its promos, I know nothing. I don't think, there will be any competition with the other show. Ekta has given me memorable shows and I am still remembered as Arohi from Kitani Mohabbat Hai. The rivalry can be between channels or production houses, but it is not going to dent my friendship with Ekta Kapoor. We are friends and she even wished me luck for the show. My job is to give my best performance. I don't care about TRPs'.

Apart from this, are there any other shows you are doing?

No, not at all. I work for this show 14 hours, I don't get time at all. This is a very heavy duty show with extensive use of VFX and graphics to make it larger than life. Right now, we are shooting in Filmcity, then we will go to Golconda (Hyderabad) for the shoot. This is a very time-consuming show. I can call it one of the most difficult shows of my life!

We have last seen you as a passionate reporter on the small screen and now you will play a completely different character. Talk about diversity of roles been offered today.

I've played a doctor, a working woman, a reporter. I've tried to break the pattern with every show that I've done. It's not to prove anything to the world but to myself that I can take up any challenge. I consciously want to break some patterns. I want to be known as an actor, who can do different things on different mediums.

What do you think about the herd mentality which is seen on television?

I think this mentality needs to be changed. I've always believed that television has space for saas-bahu, historical, mythological, fiction and fantasy shows. So, there is something for all. Unfortunately, we get into the habit of following a trend. I want to be part of a show that is breaking the mentality. Whether it works or not is a completely different thing, but an actor should not stop attempting something new and that is what I do.

What is your take on women being objectified in the industry?

I will take a woman as a sex symbol over a woman as a victim any day. Yes, women are objectified and we can see how it reflects in our society. But I also have to say that, a certain part of our job involves looking desirable.