Namik's height is a big issue for me- Nikita Dutta

The very talented Nikita Dutta chats with us at the launch of her latest show on Sony TV, Ek Duje Ke Vaaste.

How challenging is this role as compared to Dream Girl?

The role becomes challenging if your real life persona is different from the character that you will be playing. It is different in the sense that everyone is different in different situations. For instance, Suman is very quiet at home as she has been raised by her Mama-Mami. But at her workplace or with friends, she is full on dabbang' and very bold. So this is a one relatable factor.

What does Suman do for a living?

She runs a tiffin service in the name of Priya Centre Tiffin. Suman wants to return the loan of Rs.20 Lakhs that her mother had taken from her Mama-Mami and is hence saving money for the same.

Is there a back story?

No. There is no back story as far as Suman and her parents are concerned. But yes, there is a back story about Shravan (Namik Paul) and Sumo and what actually transpired between them a few years back that they fell out with each other and led to all the hatred that they feel for each other now.

How did you get the show?

Honestly, I am a little selective. I really cant relate to daily saas-bahu shows. So after I quit Dream Girl, I got a lot of offers. I wanted to choose a show, where I could completely own it in terms of performance and relate to it. This show has a reality factor to it. The story can connect with the audience and that is why I opted for this.

Serials tend to become monotonous over a period of time. The plot is very interesting but after some time the same old routine of marriage crops up.

Luckily, there is no saas' only. (laughs) Hopefully this story should not go the same way. As much of the plot that I have heard from the start to the end, has no such twists. It is a finite story, so I don't think there is any need of such twists. 

As an actor, if such a thing happens, how will you react?

I cant say much... but I have taken a stand before as well. I had quit my previous show because the story was going haywire. It depends on what exactly happens with the story ahead.

Don't you think that your decision of taking a stand was a risky one?

An actor is ultimately a free lancer and as a free lancer, there is huge risk everywhere. But if you are not happy with your job then there is no point in continuing with it. Then you wont be staying true to your work. It is better you quit than do your job half heartedly.

How similar is Nikita to Suman?

One most connecting factor that I feel is Suman multi tasks a lot. And I can do the same. That is something that I do very easily. The whole characteristic of working hurriedly is what I cope up with very well. That is all me. I can also think fast and process things quickly.

In the show, you run a catering business. Are you a good cook in real life?

The problem is that the food that I cook can only be consumed by me. I am best at cutting vegetables. Our moms have a tact as to how much masala will go into the sabji. But for me, I have to be on the phone constantly and put all the masalas with perfect meaure. I simply cant cook a full proper meal. I can cook perfectly by looking into the recipe book, but on my own I just cant cook. That is exactly what my director wanted me to do. He asked me to get a basic idea of how much jeera I should put and that is where I had to use my brains.

How did you start your career in the industry?

I started my career with Miss India 2012. I was one of the top 20 finalists. Then I became an anchor on zoom. I did a music request show as a VJ. After that I did anchoring with star sports for the cricket world cup in 2014. I also did a film, Lekar Hum Deewana Dil' with Armaan Jain. It was a Saif Ali Khan production. I played the role of Rose in the film. After that I picked up Dream girl and now this. Its been almost 3 years.

After beauty pageants, the usually chosen path is films. You did a film and are now doing TV. What do you feel about TV as a medium?

When I started doing TV, I used to get very irritated. We have to work in 12-hour long shifts without holidays. But once you get to see results, you start loving your job. And somewhere down the line, I wanted to pursue acting. Also when somebody says that it is difficult, you are more determined to do it. So that is why I wanted to do it. This is also the reason why I am very particular about the roles that I choose.

So are you open to doing films if you are offered one?

Of,course. Who will not want to do a film?

How has your working experience with Namik been so far?

We have not shot much actually. His height is a big issue for me. Coming from the Miss India background, people have always said that you are tall. I am 5'7" which is decent. So I used to always feel that my height is good. But after meeting Namik, I'm like my height is very short. But its been so far so good.

Any plans to take up hosting? Who do you look up to? Who is your favourite?

I know I am saying it too high. But I love the way Shah Rukh Khan hosts. He is one person whom I look at and say that's the way you should be doing that. But then of course, he's Shah Rukh.

How did Miss India happen?

I come from a defence background. And we used to have these small pageants and won them. So eventually Miss India happened through and through.

How has the Miss India experience been?

Even though I did not win it, I never said anything against it. It was a stepping stone for me into the industry. And it has given me recognition. It has groomed me. It has been an eye-opener as to how the industry really is.

Are you in touch with any of your co-contestants?

Yes. Erica Fernandes (plays Dr.Sonakshi in Kuch Rang Payaar Ke Aise Bhi) was my co-contestant during the Miss India pageant. It has been 4 years and now we are doing shows on the same channel. It is such a co-incidence.

Good luck Nikita. We wish you All the Best for your show.