Simaran Kaur on Jamai No. 1: ‘Not the typical television protagonist…’

Zee TV's new show Jamai No. 1 is all set to capture the hearts of the audience, with its lead actors, Abhishek Malik (Neel Paranjape) and Simaran Kaur (Riddhi Chotwani), sending fans into a frenzy. Simaran, who plays the lead role of Riddhi Chotwani, opens up about the thrilling unpredictability of her character. Simaran shares how Riddhi’s dynamic nature, with her unique style and compelling storyline, keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. As she dives into the challenges of portraying such a layered and complex role, Simaran also highlights the incredible on-screen chemistry with her co-stars and the fast-paced, modern narrative of the show that sets it apart from anything else on television today.

"Riddhi’s character excited me the most because she is a “toofani” character—unpredictable, which makes her all the more interesting to perform. The story becomes even more gripping as it progresses. Viewers lose interest when characters are too predictable, but Riddhi keeps the audience guessing. For example, the scene where Riddhi burns her car showcases her unique style and swag,” Simran says.

She adds, “She is not a negative character but someone who knows how to hold her ground. Every character I’ve played brings its own set of challenges, which I enjoy. Monotonous roles are no fun, but challenging ones motivate me to research and prepare—whether by watching OTT shows, international series, or similar content for inspiration. Riddhi, in particular, is a difficult character because she is not the typical television protagonist. She has many shades and layers, and there is always a reason behind her actions. As a performer, I have to carefully balance her personality. If I overstep the fine line in her portrayal, it could go wrong. Fortunately, with the help of my directors, producers, and writers, we’ve successfully brought Riddhi to life. She feels authentic in every scene.”

Talking about shooting the show, she says, “The atmosphere on set is fantastic, and we bonded very quickly. My co-stars, Abhishek Malik and Papia Sengupta, are amazing. They are like-minded, supportive, and cooperative. Before every scene, we rehearse many times and build on it to make it even better. Off-screen, we share a great bond, which translates into on-screen chemistry. The entire cast and crew, including the producers, directors, DOPs, and other departments, are incredibly sweet. A positive environment on set leads to a positive show, which resonates with the audience. The writing and treatment of the scenes are unique, and full credit goes to our producers, writers, and the channel for coming up with such out-of-the-box ideas.”

Meanwhile, she adds that this show is nothing like anything else out there on screen today. “Even though I consume a lot of content, the scenes in this show feel fresh and exciting. The show is modern, contemporary, and progressive, with relatable characters. In today’s world, relatability is key. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of the show keeps the audience hooked. Unlike typical TV shows where one scene drags for multiple episodes, in Jamai No. 1, a lot happens in just one episode. People today have shorter attention spans due to reels, shorts, and web shows, so a fast-paced story is essential. This show ensures that viewers remain engaged and eager to watch the next episode,” she says.