"The audiences love to hate Kamini in 'Doosri Maa'" - Preity Sahay

And TV’s Doosri Maa actress Preity Sahay, aka Kamini, has delighted fans with love and hate emotions for her portrayal of a negative role. In a candid interview, the talented actress shares her journey as an actor and mother and the various challenges she faced, personally and professionally.

1. How did your journey as an actor begin?

I am the only actor in my family. When I was eight years old, I began working as a child actor for Doordarshan in Lucknow. During my school time, I participated in numerous plays and dramas but I was also good at studies. My career as a child actor began smoothly, but the real struggle started when I moved to Mumbai and auditioned for films and TV shows. It was a difficult journey because I didn't know anyone here and had no industry mentors. I used some of my old theatre contacts and did a play with the most recent Dinesh Thakur. Following that, I auditioned for television shows and appeared in cameos and episodic roles in many serials. And after years of struggle, I landed a major role in "Balika Vadhu," which I played for nearly six years. However, I played my first negative character in the show "Dahleez," which ran for two years, giving me immense recognition as a TV vamp. In recent three years, I lost my both parents but I know they’re with me all time guiding and supporting me. 

2. You also found your soulmate in this industry. Tell us more about it.

I had never imagined getting married to an actor. During one of my shows, I met Kuldeep. He was also acting in the same show where we fell in love with each other and eventually decided to get married. When I got pregnant, I took a break from work and industry to take care of my son and enjoy this beautiful motherhood phase. My husband supported my decision. Now that my child is grown up and understands things, I decided to restart my career.

3. Was it easy to restart your career as an actor in this fast-paced world?

It was not easy at all. Because of my break, the kind of role I was offered was not exciting. It was challenging to get the right part in a fast-paced world. But I did not stop trying. After multiple auditions and meetings, I finally got a TV commercial with Bollywood legend Mr Amitabh Bachchan. He appreciated my acting and suggested my name to his son Abhishek Bachchan for his next TV commercial. Being noticed by Big B was one of the happiest moments of my life. It also helped me regain the confidence to restart my journey in the industry. And here I am, portraying one of the most entertaining characters on television as Kamini in Doosri Maa.

4. How did you bag Doosri Maa?

Around ten years ago, I did an episodic role for one of my shows, where I met our show director Imtiaz Ji. After a decade, I never expected to work with him again and with such a wonderful character. I am pleased that he considered me for this role. However, when I got the call to play Kamini, I couldn't say yes to the opportunity. I was not convinced to stay away from my family for so long because the set is in Jaipur. But it was my son who convinced me to grab this opportunity. He said I am a grown-up and can also care for his father in my absence. His words touched me, and I was convinced to move temporarily to Jaipur.

5. How has been your experience shooting in Jaipur and your bond with your co-actors?

In Jaipur, I have a great time shooting for Doosri Maa. The team is fantastic to work with, and given our time away from our families, we have all become each other's family. Our bond grows stronger with each passing day as we stay close to ZEE Studios, where we eat together and celebrate everything. Whenever we are not shooting, we explore the beautiful city and binge on the delicacies here. I miss my family and make it a point to constantly be in touch with my son and speak to my husband daily. But the people here are so supportive and lovely that I don't feel dull at any moment.

6. Kamini is a negative character, and the audience loves to hate her. How do you deal with it?

As an artist, I love challenging roles. Playing a vamp and negative role like Kamini is very challenging for me because it is the opposite of me as a person. I get all the hate and love for Kamini, which I greatly enjoy on social media. Honestly, Kamini is a true Kameeni in Doosri Maa (laughs). She is annoying but also humorous. When Kamini’s character was narrated, I liked her persona, especially her sarcastic catchphrase, ‘Aadat toh nahi Hamari issue Banane ki'. This catchphrase gets lots of praise from the audience. Simply put, the audience loves to hate Kamini, and that’s what we intend to achieve through this character. It makes me happy that my work is being recognised and appreciated. It gives me a sense of satisfaction and helps me evolve as an actor; there is always new learning.