‘I loved Aastha’s character’

'I loved Aastha's character'

Chaya Unnikrishnan
Posted online: Friday, December 02, 2005 at 0000 hours IST

Upasna Shukla who plays Sia in Astitva...
Ek Prem Kahani feels it's the best role any
debutante could ask for... How did you get the role of Sia?
I was doing plays with The Company Theatre for three years when I heard that the unit of Astitva... was looking for a fresh face. I went for an audition and got selected.

What did you like about your character?
When the role was narrated to me I was told that I had to fall in love with a man 25 years older to me. I was shocked. I understood that it was a complex role and I had to make the situation believable. It was a challenging task.

How was your first day of the shoot?
My first scene was with Varun Badola. I had to entice him and get some information about my friends who were murdered. I was really nervous. But Varun was extremely supportive and the scene went off well.

How many retakes did you have to give?
Only two!

Much has been said about Nikki Aneja's dominance over newcomers. Comment.
I don't know how these controversies start. I haven't experienced any untoward incident. Nikki's such a warm person. She has spent 14 years in the industry and she does know a lot, but she doesn't overpower.

How was it interacting with the other newcomer Yuvika Choudhary?
We got along very well. Yuvika is a good mimic and we had a great time together.

What kind of response have you got after the serial?
Oh, it's been amazing. People recognise me as Sia and the kids in the age group of 10 ape me. Wherever I go, they tell me 'you are so cute...'

To what extent do you relate to Sia?
Sia is a very headstrong girl. She knows exactly what she wants in life. I have some traits of Sia but she is too good to be true. Sia never gets angry, she has no negative emotions at all. This, as we all know, is not possible in real life. I do. So, it's a bit of a struggle to make Sia's character humane.

Which other character of the serial do you find interesting?
I just love Aastha's character sketch. Her character is completely believable. At the age of 18, one does to get carried away and fall into wrong company. Once that happens, it is difficult for the person to differentiate between good and bad. That's what Aastha's character is all about and youngsters could relate to her.

Are you looking at a career in films?
I don't characterise myself as a theatre, TV or film artiste. If I get a good role that appeals to my sensibilities, I will do it, irrespective of the medium.

Have you signed any other serial?
No, I am concentrating of Astitva.... 15 days of a month are blocked for this daily soap.

What do you do in your spare time?
I catch up on reading. I dig into fiction novels. I also listen to a lot of music.

Do you watch other serials?
I never miss 24 which is aired on AXN. It's a brilliant serial.

If any English series were to be adapted in Hindi which would you love to be a part of?
Friends.