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| INTERVIEW |
Every young girl dreams of a good marriage, husband and in-laws. But sometimes these dreams turn into a nightmare and heartbreak. It happens too with Vidya whose world turns around after she marries Sagar. She not only has to face the wrath of her in-laws, but also her husband; she has to win her husband over. Screen spoke to the lead players Divyanka Tripathi and Sharad Malhotra of Zee TV's Banoo Main Teri Dulhan DIVYANKA TRIPATHI
What is Banoo Main Teri Dulhan all about?
(Smiles) Primarily, it is the story of an illiterate village girl Vidya, who after a fairy tale marriage faces the taunts of her in-laws, her husband too belittles her for her background and education. Why her background?
Being poor is a curse. Besides coming from a poor background, Vidya is constantly cursed,taunted and sometimes beaten by her chacha and chachi. Since walls also have ears, the entire neighbourhood knows about Vidya's woes. What actually happens after marriage?
Having dreamt of a happy marital life, Vidya realises her dreams have been shattered after she marries Sagar. With grit and determination Vidya works against all odds and bears the wrath of her in-laws only to find that she gets rejected by her husband as she is illiterate and that she does not fit in with him. But with firm determination, Vidya is able to finally win over her husband's love and affection. And how does it happen?
(grins) I will not disclose what happens.That's for you to see and experience.
Since I hail from the holy city of Benaras, I wasn't exposed to acting on TV. I am absolutely new to the serial genre. Yes, before this I have done a lot of plays for both All India Radio, Bhopal and Doordarshan. Besides, Sharad and I competed in and won the Zee Cine Star Ki Khoj. Why didn't you join films?
Well that was not to be. Now that I am working in Zee TV's prestigious serial, I hope my career will take a turn for the better. Who would you give credit to for Banoo Main Teri Dulhan?
I want to thank the people at Zee TV for reposing their trust in me even after knowing that I had no solid background to talk about. SHARAD MALHOTRA
Vidya comes from a poor background. What about Sagar?
Well, Sagar is a Thakur. He is well educated, stylish, full of attitude and very arrogant.In one word he is a perfectionist. Right from food, to his dressing etc. Sagar wants everything perfect. How does Sagar meet Vidya?
I will not disclose that, but I can only say that Vidya makes a commitment to my father (Raghavendra Pratap Singh) and she does everything to keep it. Then there is a major turn in my character. Viewers are bound to get a shock (between episode 1-11). This will bring a dramatic change in the serial. You hail from Kolkata. What were you doing there?
I did my B. Com. from St. Xaviers College, Kolkata. In 2001, I was chosen as the Face of the Year-Kolkata. Then I attended a couple of acting workshops with Sarat Mukherjee and Nishi Arora (Kalawati Academy). In 2004, I won the Zee Cine Star Ki Khoj along with Divyanka and know her since then. After that I came to Mumbai and since then my work is being managed by Israni Communications (Raj and Amita Israni). With their help I gave several auditions including the one for this serial. I appeared for three auditions and later had to go for a 'Look Test'.Only then I was confirmed for the role three months ago. What was your instant reaction once you were chosen?
Let's take it this way. Nowadays TV channels focus more serials on women. When I heard about my selection in ...Dulhan, I thought it would be woman-oriented, but after I read the script I felt happy. I saw it as a chance to prove my histrionics. How many episodes have you shot so far and how long will the show continue?
We have already completed eight episodes and are working around 14 hours in two units. As far as I know we have been allowed to air for a period of two years.If the show fares well we may be given an extension. So far what has been your experience working in Mumbai?
Two things. First, it has been raining daily since we started shooting. I feel rain has proved lucky for me. The next incident was a scary one. We were shooting on the Ganga in Benaras. We had two boats-one that carried me and the other had the crew on it.It was raining cats and dogs and it was just the right atmosphere we needed for the shot. But then suddenly my boat tilted and I fell into the water.I was shocked when I felt the under current dragging me away. Later when the panicky crew saved me from the mishap, it was found that I was dragged as far as some metres away. I shall never, in my life, forget this incident. Where did you shoot in Benaras?
Among the eighty two ghats in Benaras, we shot at Rajghat-the best ghat in the holy city.Then we shot at the Ramnagar Palace. We were lucky to have had an audience with the Maharaja of Benaras then.
You were a model before you came to Mumbai?
Yes, I did a lot of ads prominent among them being ads for P.C.Chandra (was the first male model to have done a jewellery campaign). Then I did ads for National Insurance, Life Insurance Corporation, Peerless Insurance. The latest advertisement of mine that is being aired on TV is the one I did for EXIDE Batteries.
