| How did acting happen to you?
Acting happened to me by coincidence. I was running a company called Peak Performance. I had studied teen psychology. I was teaching psychology as well, giving lectures and even planning to write a book. A few friends told me to try for advertisements. I did, and landed up with ads for LG Refrigerators and Kaya Skin Clinic. I shot for a video with Lucky Ali too. Out of the blue, I got a call from STAR One to audition for Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein. I refused, as I wasn't looking at working on television. I don't like the saas-bahu kind of serials, the kitchen politics, etc., but they followed up, and I met them and heard the story, which totally hooked me. It was not a regular show, and I liked my character, so I came on board. What do you find most challenging about Alka?
Her stubborn nature. When she decides to do something, nothing can stop her. She will either make or break it. She is all for justice and moral values. Which Alka do you identify with the most - the Western one earlier or the Indian one now?
Both. When I used to live in London, I used to wear Western outfits like Alka did earlier. After I came to Mumbai, I stick to Indian wear mostly, like what Alka wears now. In fact, most of the western outfits I wore in the show are mine. What kind of hardships have you faced on the sets?
The entire serial is shot in Pune, so the heat is a killer. We often move from one location to the other - that is tough too. And, of course, as we shoot six episodes for the serial, we get alternate weekends off. That's the only time when I go to Mumbai to my family and husband, Arseen Khan. That is the tough part - staying away from family. But my family visits often, so it is fine. What is your personal dressing style?
Kurtas and jeans are my personal favourites, as they are not only most comfortable, but stylish too. I love wearing Patiala salwars on occasions too. I match trendy tops with jeans, but not the regular T-shirts. I like my tops to be complicated, in terms of something special or different than just a T-shirt. How aware are you about politics in India?
To be very honest - not very aware. Since I have been shooting for Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein, I haven't had the time to read the newspapers regularly, but of late, I make sure to check out some. I am aware of the Libya situation and the Japan crisis, but I don't have much detail about Indian politics. What was the toughest scene on the show so far?
All the romantic scenes are tough for me. I haven't been in this field and haven't acted before, so playing the romantic girl is funny. I can handle aggressive, howling, crying scenes with ease. Even the shouting slogans or giving speech before an audience is fine with me, as I have been on stage numerous times. Who are your friends in the cast?
Yashwant, who plays Chander, and Creative Director Nitin Mali. We hang out on the sets in between breaks, shoot some pool, or go to a restaurant. But post shooting, we are all so tired that we rush to rest. When free, I go to spas. Keep watching Alka aka Sara Khan on Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein, Monday to Saturday, at 9:00 PM, on STAR One. |
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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