Barkha - Bollywood's not a nice place

Barkha Bisht on beau Indraneil Sengupta (pictured) and why she doesn't want to be a film star.

Farhana Farook

What excites you about 'Babul ki Bitiya Chali Doli Saja Ke' (Sahara One)?

It's a woman-oriented show. My role is author-backed. Many viewers sympathise with me.

Don't soaps tire you?

Yes, playing one character does get monotonous. But it's the twists and turns that make it interesting.

What's the plus and minus of being part of the TV industry?

The high is the recognition that you get and the low is that you really do not have a life left after shooting for 14 hours a day. But yes, it does ease out the future.

Do you aspire to do films?

I am paranoid about Bollywood. It's not known to be a nice place to be in. I am passionate about acting. However, I am not striving to be a film star.

Off-screen you seem to be unconventional. What is the real Barkha like?

I am reserved. I don't open up easily and may not be the first to start a conversation.

But when I do, I am pretty friendly.

What makes you relationship with actor Indraneil Sengupta special?

Though we are different, we connect deeply. He's a typical man who wants his space whereas I am a typical woman—emotional, sensitive and demanding.

How would you define love?

Nobody can really define it. But it's that feeling of waking up every morning and smiling to yourself about having that special person in your life. I cannot survive without love. It's never been a hindrance to me.

What's the best compliment that Indraneil has paid you?

He once said, "You will make a good wife and daughter-inlaw." Do you believe in marriage? Marriage is very essential. I believe you can balance your career and your personal life. There's a right time for everything. Marriage completes your life.

As a performer where does your strength lie?

I don't believe in competing. Now that Sangeeta Ghosh has entered 'Doli', people remark, "You must be insecure." However, I don't let the sense of competition seep in. I focus on my work.