interview

semble cast, which delivers some stellar performances every week. One such bundle of talent is actress, Teena Chopra, who is currently portraying the role of Payal Mitra on the show. The role is not easy, yet the newly establishing actress has connected with the audience, with her confident, realistic and sensitive performance. Telly Tadka brings you this exclusive tte--tte with the lovely actress.

Please tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from etc.

Teena Chopra: I am basically from Delhi and have completed my graduation from Punjab University before shifting to Mumbai for good.

TT: When did you realize you had an inclination towards acting?

TC: Since my childhood I was a part of all school and college concerts, plays etc. I always wanted to be an actor.

TT: How did you bag the role of Payal?

TC: I came to Mumbai with a dream to become an actor. I got to know about the screen test for this role. I thought I should try my luck and was very excited when I bagged it in the first round.

TT: What made you inclined to play perhaps one of the most challenging roles in Ek Hasina Thi and that too at such early phase in your career?

TC: Every actor wants to take up a challenging role at some point of his or her career. An intense role which is about acting and good performance. I am very happy that I started my career with the role of Payal.

TT: Payal is a character who has gone through a very big trauma in the past. What goes into enacting such a character?

TC: It's a tough job, especially for a debutant. Lot of practice, rehearsals goes into it to deliver a perfect shot. One needs to feel the character and the pain, which is very challenging mentally.

TT: Did you make any special preparations to play the role?

TC: I wanted to be good at what I was doing. I did my research, watched documentaries, movies of other actors who have performed similar roles. Rehearsed my dialogues till I was convinced before giving my final take.

TT: When facing the camera what thoughts cross you mind?

TC: When I am facing the camera, I am in too much of pain as I am into my character. Nothing else crosses my mind, but the pain of a rape victim.

TT: Do you believe in living the role?

TC: I believe in living the role while playing it. Though it gets very difficult to detach yourself from the character you are playing. But if I wont do that, it will be crazy. This is a very important reason why I meditate and exercise everyday.

TT: Payal's character (Rape Victim to whom justice is denied) and your portrayal of the same has touched a very sensitive chord with the audience. In a recent episode your character- Payal was seen to be completely charged up and violent on seeing her rapist. How did you work on that particular scene to make it look so convincing?

TC: Being a girl somewhere I can relate to the pain when someone touches you against your wish. I had to feel that pain from inside and relate to it. How would have I reacted if something like this happened to me. Getting into the character helped me give the best performance.

TT: Doesn't TV acting become monotonous and tedious beyond a point?

TC: No, I think TV gives us a platform to challenge ourselves every day. There are a lot of shades to every character and its very challenging to display it while playing the same person.

TT: What is Teena all about?

TC: I'am Fun-Loving, caring towards my loved-ones, I love to travel and yes I'am an adventurous person.

TT: Tell us one thing we don't know about you.

TC: I love reading books.

TT: How do you spend your leisure time?

TC: Dance is my passion and currently I am learning Kathak from Ishita Sharma. I love reading books, which is some thing I can't stay away from.

TT: Are you enjoying this new phase in your life?

TC: Yes, absolutely. Audiences love my character and that motivates me to work harder.

TT: A message for the fans.

TC: Thank you so much for accepting and loving my role in Ek Hasina Thi. I will try and

You can relate to Payal's pain.😭