Snigdha[Shyamli's] chat transcript

Transcripts of LIVE INDIATIMES CHAT with TV actress, Snigdha Akolkar at 12 noon (IST) on Friday, November 18, 2005 in Mumbai

Snigdha Akolkar
TV actress

"If I could, I'd have destroyed the casting couch"


Beautiful lotus > How do you feel to be famous?
Snigdha Akolkar > I feel great.

Wana wana > Snigdha ji, what's your specialty?
Snigdha Akolkar > Doing emotional roles is my specialty.

Bali > How does it feel to be known more by the screen name than your real (name)?
Snigdha Akolkar > I feel great because my work is giving me fame. And if someone calls me by my screen name, I feel that he is appreciating my work.

Mona > How does it feel to be playing the lead in Hare Kkaanch Ki Choodiyan ? How did you get the role?
Snigdha Akolkar > This role is like a dream come true. I got it through an audition, where 2000 girls had auditioned as well. But they selected me.

Bali > But doesn't it also mean that in the long run you will lose your real identity (regarding being known by your screen name). Aren't you worried about that?
Snigdha Akolkar > I am an actress and I am not worried about it.

Choodiyan > If your character jumps a 20 year period and you are required to be seen as an older woman on the small screen, would you still continue to do the role?
Snigdha Akolkar > Yes, I will continue to the role.

Playful > What sort of image would you like to see yourself in, as an actress?
Snigdha Akolkar > I don't want be stuck in any particular image. I would love to be known as doing all different roles. Want to be a versatile actress.

Mamu > Where are you from? Do tell us something about yourself?
Snigdha Akolkar > I am from Pune. My parents are in Indore. I have two sisters. I have done B.Com from Pune. I am not a very mixing (kind of ) person. I want my own space.

Lola > Which serial was your first? You want to do films too?
Snigdha Akolkar > Yes I want to do films. My first serial was Prarabhbha ( in Marathi).

Clod > How did you get into this line? Were you modelling before?
Snigdha Akolkar > No, I was not modeling. I used to (perform) dance in all my college competitions and was selected by directors, who were judges in the competition. That's how I got into the Marathi serial.

Doll > As a result of your stressful work schedule, do you suffer from any ailment? How do you cope with the stress of your work? Asking this because TV stars work for very long hours.
Snigdha Akolkar > No, I don't suffer from any ailment. I do meditation and chanting to cope with the stress.

Mohit Panwar > How is it to be a celebrity? Any disadvantages? What are the advantages?
Snigdha Akolkar > Disadvantages are that one has very little space for oneself. And advantages- money and fame.

Mohit Panwar > Do you believe in exposing in film, if it is require?
Snigdha Akolkar > No, I don't believe in exposing. I am not comfortable exposing.

Doll > Do you relate to the characters you play on TV? Out of the characters that you have portrayed, which one is closest to your heart and why?
Snigdha Akolkar > My role as 'Shyamali' in Hare Kkaanch Ki Choodiyan is really close to my heart, as I can relate to her. I am a simple person from a small town, like Shyamali.

Capri > What's the meaning of your name?
Snigdha Akolkar > Snigdha means lovable.

Ladie > Are you style or fashion conscious? What's your personal style?
Snigdha Akolkar > Yes, I am slightly fashion conscious. I like to wear jeans and singlets.

Mann > What do you think of 'Casting Couch?' Come across it? Do you believe it exists, even in the TV industry?
Snigdha Akolkar > I believe it is there but I have never come across it. If I could, I would have destroyed the casting couch.

Naina > Judging from your own experience and your colleagues', can you tell us how safe is the TV industry for women?
Snigdha Akolkar > It is quite safe. It depends on how you are; one should be firm and just concentrate on her work.

Kali > When did you start your acting career?
Snigdha Akolkar > After my graduation, three years ago.

Mohit Panwar > Who is it favourite personality in Hollywood and Bollywood?
Snigdha Akolkar > Sushmita Sen in Bollywood and Al Pacino in Hollywood.

Mohit Panwar > Who is your dream or ideal man?
Snigdha Akolkar > James Bond.

Kali > Who is your favourite co-star?
Snigdha Akolkar > Rajshri (plays elder sister – Rashmi, in Hare Kkanch Ki Choodiyan ).

Sachin P > Do you plan to do any more Marathi serials.
Snigdha Akolkar > Not yet.

Jili > What are your hobbies? What do you do in your spare time?
Snigdha Akolkar > I read a lot. I like to watch TV. I like dancing and trekking.

Kali > Your birthday?
Snigdha Akolkar > 3 rd of May, 1981.

Mani > What do you think is your sex appeal?
Snigdha Akolkar > My eyes.

kali > How important is it for artists to have contacts? Isn't there such a thing such as talent?
Snigdha Akolkar > Contacts are equally important as talent, but I am really lucky to have made it without any contacts in this industry.

Jili > Are you seeing anyone currently? Do you have a crush on any actor? Please name him.
Snigdha Akolkar > I am single and have no crush on any actor.

Bobby > What do you find sexy in a man?
Snigdha Akolkar > the body language.

Mohit Panwar > Do you think that marriage affect the working in film /TV?
Snigdha Akolkar > No, it does not because now days everybody understands the priority of work.

Sign Off Message > Just do what you feel (is right), as there is only one life to live. Just don't hurt anybody. Love, Snigdha.