ARTICLE: Sakshi gets candid

Eight years ago, this talented Rajasthani girl came to Mumbai with just a hope of doing one or two noticeable roles on television.


Today, she is a household name. We are talking about Sakshi Tanwar, Parvati Agarwal of Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki. "See! What all God has given to me. Mumbai has given me more than I could ever have asked for. It absorbed me like I always belonged here," says an overwhelmed Sakshi. Now, as she readies herself to make a cine debut, Sakshi confesses that she still feels like a beginner in the industry...

How did the Bollywood film come your way?

God has been really kind and given me more than my share already. Gurbir, the director of this film, called me from Delhi saying he is directing his first Hindi film and wants me to be a part of it. I was excited and I instantly said yes. My first proper role in the TV serial called Dastoor on DD was under his direction too. This was an ideal opportunity to start my film career also with him. Coffee House is like my Gurudakshina to him.

And how convinced are you about your role?

The film portrays me as a very strong woman — Kavita who stands by her beliefs and conviction no matter what. She also offers the much needed practical and balanced approach to her visionary husband Kamal, perfectly played by Ashutosh Rana. I'm sure a lot of women will identify with my character.


Indian cinema requires a very glam look. Slim bodies, fluid dance movements etc. Are you prepared to take it head on?

I perceive myself as an actor who can at best put up a competent performance. Thankfully, these days a lot of small, experimental films are being made on all kinds of subjects. I guess I will also find my niche somewhere.

You are in your thirties, but television serials often depict you in roles which are much older. Does this not take away your image of a young person that you are?

What I portray as an actor need not be similar to what I am in real life. In fact, it is quite a challenge as a performer, to be able to convincingly portray characters which are different from what you really are. Probably it is because of this image only that people have given me so much love and adulation and I am really humbled with this. I couldn't have asked for more.

Do you like it when people outside address you as Parvati?

It was the role of Parvati Agarwal that transformed me from a nobody to a popular household name so I can never be upset with people calling me Parvati.

How would you describe yourself as a woman of today?

Independent yet dependable. Sensitive yet strong. Beautiful yet believable...

How will your perfect man be?

Someone I would love to see every morning when I open my eyes.

Your best asset and the best compliment you have ever received...

I guess it is my character. Someone once told me that I am real. And that's a real compliment to me.