Meet the only gori bahu on TV!
But Suzanne Bernert has become the first foreigner to feature in a TV serial. In fact, her character has become quite popular in Star Plus' Kasauti Zindagi Kay.
About her experience in the show, this German actress says, "Television shows the reality that happens in Indian families. That people have accepted me as a bahu in this serial is a great feeling. To come here and make a name is a big thing for me. I am really proud to be the only foreign bahu on television!"
Read on for more...
How did you become an actress?
I wanted to become an actress from a very young age. I started learning languages like French, Italian, Spanish and English. I thought it would give me some base. I travelled to Taiwan and Korea then back to Berlin.
A close friend pushed me to acting. I later learnt everything from my second mom, she is my mentor. I went to Dubai with my then husband, who was in the hospitality industry. I met a lot of people from Mumbai. I dabbled in production, casting, and makeup. I met director Ajay Sinha in Dubai and he offered me a role in Astitiva Ek Prem Kahani. So I came to India.
Text: Rajul Hegde
Balaji is the best thing that happened to me'
I was really nervous as I had to shoot in a salwar kamez, tikka and heavy jewellery. I gave it my best shot. Alok Nath was very happy and complimented me. That gave me confidence.
I am still in touch with some of the members of Astitva. I came to Mumbai and met my fiance Akhil Mishra. I have been doing theatre with him since 2005.
How is it working in Kasauti Zindagi Kay and Balaji Telefilms? Do you understand the lines you have to say?
My character Doris is the wife of Tushar Bajaj (Mr Bajaj's son). I was lost with so many actors on the sets. Last year, I would muff my lines. But now, if they give me lines one hour before the shoot I am comfortable.
I have also learnt to speak Hindi. I enjoy working with my team especially with Sweta Tiwari (Prerna). People know and recognise me by my character Doris.
Balaji is the best thing that happened to me. I have learnt the basics of acting from them.
I love wearing saris'I have done theatre and a kids' show in Berlin. I am popular among Indians in Germany but not with Germans.
Are you comfortable wearing Indian clothes?
I love wearing saris but cannot arrange the pleats. I carry my own petticoat and blouse for the serial. I like it when it fits properly. I carry my makeup kit and do my own makeup too.
Which is your first film?
Officially, Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd was my first film. But I have done a film with director Aditya Kapoor, Shamal, which is a bilingual (English and Arabic). It has English sub-titles. It has not released yet.
I have also done a serial Aisa Desh Hai Mera. I'm currently doing only Kasuati Zindagi Ki for the last one and a half years.
How do you balance your time between theatre, television and films?
Kasuati takes only 10-15 days so I block my days for them. I use the rest of the days for my new projects.
'I like pani puri'
I am happy doing theatre, television and films. We have got overwhelming response from the audience for our play Hello Spring. This play is inspired by Neil Simon Chapter II. Over the course of time, we have changed. Next week, we are taking this play to Germany.
How is it to live in India? Like the food?
I love India. I like the food here, but don't like soda added in it. I don't have time to cook so we eat on the sets or outside. Sometimes, I make some Italian food. I like pani puri but eat it only when it is homemade.
What are the other films are you doing?
I've just started shooting for a film with director Hridesh Kamble. I have known him for the last four years. He is a wonderful person to work with.
I'm also doing a film for director Rajani Brahma, starring Victor Banerjee.
What are your future plans?
I am writing a script. It's a triangular love thriller. I hopefully will be able to direct it with my fiance someday. http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/sep/19sld4.htm
Ye Hai Mohabbatein
