Article - Shikha Singh

The fiery dacoit Amba was under a medical scanner when TellyChakkar first called her up. She was neither battling a bullet injury nor hurt in a fierce gun battle with the cops. Amba played by actress Shikha Singh was overworked and as a result unwell. The stress of working in a daily soap had taken its toll and the pretty actress had to visit a doctor for a regular checkup. The latest sensation from Naa Aana Iss Des Laado took time off her shooting schedule and doctor visits to speak to TellyChakkar. Excerpts from an interview:

On her background
I was born and raised in Jamunanagar, Haryana and studied there till Class 12. After that, I shifted to Chandigarh to complete my graduation in Economics. I was studious though I belong to a business family.

I am the youngest of two other sisters and an elder brother, so the most pampered in the family. I used to be a good basketball player and have even represented my state. I was always interested in NCC and was even selected to attend a Republic Day parade, but had to opt out because of another youth festival I was performing in. I did many plays during my school days.

After my studies, there were many requests, especially from my brother to join our family business. But I wanted to do something else..

On the shows she has worked in till date
My first show on television was Meri Doli Tera Angna. I still remember how I got the opportunity. I had heard of auditions happening for the show and thanks to peer pressure I went along with my group of 15 girls out of which only two of us were selected. After that I did Left Right Left and Ghar Ki Laxmi Betiyaan. I compare my character in Betiyaan with that of Urmila Matondkar's in Pyar Tune Kya Kiya. I have also shot for a cricket reality show on DD called Premiere Cricket Series. It was an interesting show based on the 20-20 format.

On Laado
It is a dream-come-true. I do not like doing clichd roles and Amba is very demanding from an actor's perspective. I need to act like a man being a dacoit. I would call this role the highlight of my career. I am told after my entry in the show the TRPs have increased and people are glued to the show. It makes me immensely happy. Laado is a huge show and is most watched.

On getting selected for Amba
I knew Dimpy, the casting director of Shakuntalam Telefilms, from my Left Right Left days. One day she called and asked me to come down for an audition. She had specifically told me that it was a dacoit's role so to come for it very casually. I wore this black kurta which was not ironed for the audition. I am not sure how I performed, but I got selected for Amba's role. It took some time for me to believe. I knew that actors like Kamya Punjabi and Kavita Kaushik were approached for this role. I feel lucky to have bagged it.

On getting into the skin of Amba
I did a lot of homework including learning horse riding. Nasir bhai (son of legendary Johny Walker) is a very good friend of mine. He suggested I should see the film Mera Gaon Mera Desh. That helped me a lot. I also took some diction classes. The creative team of the show was very helpful. Overall, a collective effort has gone into making Amba.

On her first shot as Amba
It was hilarious. In real life I am quite fair, so the make-up team had to apply a lot of black paint to make me look like a dacoit. I felt I was like Nakusha in Lagi Tujhse Lagan. Without that I could have looked like an NRI daku! But now they have toned it down because Amba has shifted to a house. To be honest, I am happy with this development. No one wants to look bad on screen!

On being apprehensive about sharing screen with Meghna Malik
I have a simple rule in life. When you are doing your scene, give it your best. Whether it is Amitabh Bachhan or Meghna Malik, you should not think of who is opposite you. As a creative person, you should give a certain space to your co-actors and that is how the screen chemistry happens.

Let me also tell you I share a very good relationship with Meghna Malik. She is in this industry for 11 years and we often discuss films, exchange acting tips and chat a lot. Since we both are from Haryana, we often talk to each other in Haryanvi.

On her future
I am very happy doing television. I will not jump into films. I will choose the character very carefully.