When it started, no one expected to be as successful as it is today. Neither did it have a strong star-cast, nor was the story unique. Apart from the fact that it was entirely shot in Delhi, there was nothing much to set 12/24 Karol Bagh apart from the rest. However, it proved all its critics wrong and has been consistently getting good TRPs. And the popularity of its characters has also been steadily going northwards. Interestingly, the reason being cited now for the success is the casting -- something that came under some criticism initially. The casting -- despite there being no big names -- has been bang on target with each actor a perfect fit. TellyChakkar spoke Sargun Mehta (better known as Neetu Sethi, the second of the Sethi sisters). Excerpts from an interview:
On her background
I am from Chandigarh and was brought up in a family consisting my parents and a younger brother. After finishing my education in Chandigarh, I moved to Delhi. In Delhi, I enrolled myself for a degree in Commerce in the Delhi University.
On the acting bug
It never bit me! I became an actress by chance. In my university, we had a community called The Players which did plays. I joined them without thinking much. When the auditions of 12/24 Karol Bagh were being conducted in Bengali Market, Delhi, a senior of mine in the community decided to go for it. I too joined her. I was auditioned for both the roles -- Milli and Neetu Sethi. I was chosen as Neetu. It came as a complete surprise to me and my family because I had never really thought of making a career in acting. In fact, I was scheduled to go to UK to study business management. Thankfully, my parents supported me completely and allowed me to take my own decisions.
On similarities between the real-life Sargun and the reel-life Neetu
My character is of a very innocent girl who is looked after by everyone in the family. Neetu is the second child in the family and is pampered by everyone -- for her everything is picture perfect and she is very happy with what she has in life. It has been depicted that I am a very big fan of Shahid Kapoor.
All these things are very similar to what I am in real life. I am innocent, talk a lot and am a big fan of SRK and Shahid Kapoor. Shahid is my life and SRK is my love!
On the off-screen equation between the Sethi sisters
When Ravi Dubey joined our show a couple of months back, he was so impressed with us that he categorically mentioned not having seen this kind of camaraderie on any set. Smriti, Hunar and I are best of pals off camera. Our on-screen brother Anuj (Wasim Mushtaq) is part of our gang too.
One day we were shooting a scene where we were having food in the dining table. While our director was giving instructions to Wasim, I took the opportunity and poured some extra salt in his food! He realised this only when the shot had started. And since the camera was rolling he had no option but to swallow that food without changing his happy expression. After the shot got over, he tried to do the same thing to me but I caught him in his act. He is like our real brother. I think our off-screen friendship is reflected in our performances as well.
On why she thinks the show is a success
The unique flavour of the show is its USP. People from Delhi can relate with this show because of the real locations, real characters and real presentation. Others relate to it because of the unique storyline.
On her plans five years down the line
This is a very risky career. One never knows where one would be five years later. So I have my back up plan ready. I am completing my M.Com. Plus, I also love dancing and have leant few styles like salsa, hip-hop and jazz. I am very passionate about dancing. So if I have a baliye in future I will surely do shows like Nach Baliye or Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.
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