Ready to take flight
The three girls—Vani Sharma, Aparna Kumar and Janvi Chheda — reveal why they have their hopes pinned on 'Choona Hai Aasmaan'
Vani Sharma
(Flight Lieutenant Tanvi)
Background:
I am playing the lead in 'Stree' on Doordarshan. I had earlier acted in 'Kahiin to Hoga' as Mehek and 'Saath Rahega Always'.
Role call:
People are tired of saas-bahu soaps. This serial is a breather for me too. I'm mostly clad in saris for my other serials. Here, I play an aviation engineer; a tomboyish girl.
Thrill chill:
Girls don't usually get the opportunity to do a fight scene on the small screen. 'Choona…' gave me that opportunity. I trained for almost three months in martial arts. I shot for a sequence in a Sukhoi (fighter aircraft). It was thrilling.
Co-stars:
At first, I was scared of having to work with established names like Iqbal Khan, Narendra Jha and Vivan Bathena. But their humility surprised me. Iqbal is chivalrous. 'Choona…' is a great experience. I realised how hard a soldier's life is .
Aparna Kumar
(Flight Lieutenant Isha Oberoi)
Background:
I am a Delhi-based girl. I modelled for several brands. I have also anchored shows on Zoom and Zee Muzic. I have acted in 'Bombay Talking' and two films 'Rok Sako to Rok Lo' and 'Kis Kis Ko'. 'Choona…' is my first Hindi serial on a general entertainment channel.
Role call:
I found the role interesting. I am open to doing saas-bahu soaps also. I have learnt that never say 'never'. It is just that I would not want to start my career with that. I did face a hurdle when I had to speak Hindi. But my co-stars helped me out.
Thrill Chill:
When we sat in a Sukhoi, I didn't know that they would shut the canopy on us. I felt claustrophobic because of that. There are so many switches inside that it is terrifying. For one fight scene we shot amidst crabs and red ants. In another scene, we had to eat real red chillies.
Co-stars:
When I arrived on the sets the first day, I was relieved to see Iqbal Khan. I know him since my Delhi days. Also, work doesn't feel like work because Vivan (Bathena) and Manish (Paul) crack jokes all the time.
Janvi Chheda
(Flight Lieutenant
Sameera Singh)
Background:
I am a Mumbai girl. I have acted in Gujarati plays and serials. This is my first big break. Hence, this serial means a lot to me. I have too many hopes from this show.
Role Call:
I took up this show because the storyline is concrete and the characters are contemporary. However, I am open to saas-bahu soaps also. I don't want to close doors on anything.
Thrill chill:
We had to undergo a rigorous physical training in order to look fit. I had to hold a king cobra. Although it was defanged, it was scary.
Co-stars:
I did feel a little nervous to act with my co-stars since they are established names. But after a few days, I realised they are humble and down to earth.
Cricket
CID
