I wasn’t smart enough: Sadiya -- Article

Sadiya Siddiqui (TOI Photo)

Remember that cute, bubbly girl-next-door in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na who played Shah Rukh Khan's sister? Sadiya Siddiqui, who started her career with the popular teleserial Banegi Apni Baat has her kitty full with serials like Bidayi, Saat Phere and Saathii Re.

But only few know that the lady is an ace Kathak dancer, scuba diver and a voracious reader. KT gets the actor talking.

You have been associated with TV cinema for more than 15 years now? How has it changed?

"There's been a sea change. Initially, it was a pleasure working in serials since they were more realistic. The portrayal of characters, problems they face, their surroundings were very real... unlike today where everything seems farfetched. I really enjoyed working in Banegi Apni Baat. Honestly, I don't find the same contentment today."

You mean working in today's teleserials is more of a compromise?

"I wouldn't say it's a compromise but yeah one has to be really choosy. You never know when the serial takes a leap, when it shows your character dead, or alive again for that matter. But working in Saat Phere was a very good experience. I portrayed the character of a widow who dares to fall in love. It was a very challenging role for me."

Time leaps, sudden deaths and comebacks, vamps and unrealistic script! Are you referring to Ekta Kapoor's serials?

"I would not take names but I am just talking in general. Even if we say that serials like Kasautii... and Kyunki... have the same old story, the truth is that they have maximum TRPs! So at times the audience confuses us quite a lot. When we feel the script is good, they do not show the same interest and when we feel the script is just trash they run for the show! Today the TV industry is very unpredictable."

You are an ace Kathak dancer. It must've helped while playing the role of a dance teacher in Bidayi – Babul ka sapna?

"Yeah! As far as performing as a dancer was concerned, it was very comfortable. But in the very first episode I had to give a dance performance and we were informed at a very short notice. So preparing for that was a bit problematic."

Having worked in both – teleserials and movies – why has a lead role eluded you in either medium?
"I was not smart enough to manage my career. Today one has to be very calculative and should have good managing skills. Be it movies or serials, I was never sharp enough to decide how to move ahead. Otherwise, I see no reason why I was never offered a lead role."

Is it true that you are dating Raj Logani from Saathii Re who is much younger than you?

"I am not bothered by what people have to say. Raj is a good actor and we are just good friends. And I don't understand why people are so impatient. We can't hide such things for long. If I am lying it will be proved in no time."

What are the projects you have in hand?

"Right now I am busy working on a play C For Clown with Rajat Kapoor and Vinay Pathak. Also, I will be doing a movie with Saeed Mirza Zara Bachke Meri Jaan which is a multi-starrer."