I want to be the best in the industry - Neha Marda
Being the only daughter born in her family in last 72 years, Neha is indeed a special child. A trained danseuse, Neha ventured into acting by accident and now she is in her third show. She plays the character of Priyamvada in Zee Next's 'Ek Thi Rajkumari'. Neha sounds to be a lady with steely grit and determination when she says that having become an actress; she wants to be the best one now.
A. It feels good to be a part of such a big production. Zee Next, a sister channel of Zee, is indeed a big name in the entertainment business today. Besides, it has been promoted so well that it makes you feel on top of the world and makes you believe that you are actually doing something in life.
Q. What is your character in this show?
A. I am playing the role of a girl who has been locked inside a 'Mahal' for 18 years and is completely ignorant about the outside world. She doesn't know what a cell phone is, has never used the Internet or chatted online, and she even doesn't know what meeting boys is like. The girl also doesn't know what eating 'pani puri' is and she is completely unaware of outside world. It's a 21st century show; the situation inside the 'Mahal' is different from the outside. At this juncture, comes her friend and maid Suman who is a modern-day girl going to college and leading a normal life. Suman tells her what is happening in the world outside the 'Mahal'. This gives birth to a rebel in Priyamvada and she desperately wants to see the outer world and experience it.
Q. Why is she locked inside the palace?
A. There is some 'chakri' in her legs because of a curse slapped on her father. This is the climax point in the story. Her mother is scared because of these factors and doesn't allow her to go out.
Q. Is this show similar to any fairy tale or Hollywood film 'Princess Dairies'?
A. No, it is not based on any fairy tale. It's a new fairy tale story. You can't sit and find logic in this serial. If you try to find logic you will be disappointed as in today's time it is not possible for anyone to stay in a place for 18 years. It is completely a fairy tale.
Q. What do you think is the main attraction of this show?
A. I think Smita Jaykar will be the main attraction, as she is coming after a long time. Also since this show is a fairy tale we can tell the audiences not to find any logic in the show. But the fact is that most of them, particularly girls, will think why is the character kept locked in a room. There is definitely some uniqueness about the show. I can assure you that this show is not based on 'saas bahu' pattern, but it is all about youth.
Q. How has been the audience response till now? How have the people you met recently reacted to the show?
A. Well, we are shooting so much that we don't have the time to know about the public response. But from the people we have met, I have come to learn that they have liked the show since the content is very good. We have shot at the 'Veer-Zaara' palace. Actually, according to the A-map which regulates our channel TRP, the response is very good.
Q. How did you land up with this role?
A. Actually I was doing Ajai Sinha's 'Ghar Ek Sapna' when I met Harsh Chhaya and he was making a documentary at that time. I played the heroine's role in the documentary. He showed the documentary to many of his friends and one of them was our producer. He saw me in the documentary and said I would be the Priyamvada in his new show 'Ek Thi Rajkumari'. Following this, I went for look test and by the grace of God I am shooting for this role now.
Q. What were you doing before this show?
A. I have done "Saath Rahega Always' on Sahara and it was my first show. After that I did 'Ghar Ek Sapna' and now I am doing 'Rajkumari'.
Q. Did you always wanted to be an actor or it has been just a coincidence in life?
A No, it is just a coincidence. I have been dancing from the age of 3 and learnt Bharat Natyam for 7 years, Kathak for 3 years, Jazz for 4 years and Salsa for one year. I participated in 'Boogie Boogie' and then in 'Kaboom' where I was the 3rd finalist. Sahara people saw me in this show and called me for 'Saath Rahega Always'. It will be hard to be judgmental as how long I will go, as I am still going through a learning process. I think that when I have stepped into this field, I want to be the best one.
Q. What about your studies? Are you still studying?
A. Yes, I am BA in Economics from IGNOU through a correspondence course.
Q. Where do you come from, and tell something about your family?
A. I am basically from Rajasthan. I am a Marwari girl, but born and brought up in Kolkatta. My family stays there and I am in Mumbai. My family comprises my parents and my brother who is doing engineering in Dehradun. And I am the only girl to be born in my family in the last 72 years. My joint family includes 17 brothers and so I always get a special treatment.
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