Himani Shivpuri's(bheeji) chat transcript

Transcript of LIVE INDIATIMES CHAT with A ctress , Himani Shivpuri at 12 noon on 16 Jan 2006 in Mumbai

Himani Shivpuri
Actress

Himani Shivpuri
actress
"If not an actor I'd have been a professor

"If not an actor I'd have been a professor of organic chemistry."

Sweety > Does being an actor means you don't get time for your family?
Himani Shivpuri > Whether you are an actor or attached to any other profession like doctor, pilot I feel one should (be prepared to) comprise where family is concerned. And for me, my family and son have been the most important, and being an actor I have made it a point to spend quality with my family.

Rachna > What are your recent assignments?
Himani Shivpuri > I am doing three shows on TV - Ek Ladki Anjaani Si, India Calling and Chamcha In Chief . In films - I am doing Umrao Jaan , Milenge Milenge, Chand Ke Par etc.

Shweta 123 > What comes more naturally to you - comedy roles or serious roles? What are you more comfortable doing?
Himani Shivpuri > Well, I am comfortable in either.

Kali > What do you think of the actors on TV and in films today? Don't you think they tend to over act while some look too made up? The focus is more on looks and throwing an attitude to show them seemingly confident.
Himani Shivpuri > I feel the actors are not to be blamed because audiences prefer a glamorous look. Ideally, I feel the look should be according to the role that they are playing. For e.g., if they have to go to the kitchen/bedroom there is no need for too much make up and wear excessive jewellery.

Verma > Are you very choosy about what assignments you take or, just take whatever comes your way?
Himani Shivpuri > I am definitely very choosy. I only take up those roles which excite me. The length of the role does not matter at all.

Ravi > Tell us more about the character of 'Biji' that you play in India Calling ?
Himani Shivpuri > She is a woman who is full of life and is always inspiring 'Chandni'(lead actress).I accompany her from Jallandher to Mumbai and how the small town people adapt to a metropolitan city. My character is full of life - I fly kites; I dance the Bhangra etc.

Giva > Do you identify with any of your onscreen characters? Which one and why?
Himani Shivpuri > None. Because whenever I am acting I am playing the role and that is very different from what I am.

Megha > How do you keep yourself looking so young and beautiful after all these years?
Himani Shivpuri > (Laughter). Thanks! Well, a little bit of yoga, walks and generally a positive outlook in life.

Deva > When did you realise acting was what you wanted take up as a career?
Himani Shivpuri > I was acting right from my childhood (school plays) but while doing my post graduation in organic chemistry I began doing theatre simultaneously. And I realised that I was happier doing theatre than sitting in the lab.

Suhas > What goes into enhancing the performance from the one that is given in the script?
Himani Shivpuri > No actor can rise above a script. But one can add a little personal touch in terms of speech or the look of the character and try to make it as natural and close to life as possible.

Alphajam > Hi Himani, I currently live in the US and been unable to watch any TV. But I remember your playful smile a lot. One story that comes to mind is the one you acted in along with Irrfan. It was really fabulous.
Himani Shivpuri > That was a short film called Ek Sham Ki Mulaquat and I really enjoyed working in it. Thanks.

Mil_15042k > Hi Himani! What is the most memorable role for you so far in Hindi films?
Himani Shivpuri > It's very difficult to say but I suppose I have a soft corner for the role I played in my first commercial film Hum Aapke Hain Kaun.

Angula > How do you improve on your acting?
Himani Shivpuri > Well, acting is something which only improves with practice and experience, and that goes for any kind of art. The more you do, the better you can be.

Bunty > As an actress, how have you progressed?
Himani Shivpuri > When I had graduated from the National School of Drama, I was more conscious of the technicality of acting. But later and gradually, I started to rely on my gut feeling.

Gayatri > Tell us about the off screen Himani Shivpuri.
Himani Shivpuri > Well, off screen, Himani Shivpuri is totally different from what you see on screen. Basically, I am a shy, introverted person who loves her solitude. My ideal time would be to listen to music, read a book, go for a walk and spend time closer to nature.

Viva > If Himani Shivpuri had not been a TV actor, she would be............
Himani Shivpuri > I would have been a professor of organic chemistry or may be doing some research and getting the Nobel Prize for some scientific discovery.

Ooo_me > Do you like this celebrity world?
Himani Shivpuri > I maintain myself as a normal human being whose professional job is to act. Yes, in a way, as it has its perks but there are some disadvantages like (forgoing) one's privacy.

Wajeeha > Hi! This is a bit serious one! Do you think acting can be learned or it has to be practiced in the company of good and learned people?
Himani Shivpuri > I think one has to have it in herself and practice is important, as it makes one a better actor.

Sign Off Message > It was lovely chatting with all of you. Live life to the fullest and be happy. Love, Himani.