By Vickey Lalwani
Ekta Kapoor€™s new discovery Neha Bamb of Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai
hasn€™t gone home for the last 36 hours.
Why have you been working such long hours?
I have a responsibility to ensure that the serial is a runaway hit.
I am not the only one working towards its success. Almost no one has
slept a wink since the past 36 hours. We have to build a bank of
certain episodes before we breathe free.
Is it really worth all the trouble?
It is worth more than anything else in the world. To see oneself in
every drawing room every day is a kick-ass feeling.
Does your mom get worried when you shoot for such long hours
continuously?
You can say that again! She keeps calling me again and again,
wanting to know when I€™ll reach home (smiles).
You did five South films before getting into Indian television. How
did this happen?
I was born and brought up in Mumbai. A South producer saw my
portfolio pictures. He offered me a South flick. One thing led to
another.
The next logical step should have been to do Hindi films...
(Interrupts) Right. But I am not that ambitious. And I cannot do
bold kissing and love-making scenes, which seem to have become an
integral part of almost every Hindi film. I wouldn€™t be comfy at
exposing my body.
Have you undergone any formal training in acting?
I did a 3-month course in Hyderabad University. I learnt a lot. My
shyness and awkwardness while facing a camera melted away. It was
fun.
How did Kaisa ye Pyar Hai happen?
It is quite an interesting story. I had auditioned for the show. But
when Balaji Telefilms tried calling me saying that they wanted me to
start shooting, I was in the hospital down with jaundice. They were
kind enough to wait till I was fit and fine.
What is the story about?
Kripa (myself), a small town girl, is in love with the screen
persona of rock star Angad (Iqbal Khan). Her family allows her to
move to Mumbai to pursue her musical aspirations in a music academy
run by Angad€™s family. An insensitive upbringing and lack of
family warmth has made Angad believe that true love does not exist.
Kripa slowly discovers Angad€™s vulnerable side and he falls in
love with her.
Then there's Prithvi ('Indian Idol' contestant, Amit Tandon) who
makes a late entry into the show. The introduction of Prithvi will
set up a love triangle. Kripa is simple but not dumb. She is very
high on moral values. She cannot be taken for a ride.
What€™s happening in your personal life?
I am still studying. I want to complete my graduation.
Are you evading my question? I mean, do you have a boyfriend?
(Laughs) Do you think that I have the time for a boyfriend?