If you have been an avid couch potato you wouldn't have missed 12/24 Karol Bagh. The Zee TV show set in Delhi is bringing in the ratings and is fast becoming a popular show on prime time.
Apart from Simi Kalra, who plays the lead role in the serial, Hunar Halli who plays Mili Sethi, the youngest sister in the Sethi family is also making viewers sit up. The Dilli ki kudi who was last seen in Grihasthi, is back with a bang as Mili.
TellyChakkar spoke to the pretty woman on her background, career, Karol Bagh and future plans.
On her background…
I was born and brought up in Delhi. I stayed in Melbourne later to complete my higher studies and then returned to India. I am an only child and wanted to become an actress right from when I was a child. I remember how I would imitate my school teachers at home standing in front of the mirror. It was one of my favourite past-times.
That's why, after completing my studies, I moved to Mumbai to make a career in acting. My family and friends supported me all along.
On how she got 12/24 Karol Bagh…
After Grihasthi wrapped up, I was doing Koi Aane Ko Hai on Colors.
That is when the producers of Karol Bagh approached me for an audition. When I went for the audition, they told me they were interested in working with me, but weren't sure which role I would fit in to. I started praying to God to get me a role in Karol Bagh because that would mean I could stay in Delhi – which is what my parents wanted considering I am an only child and continue my career as well.
After a general audition, I got a call from them saying they selected me for Mili's role and had to relocate to Delhi for the show. I was overjoyed to say the least.
On her experience as an actress…
Grihasthi taught me everything about a television serial – the techniques of acting, the right camera angles, the expressions…everything. After working in the show for some time, I realised that I had become a daily soap actress. Coming to the sets, getting ready for the shots and acting became second nature to me.
But when I started shooting for 12/24 Karol Bagh, I had to hone my skills further. I often went cold and had butterflies in my stomach. But the story, screenplay and direction is so good that Karol Bagh becomes very easy for me. I sometimes get so involved in my scene that even after the director says 'Cut' I still feel I am Mili. I guess that happens because I am so passionate about acting.
On her off-screen chemistry with the girl gang in 12/24 Karol Bagh
(Smiles) When I first came to Delhi for this serial and met my on-screen siblings, I realised most of them were newcomers. They were also slightly apprehensive about me since I came from Mumbai and had played a lead role in Grihasthi. They thought I would come with loads of attitude. But when we met, we became very good friends.
They would often ask me for acting tips. Simi, who plays my elder sister in the show, once asked me how I emoted on screen. I told her that when you have to cry on screen, think of the saddest event that happened in your life and you will not need glycerine for the scene. Similarly, we exchange a lot of tips and ideas with each other. It is a very good team to work with.
On her future track in 12/24 Karol Bagh…
As you know, Mili is tomboyish in nature. She is very aggressive, stands up for every cause and is ready to fight till the last drop of blood. In the show, Rajeev Bhalla, my elder sister's fianc, puts our family into a financial crisis because of which my father is forced to have a paying guest in the house. I will become close friends with the new member in our house, and there may be a romantic angle between us. As a viewer and actress, it will be interesting to note how a tomboyish Mili transforms into a lovelorn young girl. But this is going to take at least a month to happen.
On her success…
After Grihasthi, I was a little confused about my career and was not sure which role to take up. I could not only bask in the glory of the success of Grihasthi. So I approached roles and auditions very professionally. Even when I attend functions, I try to be as humble as possible. I try to be myself and I guess that is why I am so popular. I had been advised by some people to create a barrier between myself and the common man. Because, apparently, that is what celebrities do. I never believed in that, and I feel being myself has helped me. I will never let success go to my head.
On her love life…
I am dating someone who is not from the industry. His name is Nikhil Madan and runs a business in Jaipur. He is very caring and understands me very well. We are likely to get engaged sometime next year. Though our parents know about it, we have not thought about a marriage date.
