From Jassi To Jessica

Photographs by Sameer Parekh; Text by Shraddha Jahagirdar-Saxena; Make-up and hair by Priya Ramchandani; Location courtesy: Olive bar and kitchen, Mumbai

I love the attention. I used to think that only Bollywood stars were so popular. But film stars are larger than life and fans maintain a distance from them. As Jassi, I have people coming up to me and holding my hand. I have become a part of their families.

Jassi broke the mould by not being good looking. Her thick spectacles, braces and fringe, combined with her simple outfits, made her look rather ordinary.

I had to alter my body language for the role. In real life, I am much more confident and it shows in the way I talk and move around. I watched the Spanish original – Yo Soy Betty, La Fea – and tried to walk with drooping shoulders and not look anyone straight in the eye.

Life beyond Jassi.... I know that all good things come to an end and some day, the serial will draw to a close. I would never like to break free of Jassi. I have done many shades in one role – bubbly, affectionate, unsure, trusting.... Now, I am Jessica Bedi, more attractive, poised and confident. Actually, she is more like the real-life me.