How much do you relate to your character, Manjari?
I don't relate to her personally at all. I am not like Manjari in real life. I am as bubbly as she used to be earlier, but I am not as serious as she is about life right now in the show.
Do you identify with Manjari's style?
Never. Earlier, she wore long skirts, which I have never worn in my life. They were different attire for me, but I never really took to them or adapted them in my personal life. Ditto is the case now with salwar suits. I have never worn them in my real life, so they are again a novel variety for me, personally. I am usually in capris, shorts and jeans off the sets.
What do you like best about Manjari's dressing sense?
I like the net salwar suits she has been wearing these days. They are lovely, with soft colours and light fabric. They make me look elegant and cool. Of course, they are perfect for the summers.
Earlier, Manjari donned western outfits, but now she is dressed in Indian wear. Which do you prefer in real life?
I prefer her Indian outfits over her western ones. I think the chudidaar-kurtas are so feminine, yet modern and, like I said, elegant. They give your body a certain grace, which is adorable.
Recently, you wore a sari in a dance sequence. How was the experience?
It was the first sari of my life. When my director told me that I would have to dance wearing a sari in the show, I thought it was a joke. But later, when I realised everyone was serious, I wondered how would I do it. I had never worn a sari, and to dance in it seemed like a humongous task. Thankfully, everything went well, and I looked pretty too. I wore a white net sari with a fuchsia blouse. Now, if anyone told me to wear a sari, I would agree in a jiffy. [smiles]
What do you like and dislike about Manjari's character?
I love that she used to smile a lot, have fun with friends, play pranks and was moohphat, but now, I don't like the fact that she has become very serious in life. She cries a lot, and hardly ever smiles. She has also become very diplomatic and subdued.
How would you describe yourself?
I am a bubbly, chirpy, happy-go-lucky person. I love going out with my friends and family, shopping, going for movies, chilling out and doing all the fun stuff usually youngsters do. I love dancing too.
What would you do if you were in Manjari's place?
I hope I am never in Manjari's place. I have an elder sister, and I would never put myself in such a position, no matter what.
In real life, are you close to your siblings?
Yes, very much. I have an elder sister, and I am very close to her. In fact, she has flown from Dubai today after two long months, and I have been talking to her non-stop in my breaks. We have loads to catch up on. I can't wait to get home today. We share everything about our lives, clothes, jewellery, et al. Her friends are friendlier with me than her. I gel well with her whole gang. There is a 3-year gap between us which, perhaps, helped in forming our strong bond and similar tastes.
What do you like and dislike about Akshay (the character) and Raunaq (the actor)?
Akshay was a bhondu before, and now, I like the fact that he has expressed his feelings for Manjari. If he hadn't, he would not have known that she too feels something for him. Otherwise, he is a loyal friend, a trustworthy person and a sweetheart. As for Raunaq in real life, he is a good friend, and I get along very well with him. It was odd that when I began shooting for Yeh Ishq Haaye, there were many co-stars, so I hardly had any scenes with him. We were cordial back then. Gradually, the other characters moved on, and now, it's only Raunaq and me in the show. So, we chat a lot and have fun on the sets.
Have you ever been in love?
No comments. Let's talk about my love life after a year.
What would you tell people who have had their hearts broken?
Move on. I know it might sound a bit harsh, but that is the truth of life. When your heart is broken and your relationship has not worked out, one cannot do anything else but move on. It might take some people a few weeks, a few months for some, while some take even over a year, but people do find new friends and new love. Have a good support system in your family and friends, and pull yourself through.
How did you bag Yeh Ishq Haaye?
The production company Sphere Origins selected me for an audition for the show after they saw my snaps. I told them I wasn't interested in serials, as they are usually the same old saas-bahu type. I don't have anything against saas-bahu shows, but I wasn't looking for doing them at that time. When I heard the story of Yeh Ishq Haaye, I got interested. A youth-oriented show on a channel like STAR One was cool. I gave the audition and then a look test, and I was on.
What do you think of love and relationships?
Love and relationships are an important part of every person's life. Though there are other relationships in life other than romantic ones, a fight with your beloved does gets magnified as opposed to a fight with a sister, mother or friend. Any relationship has two sides, and one should look at all aspects before making any decision in life.
How was the transition of Manjari from a small-town girl to a city girl?
Her attire has changed, for sure. However, she still has her traditions or sanskaar in order, and is a traditional Indian girl at heart. Manjari sure has become more confident, and this change in attitude is all thanks to the city. This is a change for the good. Now, she is living in with Akshay, Anushka and Kabir. The old Manjari wouldn't have done so, as it is against her upbringing.
How is your equation with your on-screen co stars?
I was friendly with Yashdeep and Rahul, and now, I am friendly with Raunaq. As I am mostly working with Raunaq, I can say that we have become good friends.
What is your take on live-in relationships?
Whoever wants to live in sure should. Those who don't want to – that's cool too. I don't think people should judge those who do live in. To each his own, I feel. I wouldn't live in, though.
How do you spend your weekends?
I never get a whole weekend off to spend in leisure. Whenever I get any free time, I love to go to the parlour, which is always my first stop. I love getting pampered to my heart's content. Then I am off shopping, chilling out with friends at a cool hangout, dining out and watching movie, before heading back home. I love spending time outside, but ever since I have been shooting for Yeh Ishq Haaye, I want to spend time at home, as I hardly get to be with my family.
Any summer tips for fans?
Drink lots of water. Try to avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12 to 4 PM. If you can't avoid going out then, take an umbrella or hat to cover your head. Apply sunscreen. Wear cotton garments, and don't forget your shades.
Don't forget to watch the twists and turns in Manjari's life on Yeh Ishq Haaye every Monday to Saturday at 8 PM, only on STAR One.
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