Saumya Tandon of Aisa Des Hai Mera

Not so Rusty

Saumya Tandon of Aisa Des Hai Mera is trying to get used to television's contract system

Reena Thapar Kapoor

Even while debutant Saumya Tandon is celebrating her newfound fame as Rusty in Aisa Des Hai Mera, the actress is a bit overwhelmed by the two-year contract that she recently signed with Sony TV. The contract prevents her from working with any other production house or channel. Saumya follows in the footsteps of Mona 'Jassi' Singh and Mandira Bedi who had signed similar contracts in the past.

"It was a mutual decision. The makers of the show and Sony TV had laid down the terms and conditions clearing all my doubts," she says.

That brings us to the show, Aisa Des Hai Mera, that has her bound for two years. Apparently, Saumya had met producer Manish Goswami before Nauheed Cyrusi was signed to play Rusty. "I had dropped off my pictures at Mr. Goswami's office before Nauheed was confirmed for the role," she says. "Later, I'm told that things didn't work out between them and Nauheed had to opt out… Anyway, the result is that I'm doing the show and am very excited about it." Saumya has recently returned from her shooting schedule in London and will start shooting in Mumbai from today.

Like many others before her, Saumya came to Mumbai from Delhi a few years ago, to make a career in the glamour world. "I had no aspirations to make it in the film industry," she says. "The kind of films made these days wouldn't have suited my personality. Television on the other hand is a medium that one can relate to. With so many channels and production houses around, the chances for an actor to get work and carve a niche is much higher."

Initially Saumya did some commercials for Hyundai, Chevrolet Optra and LG, to name a few. "I've also done a bit of theatre in Delhi but the capital doesn't give much scope in this field. Hence I decided to come to Mumbai to look for an ideal show to debut in," she says.

Incidentally, the actress hasn't yet settled in Mumbai as yet. "I'm from Delhi and I've no place to stay. The production house has put me up in a guest house. But eventually I'll be moving into a rented flat," she says. "Everything about Mumbai feels new, especially the work culture and life style. I'm sure I'll get used to it soon."
On the personal front, she says: "I want to keep my personal life away from media glare." What about the rumours about her affair with a Delhi-based model? "I'm neither confirming nor denying it. I know it's difficult to keep things under wraps in this industry. But I'd rather people write about the show and me than my so-called boyfriend," she replies.


• I want to keep my personal life away from media glare. I'm neither confirming nor denying my relationship. I know it's difficult to keep things under wraps in this industry. But I'd rather people write about the show and me than my so-called boyfriend

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