Interview : Acting allows you to connect :Anjum Fakih

Excerpts:

What made you choose Rachita's role in Tere Sheher Mein'?

I had auditioned for Amaya before, since I am like Amaya in real life. I don't understand things at time and not practical at all. I take things to heart easily. So I thought I can play that character well since I can be my real self. But Makers were not able to give me that role so they gave me the option of Rachita'scharacter. I said yes to this character as it had so much learning. I am actually very loud person in real life and Rachita is subtle character. I had to work a lot on getting her mannerisms. It is very easy to play yourself on screen but really difficult to get someone else onscreen. Also my emotional side is closer toRachita's character and I have realized it while doing the show.

You have been doing more realistic and path breaking roles, while TV is normally flooded with typical Saas Bahu roles or negative vamps. Do you prefer Saas Bahu shows in future?

I had modelled before coming to TV. This is my second project on Television though it's launched first. My Genre is of more youth based shows. I have always thought of doing roles like Divya Dutta or Nandita Das, that is some meaningful cinema. Typical Saas bahu kind of roles can be done by anyone. Also my height has been an issue for these roles. Since I have a model physique, I am kind of unfit for these kind of roles. I had already decided that I would not be playing crying bahus but will be playing vamp like Kamolika who will make others cry. I am looking for more challenging and interesting roles in Bollywood and Hollywood, hopefully will get one to do.

What is the difference you find in walking on the ramps and giving a scene in front of camera?

Both Industries are very different. Modelling is also not an easy job. Since we have to take care of number of things- be it choreography, posing as per garments that you are wearing. Perks in this industry are also different. Modelling doesn't reach to audiences heart in a way acting does. Acting allows you to connect with your audiences that I always wanted. I have always been a huge movie buff and drama queen. My name is Anjum which means bright star so yeah, you can say I am a born star (Laughs).

How is it working with Rajan Shahi, a very well established production house?

I don't belong to this industry so people in this industry, I have found before are not that professional and often take people for granted. But I have been fortunate to be associated with Rajan Sir. He has the awesome team I ever met, they all are like a family to me. I often feel like shooting even on when I'm on an off day. He asked me to move to Meera road as the set of the show is on that location. I had no idea on how to move there but he asked his colleagues and they helped me moved in to nearby location that has been really helpful to me and it is totally stress free for me. I feel really blessed, I hope that I stay this lucky.

How was it shooting in Benaras?

My mother is from Bombay but I have spent most of the time of my life in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I have not seen India at all. I have not even seen Taj Mahal. I went to Benaras for first time for this shoot. I got to sit in a cycle rickshaw. I also went to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. I have seen Ganga Aarti. Everyone knows a lot about their religion a lot there even a Pan seller to a tea seller so that's what I got impressed with. City has that wisdom a lot.

How is it working with veteran actor Gautami Kapoor?

I got to know through newspaper about Gautami Kapoor playing my mom as we had workshops going on at that time. I have been huge fan of Gautami Kapoor. She has debuted with movie called Bindaas, which I really liked a lot. So I was so happy and even my mom was also happy as she is really big fan of hers. Before meeting her, I did think how to react as she is a big name in television industry. I met her and I got to know her when we were shooting in Paris. I never felt like I am talking to a stranger when I interacted with her. She truly understands me. She is a friend and advisor to me. I felt like, as if I'm hanging around with one of my besties. I am a loud personality and get hyper at time and she is the one person who controls me and does pamper me .She often say that I am her third child with two of her children being and I being here on the sets.

What has been your dream role?

I have never thought about it seriously, but I have been interested in doing negative roles like Kamolika or Ramola Sikand. In Riyadh we get TV series of Pakistani Dramas and Indian Dramas very costly as people are very crazy about them so I have been really crazy fans of these TV series from childhood.

Who is best buddy on Sets?

Gautami definitely .She knows everything about me, my likes, dislikes and understands me so much. Apart from her, I feel Heeba is second closest person since we stay together.

In Bollywood, who is your favorite personality?

I have been a huge fan of Juhi Chawla and Anil Kapoor. They are so lively people and I have been fortunate enough to have seen them in reality but didn't gather courage to meet them. I love Juhi's smile and her personality.

Message to Audiences!

We are not doing any Saas Bahu drama so people might take time to adjust with this show. But please, give your time to this show as this is a new initiative to showcase even if we wear short dresses that doesn't mean that we are not responsible towards our parents or family. So we break that traditional mindset of the people. You will see something different in the show that you can take forward home as learning.

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