TV actress Saumya Tandon of ‘Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai’ fame has fans drooling over her gorgeous looks. Saumya has received a lot of appreciation for her role as well as look in ‘Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai’, a comedy series on &TV. Saumya is playing the role of Anita, a modern day working woman. Saumya’s co-stars are Aashif Sheikh, Shilpa Shinde and Rohitash Gaud. Excerpts from an interview with SHABIHA NUR KHATOON
Has ‘Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai’ taken entertainment to another level?
Yes the show brings a breath of fresh air on TV in the middle of all the saas-bahu dramas, over-the-top loud comedy and historical and mythological shows. It’s a situational comedy well written and well directed with a good casting.
What exactly urged you to take up the ‘Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai’ offer?
I was very reluctant to take up a role in a fictional show on TV. In fact it took nine months before I said yes to this show but on hindsight I am glad I took the decision. I am glad the channel was so sure that Anita was the character for me. If there was anything that could bring me to TV it had to be something like this. A good script and not a clichéd TV soap. My association with ‘Dance India Dance’ is also a cherished part of my journey in television.
What was your first impression at getting to know you’d be sharing screen space with Aashif?
Aashif ji is a senior actor. I have grown up seeing him. Many people think I am too young for the role but Vibhuti’s character needs a performer and he is a great performer and he looks great in the role.
What do you think works for the two of you as an on screen couple?
The chemistry is perfect. The roles are that of any real life, educated people and their small fights, problems, the love they have for each other. Anita is overtly romantic and a bit of a control freak seized with the impression that her husband is not romantic. She is actually inspirational for many women including me. I wish I knew the art of making my man dance to my tune. The couple stands out because this real chemistry is not really explored in TV shows.
Which scene has been your favourite?
I like the scenes where I ask my husband to do role plays and we become new characters. I like the nagging scenes, scenes where I catch his lies. Yeah and the best scenes where I manipulate him with sweet talk and get done I things I want.
What do you like most about Aashif?
Aashif ji is a hungry actor and wants to give the best shot. His enthusiasm even after so many years is inspiring. But he is very hesitant doing romantic scenes and keeps saying what his kids would say.
How do you spend time on sets between breaks?
I am working on a start up venture www.1018mb.com launching October 18 in Mumbai. It’s a new age platform for movie viewing, where one can watch favourite movies at one’s favourite location at a convenient time with friends. So I am working on it.
How’s your equation with Shilpa Shinde off screen?
Yes, she is a great co-star although most of the times we don’t get to meet as we shoot on different buildings.
How was the feeling working with SRK in ‘Zor ka Jhatka’ in 2011?
It was an honour and pleasure. He is very hard working, intelligent and well mannered. A great inspiration!
So, after Jab We Met what more in Bollywood?
I am on my toes waiting for an exciting role and a good script.
You also write poems. ‘Meri Bhavnayein’, a collection, was nominated for the Modi young writer national award.
Yes it was published when I was in Class XII. It’s a collection of poems I wrote for a span of 10 years. I made several sketches for the poems.
We have read that you are very particular about your looks?
I wear my personal clothes and Anisha Shetty has made 90 per cent of them. I design with her.
Recently you and Aashif were in London to promote the comedy show at the Zee London Mela. So how was the experience?
We had thousands of fans cheering for us. We are very lucky, and blessed too, to receive so much love and honour.