"I am a mixture of both my characters in Betiyaan and Maayka" : Jasveer Kaur

Monday, June 04, 2007

After a lead in 'K-Street Pali Hill', Jasveer Kaur entered 'Betiyaan' some time back. Now she will be seen in 'Maayka'. The characters Jasveer plays in 'Betiyaan' and 'Maayka' are exactly opposite to each other and thus it makes it all the more interesting for the viewers. In one she plays a modern-day woman, while in another she is cast in a typical Indian woman role. Jasveer is comfortable with both and manages to give her best to both. She recently spoke to us at length on her career, life and future plans.

Tell us about your character Suhani in 'Maayka'?
Suhani is a big time model from US and Shabd (Vivan Bathena) is a big time photographer who had clicked her pictures and their pair had been a hit all over the world. Shabd considers her a friend, but she does not know when she fell in love with him. So she goes to US to tell her parents and convince them about their marriage, but when she returns, she finds that Shabd has already married Mahi. Since he is from US, she does not consider Mahi a right match for Shabd and thinks that she is down market. Now she will want Mahi out of Shabd's life.

Suhani is a modern-day girl, while Kajri in 'Betiyaan' is a typical Indian woman. Which character are you more comfortable with?
Both. After 'K Street Pali Hill', I should have taken a break, but I did not and entered into another lead role. I was a little reluctant playing Kajri since she comes from a kotha background, but people around me have made me comfortable. Presently I'm comfortable playing both the characters and I'm taking it as a challenge to play two different characters.

Who does Jasveer resemble?
Jasveer is a mixture of both these characters (laughs). I'm modern by thought and traditional by looks.

Do you feel that playing negative characters does not augur well about your personal image with the audience?
Again, I take it as a challenge to play all shades of characters. I also want to play different shades of characters. When I go out many people tell me that I'm doing a good job with Kajri's character. So when they meet me they are keen to know what kind of a person I'm in real life and often tell this to others. This word of mouth helps.

You have done quiet a few cameo's in films. So are you planning to take a turn towards film?
At present I'm also doing a film by B. Subhash's daughter titled 'Jhoom-Dance With Me Again'. Here too, it is a small role. My husband is playing the lead in this film. I like to play characters which audience will remember even after they come out of the hall. I don't think that I need to be a big name in films, but I like to do small yet good characters.

You have been in this entertainment business for a long time now. Do you find any changes?
I'm in this industry for about 10 years now. I started as a dancer in '97 and there surely are many changes in the industry. I have grown up a lot, but I never forget from what I had started and my roots. I still have a pretty good friend by the name of Anu from my dancing days and our friendship has not changed a bit.

How well do you get along with you co-stars?
Very well. I had known Neha for a long time, since the days we used to shoot close by at the time of 'Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hai' and 'K-Street'. I met Vivan at the sets. At the sets of 'Betiyaan' we all sit together and I keep doing a lot of talking (laughs).

Are you having any difficulty managing your time?
No, actually I have not shot for these two serials simultaneously. I had an off for four days from 'Betiyaan' and so I shot for 'Maayka' and today I'm back to 'Betiyaan'. Anyways it is the same production house and the same director so I'm feeling comfortable at both shows.

What is happening with your dancing?
I love dancing and whenever I'm called for any stage shows I'm always available still now. My last performance was for Women Achiever's awards.

Do you think dance can be taken up as a career option?
You know some people actually thought that I would turn a choreographer. But I do not think that if I'm a good dancer I'll be a good choreographer too. But I am always eager to teach people even though I know I will not be able to.