"I ... love acting more."

Friday, February 23, 2007

You have seen her in a number of Hindi films and television serials, but she is a well-known face in Marathi films, where roles are written keeping her in mind. Despite this, Varsha Usgaonkar is not very happy with her earlier forays in bollywood and thinks that she should have got a much better deal. Now, Varsha is back on the Hindi circuit with Durgesh Nandini where she portrays a negative character. Here she talks about her past, present and future, in films and television, of course.

How does it feel acting in a Hindi daily soap? And, more importantly, why you choose Durgesh Nandini as your come back vehicle?
I am very happy and excited as this is my first Hindi daily soap. Although it is my first experience with a daily soap, I had received a number of offers earlier too, but could not take them up owing to date problems. Nevertheless, I am really satisfied with Durgesh Nandini as it is not only based on a popular Bengali novel, but also because of the soap's content. The storyline and content has attracted me the most. I am also happy for the opportunity to work with Sony and the large viewer base of the channel. Add to this the well-knit production house.

You are doing a negative role in your very first daily soap?
Yes, I am playing the eldest daughter in-law and in the beginning my character is greyish. Although it changes later, I am really excited to play this character.

What difference do you find between television and films?
The major difference is that in the working styles of the two media. The schedule is very hectic for television shows, especially for daily soaps and I wonder how actors doing more than one show can manage their time. After all, we are human beings and young actors need to look after their body also. But let's hope that such deadlines may get smoothened after a few episodes

What is your view about the changing face of television?
I am surprised to see that how television actors and serials are more famous and known than the films and film stars these days! These days television has gained more importance and enjoys as much popularity as the films.

Do you like doing more of Marathi or Hindi cinema?
Actually I like both. In Marathi, my roles are normally glamorous and I am doing it for such a long time. So at times roles are specially written for me and I enjoy this. As far as acting in Hindi is concerned, I regret that my past projects in films did not fare very well. I would have certainly loved them to do better. Nevertheless, now I am happy with the work I am doing.

You have also done anchoring and singing?
Yes, I have anchored a health show on Doordarshan and a few others. As for my singing, I have a passion for singing and I have done three singing shows. But I find anchoring more challenging, but I like doing more of acting (laughs).

Tell us something about your acting career?
I have done about 25 Hindi films, 40 movies in Marathi and acted in a few Hindi television shows like Jhansi Ki Rani, Mahabharat and others.

And about your dream role?
I really liked my role in and as Jhansi Ki Rani. I would definitely love to do a similar kind of role again as it portrays a woman in a very different way.