Paayel Shankar - The Debutante in Love Story

Joining the other Bengali beauties of television is newcomer Paayel Sarkar. She might be new to television, but this actress had already acted in regional films in the east and south. It is her dream come true to come to Mumbai and work with Anurag Basu. We spoke to her at length regarding her first venture in the television industry Love Story and her relation with her director and co-stars. Here is the excerpt.

Q: How do you find Love Story?
A: It is pretty exciting working in Love Story. I'm blessed that I got an opportunity to work in such a good show.

Q: Tell us something about your character in the show.
A: I play a girl called Shruti from Chandni Chowk in New Delhi. She is a college going bubbly, chirpy and cute girl. In college she falls in love with her senior Akash and it cannot be called a one-sided affair, but it is just that Shruti is more expressive than Akash.

Q: What else have you done?
A: Actually, I'm from Bengal and have done lead roles in films there. I have got the opportunity to work with the best directors and producers there. My last Bengali film I Love You was released in January is still a hit. I have also worked in a south Indian film titled FM.

Q: From films in Bengal to a television serial in Mumbai. Why did you take the decision?
A: See, Mumbai is the ultimate destination for all in glamour business. It is like working on a nationalised level. I did Bengali films no doubt, but it was on a regional level. Every actor wants to come in Mumbai.

Q: How is it working with a director like Anurag Basu?
A: It is great. I always wanted to work with him. What else can I ask for in my debut television venture?

Q: Do you feel it is a gem of an opportunity working with him?
A: Very few actors are privileged to work with a director like Anurag. He is such a good director both in films and television.

Q: How much do you identify with your character Shruti in your real life?
A: I am exactly like Shruti in my real life too and thus it makes things easier for me when I have to enact my character.

Q: How is your chemistry with your co-stars?
A: I'm really lucky that I have got such good and supportive co-stars. We all are young and thus things keep happening on the sets.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: I'm from Bengal and I had never thought that I would become an actress. I was doing my graduation and a job when I started getting offers for films. So I thought of giving it a try.

Q: So how did Love Story happen to you?
A: Anurag Basu was in Kolkata when I was shooting for a Bengali film. One of my friends Jikesh received a message from Anurag and we went to meet him. There we had a chat and maybe I was in his mind for this role since then. I did not know that he was starting a new venture in television.

Q: So, are you planning for Bollywood?
A: I have not planned for anything in my life, because I feel that if things do not happen according to one's plans, he or she feels extremely hurt. Thus, I cannot say what I would be doing next.

Q: Now is the era of saas-bahu sagas. Why do you think Love Story will work in this scenario?
A: Love Story is something different. In today's time people also want to watch something different and some good quality programmes.