Praneeta speaks on Kasturi

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Praneeta Sahu must be a new comer, but seeing her confidence on-screen, no one can say that she is so new to television. Here's a hearty conversation with the new heroine of Ekta Kapoor's 'Kasturi'

How does it feel to be the new protagonist of a Balaji serial on Balaji serial ?
I am obviously very excited. After all Balaji and Star Plus are the 2 biggest names in the television industry.

Tell us a little about yourself?
I am originally from Delhi and I did my schooling over there, after which I moved to Pune for my graduation and I am currently doing BBS- I am now in my second year. My mom has come to stay with me in Mumbai whereas the rest of my family is still in Delhi. My father is a businessman there.

How did you get into acting?
I have been doing theatre since my school days and right through till my stay in Pune. While in Pune I also did an acting course from Bunty and Prashant Studio.

Tell us about your role in Kasturi.
Though I can't reveal much but the story revolves around my character Kasturi - a young girl from a middle class background. It is about her family, her dreams and her aspirations. Kasturi is not much of an extrovert- she is a very simple and down-to-earth person, with a deep respect for traditions.

Are you aware of the controversy surrounding with your co-star? What are your reactions?
I don't know about any controversy. In fact, though we have started shooting the male lead is yet to be finalized.

How did you get this offer?
When I heard of the auditions happening at Balaji and I decided to appear for it. Later, I had to go through a small telephonic interview and today I am very happy to say that I grabbed the role from amidst hundreds of other aspirants.

What is the difference between you and your character Kasturi?
Kasturi will have to go through a tough phase in her life as she never receives much love from her family whereas me, being the youngest in the family, am pampered all the time.
(Smiles) I have an elder brother and sister but my parents are more attached to me.

Are you nervous or are you excited about your performance?
You can say both. Though, I am generally pretty chilled-out, these days I have mixed feelings all the time. I am just waiting for my show to debut and I hope the audience will like my character and me.

What kind of roles are you forte?
(Launghs)Actually, I don't know. This is my first experience and I just have to learn and eventually recognize my abilities. Let's see...!

Working in a daily soap is exhausting sometimes. Are you ready for the pressure?
Yeah...it is really very tough in television. I am trying to get used to it, thanks to my co-stars and the production team - they know how to put a newcomer at ease. I guess once things settle down the pressure too will ease.
Where do you see yourself in the next 2 to 5 years?
(Laughs again) I really don't know. I'll probably be working with Balaji - it's like my new home now. Moreover, I want to focus only on Kasturi at present.

Finally, how do you differentiate yourself from the other leading ladies on television?
I would never get into any kind of comparison. For me, my work and career is my subject of focus rather than that of the others.