- Tuesday, April 23, 2024
By: Manju Chandran
POPULAR online streaming platform ALTBalaji recently launched its most ambitious web series M.O.M: Mission Over Mars, which is a fictional adaptation of India’s successful Mars Orbiter Mission. The drama serial charts the space exploration success story and revolves around a mission spearheaded by four women, which put a satellite in the Mars orbit with extremely limited resources.
The Ekta Kapoor produced serial stars Sakshi Tanwar, Mona Singh, Nidhi Singh and Palomi Ghosh, alongside an impressive supporting cast. Eastern Eye caught up with Palomi Ghosh to find out more.
How does the web series compare to the Mission Mangal movie?
The film and series are comparable only from the standpoint of celebrating India’s proudest achievement. Beyond that, their treatment, storytelling and overall execution have nothing in common.
Tell us about your character in the series?
Meghan Reddy is the dork we have all known from our school days; overtly enthusiastic about all things science. She attaches meaning only to things that have empirical proof. Emotions are not her cup of tea. However, there are subtle changes in her outlook, as the show progresses.
What was the greatest challenge you faced?
The greatest challenge was playing a character with low emotional stakes. Playing someone who cares mainly about executing tasks with little emotional attachment risks caricaturing the portrayal. So the challenge was in finding humane, endearing moments within the scope of her limitations. Vinay Waikul, director of the series, guided me to finding her.
What is your favourite moment in the series?
The final minutes when we wait for the satellite to emerge from behind Mars is my favourite scene in the show. It captures the entire journey in that one decisive moment. And even though we were enacting for the camera, it felt every bit real. It’s the highpoint of a true underdog story.
What other real-life characters would you love to play?
An immediate wish would be to play an inspiring athlete, cop, or agent full of complexities with some serious action chops. There’s something to be said about the high of physically training for a part. Playing a dancer would also be exciting.
What kind of TV shows do you enjoy?
I am guilty of not watching too many shows. A few friends recently fell off their chairs when I told them I hadn’t seen Prison Break. So I recently began watching that alongside Fleabag so as to save myself some embarrassment next time around. I think the two shows I watched completely before this are (my shows) M.O.M – Mission Over Mars on Alt Balaji and Typewriter on Netflix.
Who is your acting hero?
My newest hero is Phoebe Waller-Bridge for being a phenomenal actor and mostly setting an example of what it means to take the reins in your own hands. She’s a fierce master of her own destiny.
What inspires you?
Stories that trust the truth and tell it as it is, inspire me the most as a performer.
www.altbalaji.com
