Aalisha Panwar: Observation helps us grow as actors

WHY THE ACTRESS IS ENJOYING HER TV ROLES

ACTRESS Aalisha Panwar was just 12 years old when she faced the camera for the first time, and despite feeling nervous, gave her all as a contestant in the national dance reality show Nachein Gaen Dhoom Machaen.

Not long after that, she made a cameo appearance in a film, and then her acting debut as a teenager on daily drama serial Begusarai on &TV. Despite being very young and learning on the job, she was a natural and started an action-packed career with big performances in popular shows including Jamai Raja, Ishq Mein Marjawan, Meri Gudiya and her latest series Teri Meri Ikk Jindri, which is airing on ZEE TV.

Eastern Eye caught up with the popular small-screen star to discuss her acting journey, Teri Meri Ikk Jindri, inspirations, dream role and what she would love to master.

Which of your roles has been closest to your heart?

As an actor, all the roles I’ve played have been very close to my heart and are very dear to me. Because these roles made me Aalisha Panwar and convinced the audience to love me as an actor. They gave me so many fans and so much love. But if I have to choose, then Tara and Aarohi from Ishq Mein Marjawan for Colors, because it launched me as a lead into the industry.

You joined the ZEE TV series Teri Meri Ikk Jindri mid-way. Tell us about your role of Avneet?

Avneet has grey shades. She is very lovable, strong and caring, but is also possessive, vengeful and does not tolerate any nonsense. In addition, she’s also a fashion diva and businesswoman. I like her character because she’s someone who knows how to love, but also knows how to hate. There is no limit to her love and hate. Simply, if Avneet loves you, she will do it to the core, but when she hates you, she hates you to the core, without limit. So, I love the way she is.

How does Avneet compare to other roles you have done?

This character is different from others I have played. At times people do compare her to what I had done with Tara in Ishq Mein Marjawan, but there she was too dangerous and killed if she had to. But Avneet is not scary or negative like Tara. I love the changes the character has brought into the story. Earlier the show was more of a romance with a bit of comedy, but Avneet’s entry added a thrilling element.

Is that your favourite part of the Teri Meri Ikk Jindri serial?

That is why I joined the show. Avneet’s entry has taken it from light-hearted entertainment to a thriller zone. So, now it’s romance, comedy, and thrills. I don’t think we have seen such a combination done like this on TV before. That makes it a little different from all the other shows I have done until now.

Have you learned anything new while doing this show?

I think as actors, every time we perform or portray a new character in a new story, we learn every day. So, our learning never ends and that’s the best part of being an actor. There will always be things you might not be aware of and that’s a good thing. Learning from others, observing people around you and your surroundings is the best exercise for an actor. This observation helps in building a character, whether it is an accent, emotion, reaction, or body language. Observation helps us grow as actors.

Why do you think Teri Meri Ikk Jindri is so loved?

Since the time I have joined the show, I’ve been getting very nice feedback from my fans and everybody. They love the character Avneet and the genre of the show. I hope everybody keeps loving it that way.

How do you approach each new character you play?

Whenever I’m been offered a new show, project or character, I’m very excited, happy and optimistic. I take it as a challenge and see it as a blessing because I will only say yes if I love the story and character. Once I have said yes, I approach the project with positivity and start working on it. For example, when I had to play a blind girl, I worked hard on how she would walk, talk, react and her body language before commencing shooting. So, I prepare as necessary for that specific role.

What do you enjoy watching as an audience member?

I watch web series a lot when I get time. I particularly enjoy comedy and something that is light-hearted, and totally entertaining. I also like watching romance and thrillers.

What inspires you as an actress?

Well, as an actress, the thing that inspires me most is all the love I get from my fans. Every morning when I wake up and open social media, it is flooded with positive comments and love of fans from all over the world. Their love, appreciation for my hard work, sketches and letters inspires me. It motivates me to work harder. I think their love helps me keep going in my field.

Do you have a dream role?

I thought I had already lived my dream role in Ishq Mein Marjawan, where I played a double role of the protagonist and antagonist. I also played a triple role as Tara, Aarohi and Kesari for three months in that show. That is a dream role for any actor, especially on TV where you don’t get a chance to explore so much in one show. I’ll always cherish that and if I get a similar chance in the future, I would love to grab it. Ultimately, any role I do is different from what I have played before, and enables me to give variations in my performance and experiment with myself, which is a dream in itself.

Is being part of a film something that interests you?

As an actor, a film would interest anybody, and I am no different. As an actor it’s my job to perform and entertain my audience, be it on TV, digital or film. I love entertaining and performing. So, whenever I get a chance, I’ll grab it.

If you could master something new, what would it be?

If I could master something new it would be singing because I know how to act and can dance well, but have never tried singing. (Laughs) Somewhere I can say I’m a bathroom singer but would love to master it.