Reem Shaikh: ‘Why does my working with senior actors seem abnormal to everyone?’

Reem Shaikh needs no introduction. She is one of the most sought-after actresses on Indian television, who has been entertaining the audience for over a decade now.

Known for such successful shows as Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Tujhse Hai Raabta, Gul Makai, and Fanaa: Ishq Mein Marjawan, the actress can currently be seen in Colors’ latest offering Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal.

Speaking to Eastern Eye, Shaikh said that she agreed to become a part of Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal because it is a finite show, unlike some shows that keep going on for years and years.

“One of the main reasons that I signed the show immediately after wrapping up my last show was that Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal is finite,” she said. “When you do a finite show, you have a lot of certainty regarding many things.”

She added, “The first and foremost thing is that you are confident about the fact that your story is not going to be stretched, and because of that, you are aware of the fact that you need not compromise on the quality because the story is finalised right from the start.”

The actress believes that finite shows give an actor the opportunity to strike a balance between personal and professional life. “After you complete a show, you do have a lot more opportunities in your hands. Because this show is three days a week, I can balance it out and have personal time as well. "That's a plus point,” she said.

The supernatural thriller show also stars Karan Kundrra and Gashmeer Mahajan in lead roles. Ever since beginning her acting career, Shaikh has mostly worked with stars senior to her age.

When asked about the same, she said, “I honestly do not understand this. When this thing is so normal in Bollywood—Shah Rukh Khan working with Alia Bhatt is so normal—then how different is it for television? That’s how cinema has been for years, and it will be for the coming years as well. If it is so normal in Bollywood, then why does my working with senior actors seem abnormal to everyone else? I just don’t get it.”

When asked about how she prepared for her character on the show, the actress said, “The only special preparation done from my side was that I did not watch The Vampire Diaries." That was my special preparation because this show is not a copy of Vampire Diaries.”

Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal airs Monday–Wednesday at 9 p.m. on Colors TV.