Sneha Namandi: TV shows, nowadays, are no less than movies!

Beautiful actress Sneha Namandi, who is playing the role of Daruka in Siddharth Kumar Tewary's popular mythological show Mahakali– Anth hi Aarambh hai, talks about what she loves about her character and what keeps her grounded in the TV industry.

What are the prominent projects that you have you done?   

I have done a Kannada film, a Telugu festival film and a Marathi film Sarva Mangal Savdhaan, which will release this year. I have also done a special song in Telugu film Autonagar Surya with Nagarjuna's son Naga Chaitanya. I have been part of Hindi film Desi Bum, which is an offbeat movie. I have done two music videos, one was a Bengali song sung by Zubin Garg and the other one was for ZEE. Apart from this, I have signed Porus, which is again a show by Swastik Productions.

How do you define your character in the show?

My character in Mahakali is an innocent, selfless worshipper, who does not expect anything from the goddess, who she worships. She is completely dedicated, sincere and emotional and is very sensitive to her beliefs. This is my first mythological show and I tried to put in all that the character demanded. There were many shades that I got to portray with this character. I hope I have executed them well.

You have been part of Southern movies as well. How different is the work pattern in television and films?

I feel movies and shows are not different, where execution is concerned. Being a show, the pace of the shoot is fast as the episode needs to be aired, whereas films are shot at a slower pace. TV shows, nowadays, are shot on a larger than life scale and are no less than movies. It is wonderful to do a television show as you get to meet your fans regularly. I am eagerly waiting to make my mark on television. I also want to do reality shows like Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, as I am a trained dancer and dancing is my passion.

How much time does it take to get ready with the heavy accessories and makeup?

It takes a lot of time because the look involves more makeup than a normal show. I take two hours to get ready because my look is not that complicated. Other actors here, who have heavy makeup and accessories, take almost 3-4 hours. It is really difficult to be in the look the whole day and effortlessly act through all of it.

How is it working with producer Siddharth Kumar Tewary and Swastik Productions?

It is a dream come true. They are makers of such huge shows. It is because of Siddharth sir that I got inclined towards doing television shows. I would really like to work with him again. Working with his production house is an opportunity which should not be missed. I am also glad that I am working on his show Porus as well.

Any memorable incident on the set?

I will never forget how we practised the Sanskrit text of the mythological script. It has been memorable. It is not easy and I hope I pulled it off well.

In your career, what has been the most challenging phase till today?

Every day has been a new challenge. Although my character might be the simplest in the show, I feel that I could have done better with every shot I am never satisfied with how I have acted. If I am satisfied, the game is over. I have played characters like a boxer, a Naxalite, a dancer and have never opted for ordinary roles. It would have been very monotonous and boring to have done that.

What changes do you find in the industry over the years?

I think the industry is evolving for good, especially technically, it is becoming strong. Everything is improving, which is why we are motivated to continue to be part of this industry.

What are your expectations from the show?

I want the audience to connect with my performance and feel that it is real. I want to believe in what I perform for them. They should be able to relate to the character so that they could live it with me.