The many shades of Kanika Mann

TV ACTRESS DISCUSSES HER ACTING JOURNEY, SUCCESSFUL SHOW AND INSPIRATIONS

by ASJAD NAZIR

POPULAR television series Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega wrapped up after entertaining audiences for nearly two and a half years.

The unique show, which premiered in September 2018, had a star-making turn from lead star Kanika Mann, who took on the demanding title role of a determined young woman overcoming challenges in her life and won hearts of cross-generational audiences around the world. Although she is sad about ending an action-packed journey, the bright young star with over four million Instagram followers is now looking forward to taking on more challenges and has a very bright career ahead.

Eastern Eye caught up with Kanika Mann to discuss her acting journey, massive Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega success and future hopes.

What first connected you to acting?

I always wanted to be an actor. And I think in my family, I was the first girl who decided to go against the flow! I started off with some Punjabi videos and since then, there was no looking back.

How much does the amazing success of Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega mean to you?

It means a lot! My first ever show as a female lead, which garnered a lot of love, touchwood. What else should I ask for? God has been very kind and my audience has always been very supportive.

What has the experience of playing the title role in such a successful show been like?

The experience has been enthralling. My character in the show had many layers, and I have been successfully able to play various shades and different personalities in one single show. Right from an old women to playing Goddess Durga, the journey has never been monotonous for me, as every day of my Guddan journey has been very exciting.

Guddan Tumse Na Ho Paayega

What has been your own favourite moment in the Guddan Tumse Na Ho Paayega journey?

It would be very difficult to choose one, as all the moments have been very close to my heart.

Why do you think the show has been popular?

People loved Guddan because she has many shades and layers, and I think the show itself is like a magic that unfolds in a new way every day. And I think people are done with watching a female cry in the kitchen.

Have you learned anything new while on this journey with the show?

The journey was no less than an experience to me. I have become more disciplined as an actor and one thing that the television industry has always taught me is, ‘the show must go on’, no matter what.

What was it like working during lockdown?

I was under tremendous paranoia. But then I just left everything to God. I did take all the required precautions, but then at the end of the day if I sat back in a corner and just contemplated on the pandemic, I wouldn’t have been able to perform in front of the camera.

What is the plan going forward for you?

I never make plans. The destiny has its own plans, and we just sit back and watch the magic unfold in front of us.

What’s your dream role?

It would be playing something chirpy like Sridevi ji did in Chaalbaaz or a character which is vulnerable yet very strong.

Who would you love to work with in future?

I would love to work with Diljit Dosanjh! The Punjabi connect is there, but I admire his comic timing a lot.

What are your big passions away from work?

I love dancing. I’m very passionate about dancing apart from acting, as I think it is the best way in which you can unwind yourself.

Tell us something not many people know about you?

I’m emotional and a chirpy person. But mentally I am very strong. Even though people have this image of me being a bubbly girl, when it comes to making firm decisions, I make sure my manoeuvre is strong enough and considered.

What inspires you as an actress?

The art itself inspires me. Getting into the shoes of a different person altogether inspires me. Also, the love of my audiences inspires me to work harder and harder.

What do you enjoy watching as an audience member?

I love watching romantic-comedy and action films.

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

I would really love to master the art of crooning. I am myself an avid lover of music, and really want to master the art of singing melodiously. Anyways, I have always wished to be the ‘Jack of all trades’.

Why do you love being an actress?

Like I said, it is gratifying to step in someone else’s shoes. Be it a fictional or a nonfictional character! Acting as a craft is indispensable for me. At the end of the day, the recognition and the appreciation I have got through this profession is immeasurable. The best part about this profession is as artists we are always looked up to by the people, and that perhaps is the most beautiful thing in this world.