1 hour agoAuthor: Ashish Tiwari
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TV actress Neha Sargam, who played the role of Sita in Zee TV's 'Ramayana' and Yashoda in 'Yashomati Maiya Ke Nandlala', has gained immense popularity as Saloni Bhabhi of Mirzapur. When Neha got the offer to work in this series, her parents advised her to do clean work. But when she was told that there is an intimate scene in season 3, she cried a lot.
During a conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, Neha told that she had no interest in acting. She wanted to try her luck in singing. Let's know what else Neha Sargam said during the question-answer session…
Tell us something about your childhood?
I belong to a musical family. My maternal grandfather Padmashree Siyaram Tiwari used to sing while sitting me on his lap. I used to sing along with him. I have been singing since the age of three. My maternal grandfather lived a very simple life at home. We never realized how great a person he was. My maternal grandfather would meet the King of Nepal, the President and the Prime Minister, yet I saw him as a simple person. My maternal grandfather used to call me Babuji because he had heard the same from my mother. I used to sing in school programs and hence got a lot of respect there.
I heard that your friends forcibly got your name registered in Indian Idol?
When the first season of Indian Idol started, my family members advised me to go. In the first season, I could only reach till the voting round. It was not telecasted. I did not like reality shows and competitions. I did not want to participate in Indian Idol again. My friends forcefully got me registered in season 4. But before I could go, I met with an accident. Still, I participated. Its audition went viral.
Because of this viral audition, you got your first chance in acting in Rajan Shahi's serial 'Chand Chupa Badal Mein'?
The casting team of this serial had earlier taken auditions for some other show. Rajan Shahi had seen that audition. He felt that I was perfect for the role of Nivedita. Till then I had not thought about acting. I felt that I would not be able to act. Rajan Shahi talked to my parents. I came to Mumbai with my mother. I gave the audition and got selected for 'Chand Chupa Badal Mein'.
How was the experience of shooting on the first day?
The shooting of the serial started from Shimla. The first day's shot was very difficult for me. In the scene, it is shown that the younger brother has got less marks and he has run away from home. He has to search for me all over Shimla. At that time, I felt that I have got stuck somewhere. Working in TV is very difficult. One forgets his personal life.
After this I did many fiction and religious shows. What is the difference between the two?
Casting for religious and historical shows is very difficult. For this, a person should not only look good but also have good dialogue delivery. Apart from this, one should also have knowledge about religious and historical shows. The casting people had told me about this a long time ago.
What was the most challenging thing about working on TV?
The most challenging thing is how to get enough sleep. For this, one has to fight with the production people. All I wanted was to somehow get eight hours of sleep.
How did you get the chance to work in Mirzapur series?
I do a musical show 'Mughal-e-Azam'. In this I play the character of Anarkali. After watching this show the casting director cast me. This show is directed by Feroz Abbas Khan. Once Rekha ji came to watch this show. She said that you should write my name at the top of your fan list. First I was called for the role of Madhuri in Mirzapur. After that I was cast for the role of Saloni.
What was the reaction of your parents when you were cast in 'Mirzapur'?
I had shown the first season of this series to my mother. She said that you are using abusive language very easily. When I told my parents that I have got an offer to work in this series, their suggestion was to tell the show people to ask you to do clean work. When I had a meeting with the creative team and told them about my parents, they said that I promise that there will be nothing like this in season 2, it will be clean.
But what was the reaction when the intimate scenes in season 3 were told?
I was shocked. I was not able to understand. I had already told them that I would not be able to do such scenes. I gave the script to my sister to read. She said how will you do this? I started crying. Mummy explained that everyone is doing this nowadays. But I was very nervous while doing this scene.
Why do people feel that the TV tag is not right for films and OTT?
Those who do casting, are given such requirements that what kind of girl is needed. People do not think that someone else should be tried. In web series, there is only one face everywhere. Same happens in TV and films. If an actor is doing comedy, then he will be cast in the same role. People get such thoughts in their mind that he can do only that kind of role. Because of this, people do not want to take risk.
What is the most beautiful thing about your journey?
I never get distracted by success or failure. Being an actor means struggle. Everyone is struggling. No matter how high they reach. I never fall into the wrong trap between success and failure. One thing is very clear in my mind and life that my needs are very simple.
Have you ever had a shocking experience?
I have not had any such experience. If I say honestly, this industry is very safe. I feel that I feel more safe in the industry than in the outside world. People here are very professional.
What has been the biggest struggle for you?
Whatever work comes my way, if I don't feel it is right, I refuse to work in it. This has been the biggest struggle for me.
Do you have any dream role?
It keeps changing with time. There was a time when I thought I wanted to play a doctor's role. I thought I would look good in a doctor's role. But now I think I should do investigative roles. But why, I don't know.