Decoding Devdasi

Manpriya Singh

We’ve all had a fuzzy idea about Devadasis and their history (much of which has been lost in time). Are they the Indian counterparts of Japanese geishas? Televisions actress Indira Krishnan understands the mystery that surrounds the ancient Indian community. “People always thought she was a sex worker, a keep or something like that. But this sect actually sacrificed and devoted their life to God.”

Which is why a show narrating the untold story of Devadasi community seemed the right platform to educate, arouse curiosity and in the process do away with the mystery surrounding the community. Krishndasi, currently being aired on Colors, traces the journey of three generations belonging to the Devdasi lineage starting with the grandmother Kumudini (played by Indira Krishnan).

Fast forward

Joining in the city tour is Sana Amin Sheikh, playing today’s girl Aradhya. “I play an independent girl with a modern outlook, struggling to find her identity. My character is interesting with several shades to it.”

How far does the show aim at portraying the reality takes a backseat to the entertainment quotient. She opines, “If we actually had to portray just the community, we would have made a documentary. But this show is for entrainment purposes.”

Nevertheless, months of working in the show, brought in trivia from various sources. “I’ve also heard that they used to knock people’s doors and ask for leftover food. But it was different in each region.” Between playing the child actor in TV series Hasratein to hosting a three- hour radio show everyday, television just happened. “I love music and I love talking, which is why even now I host a Sunday show on radio.”

The role of sister in Singham happened, “just because it was a one-month stint and that too with Rohit Shetty and cast was in Goa.” She adds, “The problem with films is that unless you are a veteran television star, there are a lot of auditions and meetings involved. It’s like a struggle from scratch and I’m a bit lazy.”

Good is boring

A popular face on television, Indira, on the other hand, was tired of playing television’s goody two shoes. “I took a break for a year before doing this show. And if you are not seen for four to five months that is a big risk in TV world.” But it paid off. “I was tired of wearing Benarasi sarees and playing the sweet do-gooder.”

A powerful negative role in the current show was just what she wanted. “Oh I can so do negative roles. Very soon, you’ll see me in a big film too,” she signs off.

manpriya@tribunemail.com