‘Noorjahan has healed me too’

Which one was your debut show?

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I made my TV debut in 2008 with Hamari Devrani. I played the role of Manjula Nanavati. It was a negative character.

Tell us about your role in Ishq Subhan Allah.

I am playing the role of Begum Noorjahan, a music healer. My character finds Zara, the lead actress, half dead and helps her recover. Whatever negativity or hatred Zara had in her heart, Noorjahan heals it using her music.

Why did you choose this role?

I lost my mother last year and it was very difficult for me to move on. So, when this role came to me, I couldn’t say no. In a way the character of a music healer has helped me heal too.

Your look is very different in the show as compared to how you have looked before.

Yes, it’s very different! I have mostly worn a saree for all my roles, but Noorjahan wears long kurtis and palazzo and completes the look with oxidised jewellery. Her hair is curly and messy and she wears a nose pin too.

How has the TV industry changed over the years?

A lot, I would say. We used to have a call time back then, but there was no fixed time for pack up, because we used to run on a tight schedule. Today, schedules are made according to shifts. Targets are set as per schedules to make it easier for the actors. Also, social media has changed the TV space completely.

People are used to seeing you in negative characters. This character brings a change.

I have played enough negative characters. This character brings a change and people will for the first time get to see me in a positive role.

Were you apprehensive of shooting during this time?

Shooting during Covid is quite scary. When I got the role I was a little apprehensive but then I realised this Covid is not going anywhere anytime soon, so it’s better to do something than do nothing at all. We follow all the guidelines.