The role has to attract me: Geetika Tyagi

How has been the feedback on Class of 83?

It has been great. I have got applause for my performance even from critics. My pairing with Bobby Deol has also been liked a lot, so I am very happy.

How was the experience of working with Bobby Deol?

We don’t have many scenes together, as I have a small role. But whatever little I have noticed, he has all the good qualities of a friend and is very cooperative. He has no starry tantrums and we used to speak a lot about our work, roles we would love to do and so on. He is a good human being, who opened up a lot during shooting. He is very excited about OTT platforms because of the variety of content.

It seems you are quite selective about work. Why so?

The role has to attract me. Length of the role is not so important for me, the substance is. People should talk about my role and my performance. I wouldn’t want a role that is long but doesn’t have any impact.

Any one role in your career that is very close to you?

I can’t pick one. All roles are close to me but if I have to pinpoint, then it has to be Vrinda from Powder and a role, Veena, from a film titled CRD.

How do you keep yourself positive and stress-free?

I am intentionally avoiding news channels. Negative news consumption has an impact on our thinking, behaviour and emotions. I am also into yoga and listen to a lot of audio books while doing my household work. Then I also do video calls with my niece – that’s a total stress-buster, as is a bit of social media, reading and research.

How active are you on social media?

I am there on social media and reach out to people, but not all the time. I don’t overdo it. Because my life is important and if you spend too much time on social media, you feel empty from within.

Who has been your mentor?

My maternal grandmother Saroj Bala Bhatia, who left us last year, has been my first teacher, anchor and mentor. She was the one who introduced me to the world of theatre, art and also to a library. We watched several plays together. I used to live with her during summer vacation. Whatever I am today, I owe it to her.

What is your dream role?

I would love to portray Benazir Bhutto, Indira Gandhi and Mother Teresa in biopics. I would like to play a few characters from old Hindi films like the role of Smita Patil in Shyam Benegal’s 1977 film Bhumika, Rosie from Guide, played by Waheeda Rehman, and the one played by Deepika Padukone in Piku.

If not an actor what would you have become?

A journalist. In fact, I started working as a journalist for a news agency, and also remained an anchor with a leading news network.

What’s there in the pipeline for you?

I am reading a few scripts, but right now it is too premature to speak about them. I am doing City of Dreams 2 next, starting October. I am eager to work in theatre again, but right now due to the pandemic it is not possible.