Picking up the pencil

Digangana Suryavanshi, who started her career as a child artiste in Kya Haadsa Kya Haqueequat, has been a part of several TV shows and films. The lockdown has given her a chance to explore her creative side

You’ve been acting since a very young age. Do you think you missed out on your childhood?

I’ve been acting since I was seven. Considering normal is what the majority does and I wasn’t doing that, maybe you can say so. But to me, all that I was doing—managing school, exams, and shoots—was completely normal. I chose it.

Do you feel the lockdown is harsh on people’s mental health?

This lockdown has affected people because they are dealing with all sorts of issues—shelter issues, food and water, basic survival and hygiene, daily expenses, frustration and domestic issues. Indeed, this phase has affected people’s mental health.

How are you making this quarantine productive?

I’m painting, sketching and singing. I am spending lot of time chatting with maa and papa.

Besides acting, is there something else you’d like to take up?

I love singing and writing.

Everyone has their own share of struggles, what’s your story?

The fact that I’ve worked as a child artiste, as a leading lady in many television shows, non-fiction series, and then to switch onto movies has been a journey. Struggle is part and parcel of life.

You have worked in South Indian films as well. Was there a language barrier?

I have enjoyed working in the South Indian films, I still do. I’ve been privileged to work with some of the best people. I memorise all my lines and that requires a little more of my attention, as Hindi dialogues I can remember just by reading once.