Shikha Talsania: I find comedy genre extremely fun; making something funny is an innate ability for me – Exclusive – Times of India
Unlike other star kids, you carved your own path in the industry. How were your initial days in the industry?
It was an adventure. I often joke that Aram Nagar was my acting school. The journey has had its ebb and flow, like any journey does but I cherish every bit of it. It’s what makes me, me.
Do you recall going on sets with your parents as a child?
Occasionally, when there was no one to babysit me and both my parents were working. It was supremely boring!
Growing up with two fabulous actors as parents, was it obvious for you to lean towards acting or did you have other career plans?
I always wanted to be an actor. After a lot of existential angst and introspection in my twenties, today I know that even if my parents weren’t in the arts, I would’ve been a performer. I was very happily working behind the camera for non-fiction television and sometimes wondered where I would be today if ‘Wake Up Sid’ had not happened.
Tiku sir is known and loved for his comic timing. As an actor, how difficult do you think comedy as a genre is?
I find it extremely fun. I know a lot of actors find it a bit difficult. I wish I could explain the process of making something, anything funny. It’s an innate skill for me. The only piece of advice I can offer is to not reach for a laugh or a gag just for the heck of it and listen to the silences. Sometimes you will find the funny there.
From all the fabulous works your father has done, which one is your favourite and why?
I have many favourites, but if I had to pick one, I would choose ‘Mansukh Manto Nathi’, a Gujarati play that he did. Why? Oh god, I would have to write an essay on that. Just go and watch him on stage – he’s electrifying!
Tell us about your teleplay ‘Yeh Shaadi Nahi Ho Sakti’. How did you come on board for it?
I have known Akarsh Khurana for around 11-12 years and I first connected with him when he asked me to work in a teleplay he was producing. It was called ‘Some Times’ and Adhaar Khurana was directing it. We have been collaborating ever since. Apart from being a close friend, he has directed me (on stage and on camera), acted with me, written a short play that I directed, given me the opportunity to co-direct a play that he produced and much more. So when he sends you a text asking you if you would like to be part of his new project for Zee Theatre, you say yes. I texted back ‘yes’ almost immediately!
Tell us something about your role.
Pallavi is a self assured, feisty badass who doesn’t suffer fools. She isn’t pressurised by societal norms to get married until she finds a partner who is an equal. Woh, as Geet said in ‘Jab We Met’, apni favourite hai.
How was it working with Akarsh Khurana as a director?
I realised as soon as I gave my first shot that I had really missed being directed by him. It had been a while since he last directed me and as usual, it was a blast
How has been your experience exploring the format of teleplay?
We have done teleplays before and it keeps evolving and growing as a format. It’s really interesting to rehearse it like you would a play and shoot it like you would a series/short film. The bonus is that you get to shoot the story with artists who treat it like a piece of theatre, thus reducing the number of takes.
What was it like to be on the sets?
It was really like a reunion. All of us have done so much theatre together for so many years, that to come back to work on this kooky 90s’ adaptation was like the universe conspiring to bring us all back together. We had to really get all our giggles out before every take.
What are your thoughts about marriage?
Any relationship will flourish only if it is equal, kind, respectful and fun.
What’s next?
‘Satyaprem Ki Katha’ directed by Sameer Vidwans, ‘Sanaa’ directed by Sudhanshu Saria, ‘Potluck S2’, a limited series, acting in a new play, directing another, touring with the existing plays and hopefully some writing.
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