Sohaila Kapur on ‘Aarya’ co-star Sushmita Sen: She is a very warm and affectionate person; she calls me ‘Ma’ even off-set – Times of India

Sohaila Kapur, who is a well-recognised actor and theatre artist, has been part of projects like, ‘The Family Man’, ‘Special OPS’, ‘Bhaukaal’ and others. The actress was recently seen in the teleplay, ‘Where did I leave my Purdah’ along with Divya Dutta, Swara Bhasker, and others. In an interview with ETimes, she opened up about the teleplay, working with Sushmita Sen in ‘Aarya’ series, a recent performance that impressed her and more. Excerpts…
Sushmita Sen recently survived a massive heart attack. You have worked with her closely in the Aarya series. Did it come as a shock to you?

Yes, it did, like it did for everybody. She is a very fit and active woman.

How would you describe Sushmita as a co-star and as a person? What did you guys bond over on the sets?
We bond very well. I play Rajeshwari Rathore, the head of the clan (after her husband’s death), and her mother. Sushmita is a very warm and affectionate person. We work on the scenes and emotions in a very organic way before we give them a shot together. Both women have chequered lives, and my character has a dark, secretive past, which she slowly reveals to her daughter. The revelations at the end of seasons 1 and 2 have powered the next season. She calls me ‘Ma’ even off-set.

You were recently seen in the Zee Theatre’s teleplay, ‘Where did I leave my Purdah’. Tell us something about it…

The play is about a famous Muslim actress who chooses to live in India and re-establish herself here. But for that she uses unethical methods that are finally her undoing. I play that character.

What really attracted you to be a part of this teleplay?

The role of the protagonist, Nazia, attracted me. She is ambitious, ruthless, and deceptive. She is a complete survivor.

How was it working with actors like Divya Dutta and Swara Bhasker?

They are polished artists, so it was a challenge as well as a pleasure to work with them.

How much did you relate to the teleplay’s theme of artistic exploration as an actor?

I did relate to the theme of artistic exploration because that’s what I do as an actor and director. And Mahesh Dattani himself gave us the freedom to explore, which made it very engaging.

You are an actor, director, and writer. What do you love doing the most, and why?

I love all my roles. Each one of them is creative and gives me great satisfaction. Creativity completes me as a human being.

OTT has given a new lease of life to actors of all ages and genders. Your thoughts…

Yes it has. Now older actors like myself can explore non-stereotypical roles. Layered, as in Aarya, and fearless, as in Bhaukaal.

Amongst the young generation of actors, who do you think has the most potential?

Most young actors today come equipped with talent and training. And it’s a pleasure watching them on the screen. I have been impressed with Aparshakti Khurana’s performance in Jubilee. Not many actors can convey emotions through their eyes as well as he can.