I put my diet chart aside when I am in MP! Be it poha, jalebi, daal baafla, or namkeen, I always make sure that I relish the local delicacies before leaving Indore. Indore is a must visit for all the foodies.
Sriti Jha
Besides Hindi and English, I can speak in Maithli, my native language, and in Bangla and Nepalese too. But I can just about make a smattering at Marathi.
I have been fortunate to have worked with immensely talented writers and directors who have had faith in me. There's been very little hard work but a lot of learning. I have learnt from each of my characters, and I think that's rather amazing.
I visited an asylum to observe expressions of the mentally disturbed and to get my body language right for the blind girl's role. I visited the blind school, read the autobiography of Helen Keller, and watched a number of films from 'Scent of a Woman' to 'Anurag,' 'Fanaa' and 'Black.'
I auditioned for my first show in Delhi and got through. There's no fancy story around it, sadly.
We breathe life into a role, and it's overwhelming to receive positive feedback.
My audition for 'Dhoom Machale Dhoom' was the turning point of my life.
Ever since I was introduced to Ekta Kapoor, I have learnt a great deal from her storytelling, and the learning continues.
I was born in Begusarai in Bihar. Then I spent 10 years in Kolkata and later hopped from Kathmandu to Delhi and, finally, Mumbai.
I hail from a small town. My parents were never apprehensive about my decision to take up acting - they've been a constant support to me.
I don't regret my decision that I left a popular show like 'Balika Vadhu.' I am happy that I am out of the show and took a break for a month in Delhi.
Despite our hard work and the number of hours we put in, content is the hero of every show.
I loved the story telling pattern of 'Balika Vadhu.'
Balaji is one of the most comforting working experiences I have had in my career.
I think I love fiction shows more than the reality shows. I have been offered many shows, but I don't think I am tailored for reality TV.
We actors are fortunate people, getting paid to do what we love - it's like getting paid to eat cake! There isn't much to complain about. In fact, on the days I have an off, I'm constantly telling my friends how I want to be on the sets because I miss it already.
I perform a role as per the requirements of the script. When it comes to work, I don't have any personal choice with regards to glam or de-glam. As an actor, I enjoy doing everything.
I've been missing playing Pragya ever since I started shooting as Munni. I hope viewers will be happy to see their favourite character Pragya back on 'Kumkum Bhagya' and will welcome me back with the same love they have been showering all this time.
There's generally a couple of months' gap between shows. And I am rather glad it's been that way because I am a workaholic.
My life is not as dramatic as it is depicted in the shows. I am not at all submissive. I am free-spirited.
I enjoy doing TV than movies. I do enjoy watching music reality shows but never get approached to participate in reality shows. I also enjoy reading books and take time to finish them.
Emotions never become obsolete, whether they are towards your family or your boyfriend.
The best thing about being a good girl on TV is that the audience loves you back instantly. You don't have to make extra effort to make them empathize with you.
Initially, women only had to portray married wife roles on TV, but now there are show that are offering other roles to portray for women. Earlier, all drama used to revolve only around married women, which is not the case now. Even the male actors have a good opportunity for better roles now.
I really don't have any struggle story to tell about my stint in Tellytown.
I went back to Kolkata around two years back after a gap of 14 years, and though the city had changed, the people hadn't. Everybody is cultured and knowledgeable there. I have emotional memories of the place.
I used to do theatre in school and college. When I started working on television, only the camera was new. Theatre experience really helps one lose inhibitions.
I'm part of a great job where I get paid to learn. My first brush with the world of showbiz happened when I got selected while I auditioned for 'Dhoom Machao Dhoom' at my college in Delhi.
The only thing that I have to be assured of is that the character must be negative for a sensible reason. She should not be behind everyone's life just for fun, which is the case in many serials. Moreover, it will also test my potential as an actor, so playing a negative character would be an interesting challenge for me.
Never say never. When love happens, it just happens. The industry is full of nice people, and there are no rights and wrongs.
I am comfortable in all kinds of outfits. I prefer Indian wear, but there are days I step out in a short dress. It depends on my mood.
While I'm totally up for all things girly, two months of mehendi is a fairly long time!
I want to do anything interesting that is offered to me.
Love is a lot of magic and madness followed by marriage. These are the three M's for me. I think these three keep life intact. I am a very filmi person and would like the magic and the madness to remain in my marriage forever.
I always have my books for company.
I am immensely proud of 'Kumkum Bhagya.'
I don't think I'm popular enough for audience to relate to me on a reality shows. I'm content with my acting endeavors and want to continue taking up more of acting projects.
'Balika Vadhu' happened to me because I worked hard in my earlier shows. So, in a way, they are responsible for building my identity.
Reading and watching movies are the only two things I do. I'm moody, so at times I'm annoyingly introverted; at other times I'm annoyingly extroverted. So I think I'm an ambivert!
If something interesting comes up, I would love to do something in Bangla in future, especially since I can speak Bangali fluently.
I am quite no-nonsense myself.
It's fun to play a character that you can identify with.
I am a huge fan of Amitav Ghosh's work. I wish I could meet him.
I have just been lucky to get challenging characters every time.
