Exclusive - Nima Denzongpa's lead actress Surabhi Das: When people from Northeast gets medals, we are India ki beti but otherwise we are ‘chinkis’
The upcoming TV show Nima Denzongpa which focuses on the struggles of a Northeastern girl in Mumbai marks the debut of Assamese actress Surabhi Das in Hindi industry. The show is all set to highlight the struggles of Nima, a northeastern girl who moves from her village in Sikkim to Mumbai. Surabhi recently joined ETimes TV for an exclusive chat and spoke about new show Nima Denzongpa, facing discrimination and racism in personal life. She also opened up about her take on Milind Soman's wife Ankita Konwar and her dream of becoming an actor. (Photo: Instagram)
I feel lucky that a concept like this came my way
Shows like Nima Denzongpa are not made everyday. It is one of a kind and when they told me the story, when I learnt about the concept, I immediately said yes. I feel lucky that a concept like this came my way. I am fortunate to have got this opportunity to play a character which has not been explored on television. (Photo: Instagram)
When the offer came my way, my family’s reaction was, is this for real?
When the offer came my way, my family’s reaction was this for real. Because I was in Assam when I was offered the show. It came as a surprise or miracle to me. My family initially did not believe it and I had to tell them that I was actually offered the show. I auditioned and after coming to Mumbai I did a lot of look tests and mock tests after that I got finalised. I literally had tears of joy when I bagged the show because I had been wanting and wishing for such an offer for a long time and it happened instantly to me. (Photo: Instagram)
Racism happens everyday with Northeastern people
No, I was never scared if the project will be made in a good way or not or is it in safe hands or not. It never came to my mind that if it backfires or anything like that because this discrimination and racism is real. It happens everyday with Northeastern people. Every northeastern person has faced it. I really thought that if I am getting a chance to do such a concept I should definitely do it. Through our show if we are able to spread a positive message we will be really grateful. (Photo: Instagram)
I have personally faced this discrimination and comments when I was in Delhi
Yes, it is very common for northeastern people to face harsh and racist comments or discrimination. I too have faced it. I have personally faced this discrimination and comments when I was in Delhi. When I was there I was called names and mocked for my poor Hindi. But I would say people who teased me also helped me in improving my command over Hindi. I am very grateful to them that they so much passed comments on me that out of need I had to learn Hindi. They were my friends who would tease me, they always thought it was their love but I always objected to it. I would always tell them don’t use such discriminatory words and if you are doing it for fun, it’s not fun at all. They love me a lot but they would tease me. (Photo: Instagram)
When people from Northeast get medals, we are India ki beti but otherwise we are ‘chinkis’
I completely agree with Ankita Konwar. I can feel her. When people from Northeast get medals, we are India ki beti but otherwise we are ‘chinkis’. We are hopeful that things will change as people from Northeast are earning recognition and making everyone proud in every field be it films, sports, music. It is helping us a lot as we are making our prominent presence felt on the World map. We are just hopeful. (Photo: Instagram)
I even did passing shots in TV shows when I began my career
It was my childhood dream to be an actress. Because I am too filmy and I’ve been watching all Hindi films and TV serials since I was a kid. I am a big cinema and TV lover. I always wanted to be an actor but I never thought that I would be able to come to Mumbai. I actually wanted to come to Mumbai and it was always there in my mind. The decision became firm 4/5 years ago and I had been trying to come to Mumbai. In Assam I have done a few TV shows, I have even done passing shots in TV shows when I began my career. From there I started and then I did a TV show Parineeta which was loved by everyone in Assam. I was doing music videos and serials. I started my career in 2019 with Parineeta and I would say that was my turning point in the Assamese industry. After that show people started recognising me and liking my work. Post that I started getting other offers and work. (Photo: Instagram)
I always dreamt of giving auditions and struggling in Mumbai
Since the time I joined the Assamese industry, it was there in my mind that I’ve to go to Mumbai and work. I always dreamt of giving auditions and struggling in Mumbai. But due to Coronavirus, I couldn’t travel to Mumbai. I feel I wanted it so strongly that the whole universe planned it for me. I feel really blessed. (Photo: Instagram)
I have already shifted base to Mumbai
I have just started my career and my entire focus is on this show. I am giving my 100 percent to the show. Let’s see what the future holds for me. Just hoping for the best. I have already shifted base to Mumbai and I am not going to go back. I will try hard and give my all to my work and I hope to continue in the field of acting. I am just hoping for the best. (Photo: Instagram)