Kawach is about love turning into obsession

The world is made of black and white and tonight at 8, Colors’ 'Kawach… Kaali Shaktiyon Se' will depict these extreme shades through Paridhi’s (Mona Singh) positivity and Manjulika’s (Maheck Chahal) sinister motives. While Paridhi, for whom love is power, is devoted to Rajbir (Vivek Dahiya), Manjulika’s soul is hellbent on seeking his affection as she is materialistic. She will leave no stone unturned to have him, but will Paridhi be able to protect him? Excerpts from an interview with Maheck and Mona...
Do you think maniacal obsession can triumph over the power of love?
Maheck: They say, ‘It’s better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all’. But for me, love needs to be everlasting and if obsession is the only way to ensure your love is eternal, why not?
What is your character’s ultimate motive?
Maheck: All she knows, feels and understands is that she wants Rajbir; she is obsessed beyond a point of redemption. Her love for him is so strong that when she comes back from the dead, her soul latches on to Paridhi. Her ultimate motive is to separate Rajbir and Paridhi so that she can have him.

What part of Manjulika’s life do you relate to?
Maheck: In 'Kawach', Manjulika is a dark force looming over the lives of Paridhi and Rajbir. While there are many shades to Manjulika’s character, something that I closely relate to is her love and passion. I can love selflessly and I have tried to bring this trait in my character as well to make her more compelling and convincing on screen.
To what extent will Manjulika go to have what she must?
Maheck: All of us have shades of good and evil. When love turns into an evil obsession, it completely takes over a person. Manjulika craves for Rajbir’s affection and her love knows no bounds. She measures love by the extent of her jealousy towards Paridhi.
You are entering the fiction genre for the first time, does it bother you to start this new journey with a negative character?
Maheck: I would say that Manjulika’s character is different from what I’ve played in the past. It’s fun, challenging and probably the most evil character that I’ve ever played. There is a lot of experimentation, voice modulation and dialogue delivery with base. I consider myself lucky to start with this.

Paridhi (played by Mona Singh) is a strong woman who does not believe in unknown forces. The one thing she believes in, is the power of love and she uses it as her strongest weapon to become her love, Rajbir’s, Kawach. Over to Mona:
What is stronger — love or obsession?
Mona: Obsession is like a catalyst that can help you achieve anything you want. When you love someone dearly, you resort to all ways to win them over. The power of love is unimaginable and it is only when it overcomes the love of power that the world will know peace. Love certainly trumps obsession.
Do you believe that an evil soul can turn positive?
Mona: The universe comprises both positive and negative energies. According to science, energy is transferable and not destructible. I do think anybody can turn over a new leaf.

What does Paridhi’s belief system entail?
Mona: Paridhi is an archaeologist. She is a woman of today, who encourages positivity in every sphere of her life and dreams of living a life full of happiness with the man of her dreams. While she is traditional, Paridhi also has an open mind and progressive. Ambition drives her
life till she falls in love with her fiancé Rajbir.
While Paridhi faces the situation head-on, how would you react if would be in a similar situation?
Mona: After having shot extensively for the show, my senses have become sharper. If faced with a 'Kawach'-like situation in real life, I will definitely believe in the happenings. These days, being by myself is quite scary!
Do the crew or the audience react differently to you and Maheck owing to the characters you essay?
Mona: The trademark of a successful actor is when they can make you hate them or love them, depending on the character they play. While varying characters elicit different reactions from the audience and the crew, one must remember that this is the case only because Maheck is really good at what she does!