Kumkum Bhagya’s 33-yr-old Sriti Jha on playing a mom to actors of her age: I feel protective of them
The 'Kumkum Bhagya' actress, who started off as a quintessential heroine on TV, is playing mother to three grown-up actresses — Mugdha Chaphekar, Naina Singh and Kaurwakee Vasistha — on the show. Well, many don’t know, but Sriti is just a year older than her on-screen daughter Mugdha aka Prachi. Does Sriti have any qualms about it? In a candid interview she speaks about it. By: Neha Maheshwri
On her on-screen chemistry with Mugdha Chaphekar
“I was apprehensive initially, but now, I am getting the hang of it. In fact, I feel protective of all three of them. I knew of Mugdha (Chaphekar), because she has been a part of the industry since long. But, I started interacting with her only after she became a part of the show. Now, it doesn’t feel that she is my age, because I am protective of her.”
Pragya’s role in Kumkum Bhagya is a cakewalk
“Playing Pragya has become very easy for me. I find a lot of comfort in knowing the character and acting with the same people. Earlier, we would work towards just shooting a scene, but now, we work towards making it better.”
Taking criticisms constructively
“Even short-running shows face a lot of criticism. I would like to believe that I take criticism constructively, but there is not much I can do about it as an actor. I do what the writer, director, cameraman and creative team ask me to. I can’t work in isolation.”
On joining Bollywood like her Kumkum Bhagya co-star Mrunal Thakur
“I don’t have any such plans, yet. Having said that, if I give an audition and get selected, I’d be happy. Basically, I am a content person. I like to be happy with what I am doing in the present without strategising my move ahead.”
On living alone in Mumbai
“I stay by myself here, but my family, especially my mother, visits me every now and then. Among the cities I have stayed in, I have stayed the longest in Mumbai. It’s been 13 years here. I have found my home in Mumbai, because this is the life I have made for myself and not the one that my parents have built for me. I have found friends who have become family. Above everything, Mumbai has given me an identity. This city has taught me to love acting more than anything else. It has given me hope and made me a better person. I have seen how some people struggle for years to get something that I have got very easily. I have more respect for people’s struggles now.”
On finding solace in solitude
“I have many friends, who never make me feel lonely. Also, I find a lot of solace in my solitude. When I have an off day at work, I like to sit by the window and watch sunrise and sunset. I also love reading and travelling alone. I am enjoying this time that I spend with myself."
On link-up rumours with Kunal Karan Kapoor
“I am single and Kunal is one of the most amazing people I know.” She adds, “I never feel the need to clarify anything. I don’t think I owe anyone an explanation regarding my personal life. I would rather want them to see my work.”
On the idea of love
“It’s an amazing feeling and everyone should define it themselves. I think it’s magical to have the courage to invest so much in one person. I am extremely devoted when I am in love. But having said that, it’s very important to be happy. I make it a point to travel a lot and enjoy good food.”