Bollywood Actress Aditi Sharma can now be seen as Gangaa in &TV’s social drama Gangaa. &TV’s popular show, an inspiring story of a child widow characterised with an unconquerable spirit and will to survive, has taken a massive leap in ratings.
Q. Why did you choose to take up Gangaa?
I wanted my TV stint to be meaningful and was keen to take up a show that deals with social issues rather than something run of the mill. When I was approached for this show, I watched a couple of episodes to get a sense of the story and really loved the concept. The simplicity of the characters moved me so much as a viewer and also the fact that my grandmother was hooked to the show was one of the reasons why I signed up for Gangaa.
Q. You are going to step into the little girl Ruhana’s shoes... she has been loved by the viewers... how have you prepared?
Yes, Ruhana has played the character of Gangaa so beautifully that it’s always on my mind to maintain the same sincerity, zest and live up to viewer expectations. I have watched the episodes much before I started shooting but my preparation is still going on as I have just begun shooting and there is lot to learn every day.
Q. How is your equation with your co-star Vishal?
Its great working with Vishal, he makes me comfortable. Though I have just shot with him in Varanasi and we are yet to shoot in Mumbai, we hit it off pretty well. We had some fun moments shooting on the river banks in the cold and will not forget the grueling outdoor schedule which was a great way to start.
Q. We heard about the tough shoot- you were standing in ice cold water and you hurt yourself during shoot?
Yes, for one of the sequences I was required to stand in ice cold water for almost two hours! By the time the take was approved, I was frozen. But as they say everything is an experience so I didn’t mind it. Anyway having worked in films where we are used to much extreme conditions and difficult sequences this was just fine. You would think that one gets cuts and bruises while doing action scenes and family drama shoots may not lead to injuries. It so happened that while flying kites for a sequence the manjhas cut my feet deep. It wasn’t too bad but yes I have become quiet the kite runner now.
Q. Tell us about your early life and education and marriage
I was born in Amritsar and brought up in Punjab. I did my college from Delhi, from where I participated in India’s Best Cinestar Ki Khoj and won it. I also did a few Bollywood films like and Telugu movies out of which one Bollywood movie is yet to release. I would not like to speak about my personal life.
Q. Your views on child marriage and child widows?
There are few places where these rituals are still practiced in the country. The only way to move past such issues is to educate people so that they can decide what is right and wrong for them. A child needs to be educated first.
Q. Are you in touch with your friends in Bollywood and the gang from Ladies VS Ricky Bahl..like Ranveer Singh?
Yes, I am in touch with my co-stars. While we were shooting for Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, we use to have a girl group including all actresses from the movie and we got along really well together.
