Excited that SimSim is being showcased as a character for the first time ever

•    Tell us more about the show?
•    I'm sure everyone’s familiar with the story of Alibaba, his love for the orphan kids, and about the forty thieves. However, this is not the regular Alibaba and chaalis chor story of a cave replete with treasure. In fact, our story is packed with intense twists and dramatic events! Apart from looking at the countless journeys of Alibaba and the hurdles he overcomes, you'll also for the first time witness the character of SimSim as not just a command, but a character in the show; a negative character whose emotions and past is given immense importance. This show is a visual treat and the perfect living room content for families. I'm excited to see what our fans gain from this splendid show!

•    What is unique about the show? How is Alibaba Dastaan-e-Kabul different from all the other shows?
•    Alibaba Dastaan-e-Kabul is an incredibly special show, given how it's a perfect blend of romance, drama, friendship, action and everything you can expect from India's biggest family entertainer. Moreover, the new take on the age-old story of Alibaba with unique characters like SimSim makes our story a notch above the rest! The experience of shooting in Ladakh and on one of the largest sets to be created for a television show is the cherry on top!

•    Simsim’s character in the show is generating a lot of curiosity. What are your thoughts on this?
•    As I mentioned, Simsim in the original story has always been a command - khul ja simsim, but in Alibaba Dastaan-e-Kabul, the makers have given SimSim a face and this was trump card, as it was never revealed in the promos that SimSim would be a character. It's both exciting and challenging at the same time. As an actor, I don’t have a reference to look up to. The character is in progress, and the team and I are doing the best to bring out the character in all its glory. But it's very exciting, as I’ll be the first actor to portray SimSim ever!

•    How challenging is it to play Simsim?
•    Like it is the case with playing any role, I am exploring SimSim's identity and journey in new ways with each shoot. Apart from being on a harness all day long and devoting 2 hours for the makeup and costume every day, there are times when I'm shooting without the company of any co-stars for hours in SimSim’s cave, which can be a draining process. However, all these emotional and physical challenges are worth it based on the incredible work of our entire crew!

•    Which is the most favourite part of your look as Simsim?
•    I feel the most favourite and adoring part of my look is the mukut (crown), as it gives me an identity. But it is the most difficult part too, as it is tough to carry it. Whatever said, this crown gives a certain authority and a power to the look.

•    You have been shooting for the show for sometime now, how fun is it to shoot with such a huge cast?
•    I haven’t had the opportunity to shoot with other co-artists. Right now, Simsim’s journey in the show is not very interactive with the other members of the show. My interaction is limited only with Saddam (Chandan Anand) and the chaalis chor, which is also sometimes very challenging. When you shoot with other co-actors, you give and take, you have other energies and you also get the time to breathe when their close up shots are being done. It's challenging for me, as I shoot for 12 hours and it's only me. When I see the shots and the makers tell me that I have, as a solo artist, been able to hold the attention, I take it as a huge achievement.

•    As you mostly shoot before a greenscreen, what was your reaction when you saw the outcome?
•    I was mesmerized to see the outcome and in all honesty, a little shocked too. When I dubbed for my scenes, I couldn’t believe it was me! But kudos to the entire team - directors, producers, creative team, Peninsula pictures and Sony SAB. As a team, we’ve worked really well together to bring this visual treat to the audience.

•    One BTS memory that you would like to share with us?
•    There was a dance sequence, which I had to do on the harness. When you are already up in the air, a lot of things are not under your control. Sometimes the crown falls off, sometimes it's my nail jewelry, but I have to continue with the dancing and romance on the harness. Also, there are many gufa (cave) moments when my headgear and other ornaments fall off or something gets stuck in my dress.

•    A message for your fans and audience?
•    Thank you for giving SimSim and Alibaba Dastaan-e-Kabul so much love and appreciation. The show will get more interesting with each episode and I’m sure you all will like it. Keep watching Alibaba Dastaan-e-Kabul, Monday to Saturday at 8:00 pm, only on Sony SAB!