Interview with Aastha Abhay, lead actor of Azaad's new show, Meri Doli Mera Angana

The beautiful young actor from Ranchi, Aastha Abhay is the lead actor of Azaad's new show, Meri Doli Mera Angana. The show launches on 14th October and will air every Monday to Saturday at 9 30 PM, only on Azaad. In a freewheeling chat, Aastha speaks about the role as Janki and her life.

You are from Ranchi. How and when exactly did you realize you had the passion for acting?
Yes I am from Ranchi. When i was a kid I always wanted to be an actor. I wanted to be dolled up and wanted to be on screen since i was a small kid. At home, being the youngest, I used to love dressing up in different roles and play around. Slowly, this passion grew stronger and I made it my career.

Who are your biggest influences?
In personal life, my parents. My father was a surgeon and he always taught that we should work hard to make our dreams come true. He taught us important values of life and my mother who is one the strongest woman I know. 
In our industry, I like Madhuri Dixit.

The viewers have seen you in shows like Kasauti Zindagi Ki II, Vani Rani, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya,  Kaun hai? ,Shrimad Bhagwat, Saraswati and Laal ishq. What made you to accept this show?
As you can see that in all the shows I've done, my role varies in each. Meri Doli Mere Angana's Janki is also a different character and this show will surely improve my acting skills. This is the main reason I chose the show.

How does it feel to be associated with Meri Doli Mere Angana?
I will blessed and extremely happy to be associated with Meri Doli Mere Angana because from cast to crew you can learn from each and every one. The character of Janki is very similar to Amrita Rao in Vivah and it is a universally loved character until date. So it gives me immense happiness to recreate the character in my own version.

What makes your character Janki stand out? What are you enjoying the most about the character?
Janki is a girl from an era where Indian females were very naive, simple, carry the family traditions, loving and respecting her family. But she is versatile and capable enough to carry out every task responsibly. She is the apple of her family's eye and loved immensely by everyone.I am enjoying every bit if the character from being loved to being responsible. Every essence of this character is also nurturing my own personality in a better way.

How has been your experience shooting for the show so far. Did you get a chance to meet and bond with the other cast members of the show?
The experience so far has been a smooth one. People are humble and co-operative which makes it easy to work with. The cast members are friendly and very supportive and for me. Now, its like a family away from my family. 

How is Meri Doli Mere Angana different from any other television shows?
The title 'Meri Doli Mere Angana' itself is a potential statement in the society we dwell in. In our Indian culture when we speak about marriage of a girl, she is married and leaves her house where she is born and raised to her partner's house. The title is a challenging one and stands out from the norms of the society. 

How have you prepared for your role?
I used to watch movies 5-6 times a day like Vivah, Maine Pyar Kiya to understand the character in a more defined way. Today, woman are decision makers of their own lives. They are no more submissive. 

Are there things you want to do other than acting?
I would have loved to be an interior designer as I like designing everything that's within my reach - both,  myself and my home. I want to make everything beautiful.

If you weren’t actor, what would you be up to right now?
Definitely an Interior Designer

How do you manage your personal and professional life?
I have learnt work-life balance from my parents. Be in the moment. Give your best shot at whatever you do. So, if I am working I will make sure I do that with 100% honesty and sincerity, and when I am at home, away from work, I will do all the household chores myself. I love doing it. I just live in the moment. 

The entertainment industry is very changing, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In next 5 years I want to be successful not just in terms of work but also in terms of personal growth. Be happy wherever I am.

Do you miss playing with your friends while you shoot your shows? 
I think everyone does. But hard work has no substitute and this is not just my job. I have been passionate about acting since I was a kid. Definitely this needs extra sincerity and hard work.

What was the last thing you watched on the OTT platform?
Money Heist 

A character you would want to play?
Tokyo. She was a woman of her choices. She knew the consequences will not be always in her favor, but she took it and acted upon it. Not everyone is brave enough to follow their hearts. So yes, definitely a strong character like hers is something that I would like to play.

Anything in works that you can talk about?
अकामां कामयानस्य शरीरमुपतप्यते। इच्छतीं कामयानस्य प्रीतिर्भवति शोभना।। 
It means one must love to do something that really interests him, for that would be a pleasing endeavour. If someone embarks upon a venture that doesn't entice him the result is bound to be a self-damaging.
Acting has always been my passion. It’s very joyous working as a team, helping and supporting each other. Last  I would say hard work pays.