Interview with Tunisha Sharma (Princess Mariam on Sony SAB's ‘Alibaba-Dastaan-e-Kabul’ )
What made you accept this role in this fantasy cum historical show? Please share more about your character, Mariam and what is special about it?
I’m ecstatic to be a part of Alibaba Dastaan-e-Kabul and work with an immensely talented team of cast and crew. Alibaba- Dastaan-e-Kabul’ is a show like no other and will leave audience at the edge of their seats. Mariam isn't just any ordinary princess. She is fierce yet caring and considerate, affluent yet discreet, protected yet brave.
What is your favourite part about donning the look of Maram?
The character is very different from any of my previous roles and I'm really excited to bring alive Mariam for viewers and my fans.
Essaying the role of Mariam, have you had any learnings or personal takeaways from the character?
Playing Mariam is a dream come true, she is innocent and mature at the same time. She comes from a different world, and she is not aware of the struggles that the common people face. Mariam has a lot of potential that she had not realized earlier. The character shows massive growth emotionally and the day she steps out of the palace, she becomes one with the crowd, trying to be their saviour in times of need.
How has the experience been shooting with the cast and crew of the show?
The story of Alibaba, a charming young lad whose charisma will have you falling head over heels, is brought to you by Sony SAB's Alibaba Dastaan - e - Kabul. Judging the grandeur witness in the promos, Alibaba Dastaan - e - Kabul is expected to be television's biggest family entertainer. After filming in the breath-taking landscapes of Ladakh, the Alibaba production crew recreated the alleys and gorgeous highlands of Kabul on the show’s sets.
We now know that the Alibaba set is unquestionably one of the biggest sets for a television show. In fact, the entire cast and crew needs to use bikes to travel from one location to another on the set.
When I initially explored the sets, I was completely astounded. I knew that Sony SAB had big plans for Alibaba Dastaan - e - Kabul but once I was on the sets, I was awestruck and felt incredibly fortunate to be a part of the production. The sets are exquisitely made, and they exude the magic of Kabul. Although we also shot scenes in Ladakh, our team captured the very charm of Ladakh on the set as well. The set is so vast that all of us use bikes to get from one point of the set to the other.
The experience of shooting with my new team on-set has been superb, and we’re like a family now.
There is so much positivity, everybody enjoys their work and are very dedicated. They are very supportive, and we are getting to know each other more with time. We share a great bonding and have a fantastic time shooting for the show.
We have shot in Ladakh, and it was amazing shooting in such an exotic locale. In fact its larger than life visuals and the amazing VFX is something the audience has never seen before. We have added a lot of our own elements and this is going to entertain all age groups.
Tell us about your on screen and off screen equation with Sheezan Khan who essays the role of Ali Baba in the show?
We share a very good equation with each other.
Will you give us some insight into your process as an actor?
I started very early in life at the young age of 14. I have grown with every character that I have played whether on television or films.
Are there things you want to do other than acting?
I love dancing too.
How do you react when you receive a positive review about a performance?
I consider my fans as my family, and I’m really thankful to them for accepting me with open arms. Their love and support makes me work harder, and I can promise that the upcoming episodes will be exhilarating and dhamakedaar. So, stay tuned, and join us on this fascinating journey ahead.
Describe your acting style?
I am a director’s actor.
How have you managed to balance acting and your outside activities over all these years?
I have strong faith in God and my fans. I always like to take periodic breaks from work and send time with my family which rejuvenates me. Touchwood, it was very smooth. I am so grateful and blessed. Not many people get all this. I did back-to-back shows and movies and it has been a great journey.
What is your diet regimen?
I have a habit of having 3-4 glasses of warm water in the morning, after which I eat boiled eggs and fruits. I like having cereals and oatmeal for breakfast. For lunch, I prefer grilled veges, legumes, and green salads. For dinner, I skip rice and have dal-roti-sabzi instead.