“Lali is vibrant and fierce”: Tanya Abrol reflects on her character of a house-help in Sony SAB’s ‘Badal Pe Paon Hai’

Mumbai September 26, 2024:  Sony SAB’s ‘Badall Pe Paon Hai’ beautifully captures the journey of Baani, played by Amandeep Sidhu, an ambitious young woman striving to uplift her family despite life's challenges. Adding a vibrant energy to the show is Tanya Abrol, who recently entered the show as the bold and outspoken Lali, who has been appointed as the house help of the Khanna family.
 
Known for her fearless and colourful personality, Lali brings heart and a touch of wisdom to the Khanna household. In this interview, Tanya Abrol highlights her role and how her character stands out as a symbol of independence and strength.
 
1. What drew you to the role of Lali in Badall Pe Paon Hai? How has your experience been so far with the cast and crew?
I was immediately drawn to the character’s name, ‘Lali’. It’s so vibrant, just like her personality—bold, colourful, and full of energy. Lali is unlike any role I’ve played before, which made it an exciting challenge for me. The cast has been amazing to work with. Aakash Ahuja who plays the character of Rajat, and I have formed a great bond; he’s truly kind-hearted. It’s a fantastic team and I have been having a great time working with the cast.
 
2. How did you prepare for such a distinctive and strong-willed character?
I approached the character in a more organic manner, similar to how I tackle any role. I read the script several times to fully immerse myself in the character and stay mindful of her unique traits. The creative team gave me a strong, clear brief, which really helped lay the foundation for how I portrayed her. I have to say, playing Lali has been an amazing experience so far, and I’m thoroughly enjoying bringing her to life.
 
3. Lali has a unique bond with the women in the Khanna household and a bit of a rocky relationship with the men. Can you tell us more about these dynamics and how Lali influences the Khanna family?
Lali has major trust issues when it comes to men, especially in the 'husband category.' She often advises the women in the Khanna household on how to spot when a husband is lying, and she's usually right! Lali cares deeply for Baani and, for her sake, even puts a little faith in Rajat, but she constantly warns Baani not to trust people blindly. While her advice is solid, her way of delivering it is loud and emotional, which adds to the drama but also shows her protective nature.
 
4. Lali’s character breaks the stereotypical image of a house help. How important do you think it is for TV shows to portray such progressive characters?
I think it's fantastic that the channel and the show's creators have developed such a progressive character in Lali. She defies the stereotypical image of a house help by asserting her independence and self-worth, and that’s something I’m really proud to portray. We’ve seen similar forward-thinking characters in films, and they were well-received. It’s crucial for TV shows to reflect this kind of thinking because it challenges outdated stereotypes and promotes a modern, empowering perspective that resonates with today's audience.
 
Q5. What is your take on the central theme of the show and Baani's character?
The central theme of the show is intriguing, and Baani's character is very well-balanced. She stands out as someone who represents today’s woman; ambitious, modern, and determined, yet deeply rooted in her family and traditions. Her journey of navigating the stock market world and trying to uplift her family’s life, while navigating societal expectations and personal struggles, is incredibly relatable. What makes the show even more special is how every member of the household plays a crucial role in creating a mix of joyful and bittersweet moments, making the narrative heartwarming and meaningful for the audience.
 
Q6. Without giving away too many spoilers, can you hint at any upcoming twists involving Lali’s character and her influence on the Khanna household?
I can’t give away too much, but I can hint that Navratri will bring some exciting moments for Baani, and Lali's influence will play a significant role in the events surrounding the celebration. So, I’d definitely suggest viewers stay tuned to Badall Pe Paon Hai to see how everything plays out!
 
Q7. What would you like to say to your fans who have been supporting you and are now watching you in Badall Pe Paon Hai?
I feel extremely blessed and fortunate to receive such love and support from my fans. I am truly grateful for the warmth and well-wishes they send my way. I will do my best to make it worthwhile for them while I am on screen. Working on this show feels like a full circle for me as my debut film had a song titled Badall Pe Paon Hai and here I am working on the show with the same title.