Sakshi Tanwar and Palomi Ghosh discuss why M.O.M. finds takers despite dealing with the same subject as Mission Mangal
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; September 24, 2019)

A month after Mission Mangal delved into the Mars orbiter Mission, the subject has got a digital adaptation in M.O.M. - Mission Over Mars. In a chat with mid-day, lead actors Sakshi Tanwar and Palomi Ghosh discuss the joys of playing scientists and why they are unperturbed by comparisons.

What made you greenlight M. O. M.?
Tanwar: Director Vinay [Waikul] showed me a documentary based on the scientists [who had worked on Mars Orbiter Mission]. Two minutes into the documentary, I knew I had to do the show. After reading the script, I was all the more convinced. Ever since Dityaa [daughter] has become a part of my life, I have become choosy. A show has to be good enough for me to leave my daughter home and head out for a shoot. Ekta [Kapoor, producer] did a smart thing by not telling me that the series was for ALT Balaji, I got to know that after I took on the project.
Ghosh: Since I have been a space enthusiast, it was an easy decision for me once they liked my audition. I had never played a geek before and it was fun doing it. My character is low on emotional quotient and has a high IQ.

Before taking up the project, were you aware that women were instrumental in making Mangalyaan successful?
Tanwar: I remember seeing the photograph of a group of women hugging each other after Mangalayaan was launched successfully. That image had stayed with me. It was the first time there was so much media coverage for the mission.

With Vidya Balan and Akshay Kumar’s Mission Mangal having released last month, comparisons will be inevitable.
Ghosh: The core subject may be common, but the storytelling is from a different point of view. Our narrative is centred around four women. Having said that, I do not want to take away anything from the men in the show because they set an example of what it is to be equals.

The female actors in Mission Mangal had emphasised that they needed Kumar to get a strong opening for the film. Luckily, in television, women enjoy a stronger position.
Tanwar: TV is a medium by women, for women and of women. I am glad that there are female producers, writers, directors and of course, the shows are predominantly about women. Since they are the target audience, the remote is in their hands, too. I am sure some male actors think that we get all the importance. Luckily, I didn’t have co- stars who felt that way.

Sakshi Tanwar on rediscovering her chemistry with Kapoor in Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat, and embracing motherhood
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; April 16, 2019)

Sakshi Tanwar is in the happiest phase of her life as she is discovering the joys of motherhood with daughter Dityaa. On the professional front, she has reunited with Ram Kapoor for the third season of Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat. Over to Tanwar as she talks about her favourite co-star and discussing mommy duties with Ekta Kapoor.

Was the third season of Karrle... always on the cards?
We had signed a three-year contract with Alt Balaji. When we did the first season, we didn’t know if viewers would want a second edition, and now, we are in the third season. it has been driven by the audience’s response.

Was it hectic juggling this with the web series, The Final Call?
When you’re doing a daily soap, you must report to set every day. But the style of functioning is completely different with a web series. Here, you have to allot 90 to 100 days to the project and wrap it up. I did The Final Call during my break and had to dedicate only a few days to it. So, there was no overlapping of dates.

You have been romancing Ram for years. Does it get repetitive?
When I was shooting for Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, his set of Kasamh Se was close by. But we never thought that we would end up working together. During the last episode’s shoot of Kahaani, Ekta came on the set and said that she had a script for me. Within four months of Kahaani ending, I was offered Bade Acche Lagte Hain. Since I was on a sabbatical, I turned it down for almost two-and-a-half years. But right from the promo shoot of Bade, I realised that Ram and my chemistry is organic.

Most love stories play on conflicts until the leads unite in the end. Is that the only way to make content last for years?
Viewers must be enjoying the plot because they keep asking for more. People like it when Ram and I are pitted against each other, only to unite in the end. Once we are together, the audience has little excitement. They like to see us fight, argue and keep the banter going, which is why the script is designed in that manner.

You two are famous for your on-screen banter. How is your equation off-camera?
Ram and I are poles apart. He is a prankster, who plays little tricks on the set and is very happy with himself for pulling them off. I keep asking him, ‘Ram, how old are you?’

You’ve recently embraced motherhood. How is it at home?
Dityaa knows exactly how to behave with her nana, nani, the nanny and me. Every time she does something wrong, she will flash this big grin and you can’t help falling for it.

Ekta and you are both enjoying parenthood. Do you share notes?
We do. it’s one of the most beautiful phases of our lives, and we have so much to talk about and discuss.

Television’s favourite couple Ram Kapoor, Sakshi Tanwar reunite after years in this interview and a forthcoming web series
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; April 8, 2017)

Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar make for an endearing on-screen couple. Given their disparate personalities, this depiction seems fitting. Ram is outgoing, Sakshi is self-effacing. Yet, they get along, and look forward to collaborating. After their small screen outing, Ekta Kapoor’s Bade Acche Lagte Hain (2011), enjoyed a successful three-year run, the duo is teaming up for the second time for a web series titled Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat, also being helmed by Ekta under her digital production house, ALT Balaji.

A digital outing is a first for both the actors, and Ram acknowledges that it is indeed the future of entertainment. “We are considered older actors, so it’s exciting to be part of this new world, which is relevant and happening. Fortunately, there isn’t the constant pressure of meeting deadlines, like [is] in a daily show. [Shooting for the digital platform] is akin to shooting for a film.”

The web show, which airs on April 16, informs Ram, is a story that depicts that love can be found at any age and in unexpected places. The actor slips into the role of a fading superstar, who visits a counselor (Sakshi) to help him come to terms with his relationship issues, only to end up falling for her.

The camaraderie they share isn’t restricted for reel alone. Sakshi admits, despite their previous outing having culminated three years ago, the memories are still fresh. “It was like we were shooting for the show yesterday. And now, we begin again.” Ram chips in, “There is this comfort factor [we share]. For me, this is important.”

Sakshi, who was last seen in the Aamir Khan-starrer Dangal (2016), seconds this opinion, and is quick to point out that she is selective with her projects. “But this [doing the web show] was the quickest decision I took. It is nice to have Ram [participate] in my acting journey.” That this was being helmed by Ekta, who made them stars of television with serials like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii (2000, featuring Sakshi) and Kasamh Se (2006, starring Ram), was another deciding factor.

Ram and Sakshi recently wrapped up shooting for the 14-episode series, and are already looking forward to the next season. Exploring web entertainment is a natural move for the two, given that they say they cannot relate what’s being aired on TV and ruling TRP. “I can’t see myself being part of a show about nagins,” says Ram, who is now busy shooting for Yash Raj FIlms’ next project, directed by Habib Faisal. Meanwhile, Sakshi says she will only return to TV for a finite series.

Sakshi Tanwar, one of TV's brightest faces, in an exclusive interview with mid-day talks about why she is done with daily soaps, her big screen outing in Aamir Khan's 'Dangal' and more
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; December 22, 2016)

Sakshi Tanwar considers herself the luckiest among actors on the cast of this week's release, Aamir Khan-starrer 'Dangal'. Unlike others, she neither had to prep for the physically challenging wrestling, nor chop off her tresses like the other ladies did.

"When I auditioned for the role of Aamir's wife, it was a case of, try kar lete hai (let's try). I didn't have any expectations. I first met Aamir at his Bandra home for a reading. When I watched the movie recently, it was surreal to see my name in the credits. It was as if my entire career unspooled before me. Aamir kept asking us for reactions, but I was frozen."

Best remembered for essaying the role of obedient but strong-headed bahu, Parvati in 'Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii' (2000-2008), and, more recently, Priya in 'Bade Acche Lagte Hain' (2011-2014), Sakshi has earlier acted in C Kkompany (2008), and a Marathi film. However, Dangal could be her big ticket to Bollywood. The actress, however, says all her other films are as important to her. She did Chandraprakash Dwivedi's Sunny Deol-starrer 'Mohalla Assi', which did not release. "I have not given up on it yet, I hope it is released some day."

In Dangal, she plays mother to grown up daughters. Although aware of Bollywood stereotypes, she didn't hesitate to take up the role. "I had no qualms playing mother to grown up girls. During my TV days, the soap would take 'generation leaps'. I have played a grandmother, great grandmother and what not. So, I had no reservations."

Interestingly, the industry that made her famous isn't one she no longer connects with. "I am done with them (soaps). I did it for years. Now, I would only consider being part of a finite series or agree to host a show."

Next up, is a web series called 'Kehetein Hai Opposites Attract' where she reunites with her old-time co-star Ram Kapoor.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; December 17, 2016)

She has been part of some of the biggest TV shows — Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Bade Acche Laggte Hain — and has played much-loved roles. Still, when Sakshi Tanwar bagged the role of Aamir Khan’s wife in Dangal, she couldn’t believe it. “It’s one thing when your dreams come true, but for me, the film opposite Aamir Sir was something I never could have even dreamt of,” she gushes. Here, the actress talks about how she bagged the role, what it was like acting with Aamir and comparisons with Sultan...

How did the role in Dangal come about?
I got a call from Mukesh Chhabra’s office that they are considering me for a role as Aamir Sir’s wife in Dangal. First, I thought ‘koi mazaak hai’, but they assured me that they really wanted me to audition. I did it with little expectations and I remember Mukesh had told me ‘aankh band karke karlo’. After a couple of days, I got a call saying Aamir Sir wanted to meet me, so I went to his office. I did another audition — a scene with him. They asked me for my availability, etc. When I was returning home that evening, I got a message from Aamir Sir. I called him back and he said ‘Welcome to Dangal, you are on board’. Recently, through one of Aamir Sir’s interviews, I got to know that I was actually his mother’s choice for the role.

What was your reaction after you bagged the role?
First I went blank… And when it sunk in I felt happy, thrilled, excited and perhaps overwhelmed as well.. Still difficult to describe in words.

While it’s a big deal to work with Aamir Khan, it is also true in a film with him the heroine doesn’t have much scope for performance...
I don’t feel that is true. In Dangal everyone has got enough screen space and a lot of scope for performance. In any case, I go by my instinct and choose a role that makes me happy. So the length of the role doesn’t really matter. I was happy to be a part of the film even when I thought it would be a four scene role. When they sent me the script and I read it, I realised the character was there throughout.

The movie is a biopic revolving around Mahavir Phogat and his daughters Geeta and Babita. What is the mother’s contribution in it?
My character Daya Kaur (the mother) is a bridge at times, the bond, the link between the father and the daughters. As a mother she may not agree to what her husband says, but believes in his conviction and stands by him. Sometimes wife, sometimes mother... that dichotomy of role playing... it had shades of types I loved portraying. In her own way, she is conflicted and yet convinced.

Tell us how is Aamir as a co-star and your experience of working with him?
With his serious demeanour I thought he would be aloof and would like his space, but to my surprise his child-like enthusiasm and friendly attitude kept him involved and engaged with the entire cast and crew throughout the shoot. He is very passionate about his work and that passion is very infectious. Working with him has been an inspiring and cherishable experience.

From the trailers we can see that you have got into the character so much that it looks completely natural. What kind of preparation did you do for the role?
My casting was amongst the last ones to get finalised so when I joined the team the others had finished their language training sessions and readings. Since we did not have much time Sunitaji (language teacher) came home to teach me. I recorded all the dialogues in her voice on my phone and I would keep listening whenever I had time. But Sunitaji was so good that I got the hang of the language in two-three days.

Also, I am from Alwar (border of Haryana) so I understand the set-up and backdrop that the film has. This helped me relate to the speech and the body language that the role required. Also the director, Nitesh sir, had absolute clarity about the character. He would give such precise instructions about the emotion behind the lines that I did not have to do much. Moreover, I had such lovely actors to work with. Aamir sir and the girls. So amazing… I would just react to whatever they would say or do and my job was done!

Demonetization has affected the collections at the box office. Do you think even Dangal will fall prey to that?
I hope not. My job as an actor is to put up a convincing performance and once it’s done… it’s more like sitting for an exam… paper done and now all we can wait for are the results. (Smiles)

Salman Khan played a wrestler in Sultan and now Aamir is playing one in Dangal. People are already drawing comparisons...
I would say it’s a good time for wrestling/wrestlers in India with the whole country’s attention towards the sport. And while the comparisons are bound to happen, let’s not forget about the girls.. After all, ‘Mhaari chhoriyaan chhoron se kam hain ke’.

Sakshi Tanwar will be seen in the second season of 24 playing the role of a tough cop
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; July 11, 2016)


Viewers are used to seeing you as Parvati and Priya. How will they react to you as an ATU head?
As actors, it’s important for us to explore different avenues that challenges our skill set and makes us appreciate the art more. That’s what 24 has made me do. So far, the feedback that I have got from the viewers after seeing the trailer, has been positive and encouraging.

What was your first thought when you got the offer for 24?
I was very happy that the makers thought of me for the role of the ATU head. In an industry where casting happens mainly on the basis of stereotypes, this was a welcome change. Their faith in me as an actor was very reassuring.

Tell us about your character.
My character Shibani Mallik is not only a strong and determined woman, but also a single mother raising a special child. This time my character is not just protecting her family, but also protecting the nation at large in the time of crisis.

Would you say this has been the most challenging role of your career so far?
Every role is challenging in its own way. I have been fortunate to get strong women characters. This time too I play a strong character, that of a hard cop holding her own in a male-dominated arena. At the same time, she is a soft and nurturing mother who adores her child. It is a layered character, which is its USP. In that sense it’s a stark contrast to whatever I have done so far. Also, I had to unlearn a lot of things while playing the role. I am inherently an extremely emotional person and feel I must share it with my audience. There would be times when I would say a line emotionally and the director and even my co-actors would tell me that I was the ATU head (I had to be tougher)! In that sense it was a great exercise.

Did you undergo any training for the role?
Unknown to many, my father is actually a retired IB officer. He is the most dedicated, sincere and righteous officer that I know. He has even got a President’s Police Medal for exemplary services. He is my hero and this role gave me a chance to experience his life even if only for a television show. When 24 was offered to me, he was a lot more excited than I was. We would engage in long conversations about the traits that an ATU head with the responsibility to protect the nation should display. He gave me tips on how to conduct an interrogation also.

How is Anil Kapoor to work with?
He’s a warm, humble person and working with him has been a great experience. The energy and enthusiasm that he exudes is a class apart. He would always give suggestions to understand and enact the scenes better. On the very first day, before the shoot he sat with me and we had a discussion about the character. Anil shared with me his experience and his co-stars experiences about using your strength as an actor. How to change your weaknesses into your strength. It was very important at that point of time. He told me ‘You have a soft face and soft voice. Use it to your advantage for this character even though it is of a tough woman. Otherwise it could be your weak point’. During the shoot also, he keeps discussing, giving inputs and suggestions — ‘aisa karlo’ or you can say it differently. He is completely involved in every character.

You are one TV actress who has not only sustained in the industry for so long, but are at the top-of-your game? How do you keep re-inventing yourself?
On television, characters are more important than the actors playing them. People get connected with the characters. Since I have always played strong characters I was careful not to repeat myself and did not take up projects back-to-back. I took a break after Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii for nearly two-and-a-half years and did a Balika Vadhu. It’is been two years since Bade Acche Laggte Hai got over and now I am doing a 24. This way the viewers get a visual break and I get the time to unwind, unlearn and start afresh.

What prompted you to play the negative character Nabila in the Marathi film Katyar Kaljat Ghusli?
The producer Nikhil Sane and director Subodh Bhave came to meet me, but were apprehensive whether I would say yes to it because it was a negative character. They told me in a line that my character is the reason for the entire equation changing between Sachinji (Pilgaonkar) and Shankar Mahadevan in the movie. I immediately said yes. They were taken aback, but I told them I get to play a totally different shade. A lot of people think naa bol degi and they don’t approach. I was glad they did and it turned out to be a wonderful experience. The response was overwhelming and humbling.