Showing posts with label Sarah Jane Dias interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sarah Jane Dias interview. Show all posts
I stuck around even when it got hard and when I had no work-Sarah Jane Dias
8:16 AM
Playing a prominent role in Tandav, Sarah-Jane Dias reflects on how she bounced back in the game with web offerings
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; February 2, 2021)
After floundering in Hindi cinema initially, Sarah-Jane Dias found her rhythm as she chose projects that spoke to her — be it the brave Angry Indian Goddesses (2015) or the mainstream Inside Edge. With Amazon Prime Video’s Tandav, the actor has added a bold political drama to her resume. In a candid chat with mid-day, Dias discusses playing a character far removed from her real-life persona, and all that went into getting it right.
Edited excerpts from the interview.
What was your reaction when Tandav was offered to you?
I was asked to audition for the show. At the time, all I knew was that Ali Abbas Zafar was directing it. I had no idea Saif Ali Khan would be a part of it. Ayesha Pratap Singh [her character] is phenomenal and strong; I love her interaction with Samar. I was excited about the series because of Ali. He is thorough with his work.
Do you keenly follow politics?
I keep abreast of everything that is going on, but I don’t dive deep into politics.
What about Ayesha’s character captivated you?
Ayesha knows that her place is right next to Samar, and she enjoys it. She wants to be a loving and loyal wife, and wants to make sure that her husband’s ambition is realised. She will do anything to make it happen. If her actions are perceived as competitive or calculative, then so be it. Ayesha is my polar opposite. She is reserved whereas I am outspoken. She is poised, secretive, dressed in sarees all the time while I am animated, trust easily, and rarely wear sarees.
How did you prep for this character?
I have learned some interesting tools over the years, and am diligent when it comes to preparing. I went through the episodes, and ensured that I have a timeline for my character so that I know what is happening before and after. The script was so perfectly written that my character’s traits could be imbibed just by reading it. Once the hair, make-up and wardrobe came into place, I felt more like the character. In terms of the preparation, one conversation with Ali was enough. I then did my own homework and developed the part the way I wanted to.
Any scene that felt empowering as an actor?
It was a scene that they included in the trailer — I say, “Congratulations, Mr Prime Minister” to my husband. The reason [the scene stands out] is because of the context behind it. I am a part of the political party, but I handle its social life.
With the show having grabbed eyeballs, do you think this role will affect your future prospects?
The series has shown a different side of me, which might surprise some people. I hope it brings more weight to my craft and proves that I am a strong actor.
Has your 18-year journey in the industry been fulfilling?
One of my good friends, Arunoday Singh, once said, “It is the ones that stick around, that really make it.” It’s one of the most poignant things any co-actor has ever told me. I stuck around even when it got hard and when I had no work. At times, I had too much work — I was doing everything from fashion shows to music [videos] and films. There was a time when I was holding the Miss India crown and doing endorsements for beauty products. I have also been busy with indie films.
It’s amazing to be part of this new wave of entertainment-Sarah Jane Dias
7:56 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; January 21, 2018)
The year that went by couldn’t have ended on a better note for Sarah Jane Dias, who is happy with the success of her three web series — Inside Edge, Time Out and an American reality show, Ultimate Beastmaster, which she hosted. The gorgeous actress enthuses, “It’s amazing to be part of this new wave of entertainment. Time Out was voted the best series of 2017 and Inside Edge, too, was recognised for its content. These achievements make me believe that I’m on the right path.”
Sarah was surprised to know that netizens from across age-groups appreciated her work. She recollects, “A 15-year-old girl walked up to me and told me that she liked Time Out. I was glad to know that the viewership, in terms of age, has expanded. The audience are resonating with these series because we are delivering reality. One can’t sell nonsense now as there is a demand for real content.”
Making out with Sarah Jane Dias was like doing an action scene-Tahir Raj Bhasin
7:44 AM
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; December 6, 2017)
They don’t deny the allure of the big screen, with each having Bollywood films to his/her credit. But graduating to the digital platform is a natural transition for Sarah-Jane Dias and Tahir Raj Bhasin — the latter even points out how “everyone is gravitating towards the web series.” Excited about their new show on Voot, Time Out, the duo talks about working together and the exacting nature of the digital medium. Edited excerpts from the interview:
What made you give your nod to Time Out?
Sarah: I got a call about auditioning for the project. When I met Danish [Aslam, director] and auditioned with Tahir, it sealed the deal for me.
Tahir: I took it up because I wanted to work with Danish Aslam. Plus, the concept — talking about what happens after the happily-ever-after — appealed to me. Also, webisodes are the cool thing these days.
Right. Do you think they will outshine cinema?
Sarah: I think they will share equal importance. Cinema is everlasting.
The story of Time Out seems familiar to Farhan Akhtar–Vidya Balan’s Shaadi Ke Side Effects.
Tahir: It deals with relationships. That would be the only common factor between the show and the movie.
How was the experience of working with each other?
Sarah: Tahir is a thinking actor. He compels you to question any interpretation you had of a scene and makes you think about it in another way. We did a lot of workshops, and it was annoying that he never forgot his lines (laughs). Over and above, he has a great sense of humour.
Tahir: She is particular about certain things. If someone gives her a script, she will scribble her name on the page and underline important things. She’s a good girl, like the teacher’s pet. I also love her commitment to fitness. If the call time is 9 am, she would wake up early and go to the gym.
Can you higlight some of the challenges you faced while shooting?
Sarah: Shooting a web series is strenuous because you don’t have the luxury of time. It’s like shooting an entire feature film. Trying to jump between so many different emotions in a restricted period can be demanding.
Tahir: I had to make out with Sarah. Given the environment, it’s as hard as doing an action scene with John Abraham. You are supposed to get intimate, but it is an impersonal scenario where 50 people are watching you. It’s a choreographed stunt, which reminded me of an action scene. So, I have a newfound respect for actors who pull off such scenes effortlessly.
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