SpotboyE.com was the first one to tell you that Nehha Pendse is in talks with Benaifer Kohli to replace Saumya Tandon in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain. And now, it's official that the actress will indeed play the popular role of Gori Mem in the show.
We got talking to Nehha about the new challenge and also about her life post marriage. Excerpts from the conversation:
You declined the offer to step into Saumya Tandon's shoes in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain, a few months ago. So, what changed now?
I would not say I was outright offered the role. The makers had presented the thought to me and asked me what I feel about the role. However, an actual offer was not made. Then, this happened in the middle of the pandemic, when things were far out of control. So, I was not very comfortable risking my family and my life for something, hence, I did not think too hard about it. However, now things are more settled, people have started going to work following safety measures. Toh bas mujhe laga chalo, 2021 ki shubh shuruwaat karte hai, kudd jao(laughs).
When Saumya quit the show, the producer, Benaifer Kohli had just your name in mind as the new Gori Mem. So, what did she tell you when she approached you?
Benaifer and I have a great bonding as a producer and actor. It's been a year or more that May I Come In Madam ended, but still we are in touch. We speak about food, kitchen essentials and such random stuff. We have a very gharelu bond. I love to work with her as an artiste and she loves to work with me as a producer. And that's why, because of the bond we share, Benaifer ends up asking random questions to me- so this also, I felt was one of them. She asked me very casually, what do you think about Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain and Saumya's role? I also casually replied, yeah, it's a great show, aur jo bhi Saumya ko replace karegi, woh kaafi sensible hi hogi as it's an iconic character. So, that was about it, that's where the conversation ended. And then all the rumours started, and she asked me to give it a serious thought. That's how the ball was set rolling.
As you rightly said, Saumya's role of Gori Mem is quite iconic, and that's why the pressure to fill in those shoes is also high. What is your game plan?
I don't think you can have a plan to connect with people on-screen or off-screen. Either you feel it or you don't. The best way to go about is not to compare. Saumya has left a great impact on people's mind with her character, so my effort will be to avoid comparisons, and play Gori Mem my way. I want people to say, 'oh, this girl is doing the role her way and we are liking it.' I want to get close to the character of Gori Mem, not Saumya Tandon.
Are you excited to be paired opposite Aasif Sheikh (Vibhuti Narayan)? He is a senior and seasoned artiste, are you feeling the pressure?
I think if you have a skilled artiste in front of you, it gets simpler. I am hoping he will help me gain the texture of the character as he has dealt with it more than I have. I would love to take his suggestions. He is a great guy and is someone who has worked for the betterment of the show, and not just his role. So, having him around will be a big asset.
This is your comeback to television after marriage. You were busy with Marathi films. How different is life post marriage?
I wouldn't call this a comeback as such as I was working, be it in films. Yes, I didn't appear on TV after Bigg Boss12, not just my marriage, so it's been 2 years, technically. I wanted to wait and do something for which I am absolutely convinced. I had a gap of 2 years, concentrated on my personal life, which I never did. So, it all just came together where I had to take a step back from professional life and pay attention to my personal life. And now I am back with a bang!
Is your husband supportive of your career?
Absolutely. He knew this fact since the time we were dating that I am not someone who will sit at home and not work. And he appreciates it. He himself is a very busy person, so in that case, he likes it that I am too busy with my work. So, there is a balance in our relationship. In fact, he is very excited that I am doing Bhabiji, as his entire friend circle watches the show. He doesn't watch but his friends talk about it, so he knows of it. So, he told me, 'Meri biwi ab iss show mein kaam karegi, isse aachi baat kya hogi.'
Gori Mem's character was very stylish and sexy. Are you planning to give the look of the character your own touch?
Whether a Nehha Pendse or any other actor is stepping into a character, that person will get a bit of herself/himself in it, it's bound to happen. So, it will be no different here. We just have to figure out how effortlessly we can do it. I have to slip into the character seamlessly, in terms of dressing, the way she talks or any other aspect- that's what we are aiming at.
Image Source: Instagram/nehhapendse/saumyas_world_
Image Source: Instagram/nehhapendse/saumyas_world_