This morning, news of Seema Mishra being replaced by Sara Khan in the TV show Santoshi Maa Sunayein Vrat Kathayein, left many shocked. Now, we spoke to Seema at length about the sudden decision and here is what she had to say.
When did you come to know about this decision?
I came to know about the decision on June 3.
Did they tell you the reason?
Post lockdown channels are making radical changes- right from scripts to the actors- probably to get some novelty to the show. So, accordingly they took these calls. As per them,my personality is a little too modern for playing a Devi.
Do you also feel the same?
What you personally feel is irrelevant, if you work for a medium like TV where the channel is the decision maker. What I really know is Rashmi Sharma (Producer) really wanted me on this project. I spoke to her personally and she was completely convinced that I will pull this off.
This was your first mythological show...
I have never done a Mythological show in my career. Initially, I was also a little concerned not only about being able to look like a Devi but about being able to perform convincingly. I am a different kind of an actor as I follow a different kind of method. But Rashmi was convinced and her conviction convinced me. And I think I gave my best and did what was best for the character. But if the makers feel that I am little too modern for the role then you can't argue with them . It's a creative call and I respect it as an actor.
Has the decision impacted you?
Yes, it has impacted me because it's already a tough time. The last three months have been very difficult for actors, there was no income. And then suddenly you get replaced by someone, so the little income you were getting is also taken away. Keeping those things in mind, financially it's a very unstable place. I do regret that I lost out on a project. But if it's a creative call and has been taken keeping so many things in mind, where does an actor have a say to it? But I am feeling satisfied because at least my producer was there to stand by me. And I was pleasantly surprised with the gesture. It was a very sensitive thing to do on her part. She assured me it has nothing to do with me as a performer.
How long did you shoot for Santoshi Maa Sunayein Vrat Kathayein?
I shot for 5 months and then lockdown was announced. In fact, even after the shoot started in June, I shot for 2 more days.
Has this decision made you cautious to take up any mythological show in future?
When I started with the show, I had decided that this is going to be my first and last in this genre. The only reason for doing this was that I wanted to give it a shot. I had refused all Mythology shows before this. For such shows, you just don't have to act in a certain way but have to maintain a certain look as well which is very tedious with those heavy costumes. Then you have to speak in a language which is not your regular Hindi. Although I never faced a problem in delivering a dialogue but still at times, I felt that mythology is not my thing.
What next?
I don't know what is coming my way as looking at the current scenario cant think of something. But I am really looking forward to work more with Rashmi. I truly believe in the philosophy, if one door gets closed another one opens and that's how life keeps moving on.
Image Source: instagram/seema_mishra_official
Image Source: instagram/seema_mishra_official