Hum Paanch Rerun: 'My Dad Never Saw The Show, He Disapproved Of My Acting Career,' Reveals Rakhi Vijan Aka Sweety- EXCLUSIVE
As the popular comedy show of the 90s, Hum Paanch is being re-telecast, we got talking with Rakhi Vijan, who played Sweety on the show. She had some strong confessions to make
If you have seen the comedy show from the 90s, Hum Paanch, you would surely remember the innocent Sweety from it. Rakhi Vijan came into the limelight through that role and today, after decades as the show is being re-telecast on TV, we spoke to the actress who had lots to share with us.
Here are the excerpts from our conversation:
How are you coping with the lockdown?
I am having the time of my life as I’m spending quality time with my parents. It’s an excellent break from the regular running around and crazy, hectic schedule.
Are you watching the reruns of Hum Paanch?
Yes, absolutely! Amidst all the chit chats, discussions and cooking with my parents, Hum Paanch is definitely playing on our TV screens. It’s such a nostalgic ride. I never got a chance to watch the show with my parents.
Why so?
It aired on TV in 1997-98 and back in the time, acting used to be a taboo for girls. My father was never supportive of my career choice and did not speak to me for a long time. He was so upset that he never watched any of my work. But now, we have all put that behind us and I feel the show has made a comeback at such a nice time that all of us can sit together and watch it.
How was it playing Sweety in Hum Paanch?
The character of Sweety was innocent and full of life, yet she was a mad-hatter that she never failed to catch the audience’s attention. Blondes like her, manage to do that. She was over-confident and lived in her own world. The show was magnetic and quite famous back in the day. Even for people who didn’t follow the show religiously, Sweety was still a household name. Also, every character in the show was distinctively different from the other and that’s always been its USP. I understand there’s a very fine line in comedy between being dumb and being irritating. So, to understand the importance of it and take up such a role so early on in my career was extremely daunting.
You are still called as Sweety by many. How does it feel?
Back in the time, it was quite different, without everybody promoting themselves on social media. As everything that came to you, in terms of fame, was organic at its best. People recognized and admired you solely based on your work and that is the best feeling in the world. I have been lucky that I’m mostly known as Sweety than Rakhi and I guess that’s the biggest takeaway for any actor, to be remembered by the characters they play.
Do you feel the show is still relevant for 2020?
I feel the show Hum Paanch has been extremely lucky for all of us. And I’m sure it will garner massive TRP ratings even today. The script of the show may not be the best, but its punch-lines and how they were delivered by all the actors were accurate and iconic. The best part is every episode had a message to convey. And I’m sure, even now, the show is going to make the 2020 audience laugh.
How close Ekta Kapoor was to the show and to you guys?
Ekta Kapoor was only 16 when she started her career and decided to make a show like Hum Paanch, which was so different from what was happening in the industry at that point of time. Ekta was the heart of the show. In spite of being the boss, quite literally, she used to sit with us and guide us with the characters and the scenes and she did it with such conviction that it was indeed mind-blowing. So with briefs like that, one could never fail as an actor.
How different was the functioning on a set/shoot from today?
When we were shooting for Hum Paanch, the timings for the shoot were obviously 9 to 9. We used to spend quite some time in the makeup room. One fun fact, during the shoot, I remember the camera never moved. We were the ones moving around to capture different angles, but the camera used to be standstill and we had to perform at one go. We were big on readings and rehearsals. Improvisation was a way of life on the sets of Hum Paanch.
It is said that the strength of any show is their writers. Do you agree?
I absolutely agree with that. The writer Imtiaz Patel was truly the soul of Hum Paanch. He always believed that people needed to relate with the show for it to become a hit. He kept playing with the middle-class set-up and it did wonders for the show.
How will you feel if Hum Paanch goes for a remake with a completely new cast and team?
While I would be really happy about the show being made yet again, I don’t think they can bring out the charm of the original. The people involved in making Hum Paanch were so organic that it showed on-screen.
Image Source:- Instagram/rakhivijan
Image Source:- Instagram/rakhivijan
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