Getting into TV industry
My mom Amardeep Jha had shown my pictures to one of the directors she was working with. I was supposed to come down to Bhubaneswar to begin shooting for ‘Luchakali’ when Rajshree Productions called me for an audition. And the next thing I knew, I was in a narration session with the producer of the show, Kavita Barjatya, skeptical if I actually wanted to venture into the television industry. The faith in Rajshree Productions and Kavita Barjatya’s assurance instilled in me a belief that I can play Angna and do justice to the character.
Rajshree Productions
Everyone speaks very high of Rajshree Productions and once I started working with them, I realised that it is a fact that the team reflects the ideas and methods that are implemented by their motivator. So all the positivity and structure is passed down from Kavitaji to the entire team. I was unable to realise in the beginning what I was getting into. But now that I see my hoarding all around the town, getting the reviews and appreciation, the feeling is finally sinking in.
Similarity to Angna
I relate to Angna in many ways. Angna is a rich, spoilt girl, the apple of everyone’s eye in her family. She has never seen any hardships, has got what she wants in life, but inspite of all this she is innocent, naive and that makes her very lovable. Even when she is being rude or arrogant there is something cute about her. In reality, I’m pretty spoilt and I speak whatever comes to my mind and later realise ‘oops what did I just say’. But on a more serious note, I identify with the way Angna views life.
Film Career
I started acting a few years back. Before my Telugu film, I did a short film, few ads in Mumbai and South and then worked as an RJ in Radio City for a year. Acting was always my passion. I never really saw myself sitting in an office doing corporate stuff. My first Odia film was ‘Shatru Sanghar’ where I was paired opposite Akash Dasnayak.
Experience in Ollywood
I have worked with Sudhanshu sir and Sushant sir and both have been cooperative with me. Sushant sir has made two films with me and he knows me inside out so spoils me as an actor. He knows how to extract a good performance. I have heard of Prashant Nanda and Ashok Pati and would love to work with them. Three of my co-stars Akash, Anubhav and Babushan have been superb. I was very friendly with Babu and would love to do more films with him.
Any more Odia films
At present, I’m busy with my show ‘Jhilmil..’ and its not possible for me to spare too many dates. May be in future when everything falls in place, I can do more Odia films. In fact, I am planning to buy a house in Bhubaneswar so that I can easily continue working in both Odisha and Mumbai.
Lessons from Mom
My mom is a graduate from National School of Drama and she has done supporting roles in several films like Satya, Devdas and Naina. But I feel shy to act in front of her. Sometimes she drops in on my sets but I feel damn nervous when she sees me performing. At home she trains me and we do some theatre exercises together. However, she never pressurises me. Every film that I have worked in or this show, it’s my decision entirely. She is there to guide me but never interferes.
Bollywood Dreams
If I’m given a good role in a Hindi film, I will be more than willing to do it. I mean who does not dream of working in Bollywood?